Training & Nutrition - Weight Loss Club

WoooooooHoooooo! 215lbs ! My doctor is going to be so happy with me next week when I see him! Hah! Take that Diabetes and cram it in your...:D

Great news Bob!

How are you doing with the new tandem?


Dale

Great news Bob!

How are you doing with the new tandem?


Dale

Dale!
Well, we have to take the tandem in to the LBS this week to get the front BB tighted back up. Both Coleen and ***** have taken to the stoker position quite well. We have really enjoyed the tandem.

WoooooooHoooooo! 215lbs ! My doctor is going to be so happy with me next week when I see him! Hah! Take that Diabetes and cram it in your...:D


Congrats to you and everyone else that is getting healthy.

I just recently decided to get serious about cycling and getting in better shape. I weigh 200 right now and would to lose 15 to 20 pounds but more importantly I want to reduce my waist size by 4 to 6 inches.

I have a "sit at a computer all day" type of supervisor job and the stress that go with it. Cycling definately helps.

Congrats to you and everyone else that is getting healthy.

I just recently decided to get serious about cycling and getting in better shape. I weigh 200 right now and would to lose 15 to 20 pounds but more importantly I want to reduce my waist size by 4 to 6 inches.

I have a "sit at a computer all day" type of supervisor job and the stress that go with it. Cycling definately helps.


Welcome to BikeForums!
I too have a "technology" job and spend way more time in front of a computer than I would like. I commute by bike to/from work almost daily. (unless I have to go out of town) I can attest the bike will help keep your marbles where they belong. :D

Good luck!
Bob

Bob
Congratulations on the loss!! Feels good to do so. I just got back from 4 day no bike and beach and only gained 1/2 LB Feel great, it was hard watching my wife and daughter eat all the goodies, but I did not need or want it so I feel good that I did not gain after missing 3 workouts. Going out in the next hour for a 30 mi ride to enjoy myself

Bolo
Welcome to the forum. You guys are not alone, Sr Engineer and sit a a desk in from t of a PC all day long. MWF I goto the gym at lunch and hit the weights, T/Th I walk at lunch. Not much, but it helps. T,Th, Sa, Su I ride. I get ~ 100 mi wk. Helped me drop 24 lbs so far and lose 3" waist, 2" hips and lower my BP!

Good going, John. I know what you mean about watching the wife and kids eat the goodies. I have that battle with my wife on a daily basis. :rolleyes:

Wow, I just found this thread.

1. What is your current weight?
310lb
2. What was your weight when you started?
340lb
3. What is your exercise routine? Include times, number of times per week etc.
Commute to work 12mi/day, plus lunchtime ride of 3-7miles.
4. What is your diet like?
So-so. My biggest problem was overeating so now I just cut back. I also have oatmeal for breakfast, frozen dinner lunch, and a good home cooked meal for dinner. Yogurt as an afternoon snack, and sometimes a small snack after dinner. Works well and is much less food. Under 2K calories/day.

History: Been a fat guy all my life. I'm 27/yo been married 3 years and have 2 kids from my wifes previous marriage, 8 and 11 years old. I reached my peak of 340lbs earlier this year and my wife got us both going on Pilates workouts. Then I got out my mart bike and started riding... to work and back and around.

When I was a teenager I had legs of steel and pedaled all over the place, but I was still fat. Its in my genes. My half brother is 14 y/o and weighs 290lbs! But, he has medical problems that are a contributing factor.

So, being sick and tired of being a tub-o-lard, I am getting off my butt and riding to work at least 2 days a week, if not more. Circumstances keep messing me up! But I plan on doing 5 days this week, no matter what.

On the weekends I do 30-40 mile rides.

Medical problems: Depression and high blood pressure. The high blood pressure is GONE. Depression takes 2 little pink pills every day to keep it at arms length. No amount of excersize will fix that, although if I could keep a continuous enorphine rush, I'd be ok ;)

Thanks for this forum and this thread, I look forward to posting my own progress but especially watching everyone elses.

Take care!

Bob, thanks! I did treat to a couple of ice creams for my daughter, 8 and thin. The wife got sorbet, me I got water. I really did not want anything. But they did sit up on the dune Jockeys Ridge NC, while I flew my stunk kites, 2 hrs :) Then a while of family frisbee :). My daughter lasts ~ 15 min with her kite, but she has a ball. I do give my wife a hard time about the junk food, but she is VERY supportive of my losing weight and getting ride of my high bp.

RyKy Welcome and good luck with the loss. It takes time and you will hit plateaus that will drive you nuts! It sure gets to me some times and I want to just eat something deadly :eek:
On the frozen dinners, watch your salt. Most are loaded with sodium which is not good for hypertension. Taking BP meds now, but soon to get off if I keep up my improvements.

<snip>But they did sit up on the dune Jockeys Ridge NC, while I flew my stunk kites, 2 hrs :) Then a while of family frisbee :). My daughter lasts ~ 15 min with her kite, but she has a ball. <snip>

Hey! I have tried trick kites! What a blast! I am not very good at it, but man its fun!
Glad to hear you all had such a nice time.

Bob

Bob,
Thanks. Stunk Kites are fun when you get the hang of things. I picked up that hook last year. I got ~ 10 kites now, trick, percision, low wind and high wind vented. I even have a web site with photo's of the kites. I have some I took at the beach of my 2 new ones that I need to add. Got a great shot of the masquerade in the sunset. Kites (http://homepage.mac.com/silver300m/nnkite/)

I found a location down there that rents road bikes. Going to see if the cost is reasonable and I can get a setup that works for me, as I have a week at the beach last of August. Want to keep on schedule for riding. Not the best of locations as traffic is real heavy at times on those narrow beach roads. One guy had a good idea, had his mountian bike and was riding up the beach along the shore line on the hard packed sand.

Bob
Congratulations... You are doing so well. Good to see everyone's good news and the new members on this thread.

I have been waiting on the rain to clear out so I can get back into riding to work. It has been raining for the past week… it has been the 2nd wettest month ever on record. Today the sun is out and not a moment too soon. I have gained five pounds! :o No more… Today I'm Eating less and Moving more!

After losing 21 lbs in about 4 months, I decided to take a break. I was able to maintain my weight loss for several weeks.

Then, without trying, I lost 2 more pounds.

So, from January 16 at about 206 lbs and BMI > 30, I'm now 183 lbs and BMI of 27.5.

I countered the higher caloric intake of my maintenance period with higher levels of activity. I haven't had a week with less than 100 cycling miles in quite awhile. In fact two weeks ago I had ~ 160 miles, then ~110 last week, and I've already hit ~100 miles as of yesterday for this week.

Hey WonderJaw! I can't believe the rain down there! My mom lives in Killeen, TX (my hometown)

Bradw, keep up the good work. ! I wish I could put on those kinds of miles. I normally get in between 50-100/wk.


I received great news from my doctor yesterday. My A1C was 5.4 and my BP was 100/70. I also asked to cut my diabetic meds in half (metformin)and he agreed! He also said that when I get down to 200#s I could probably stop taking the meds all together!

Hang in there everyone, the exercise and watching what you eat does make a HUGE difference. You just have to be patient and consistent with your efforts.

Bob

Hi Wonker, Keep on plugging dude you will make it. My brother lives in Tyler when he is home and complains about the rain.

Bob, that is great news! I have the same goal, under 200 and I get off my BP meds. :D Yours is lower than mine, 113/73 this am. I avg 118/74 on vacation. I am on BP pills, Doivan HCL. Noticed the more we tried to do and the more tired I got my BP went up. :p I have noticed I do better doing some form of exercise every day to keep my BP down. The hard part right now is not slipping off the wagon and eating junk.

I haven't had a week with less than 100 cycling miles in quite awhile. In fact two weeks ago I had ~ 160 miles, then ~110 last week, and I've already hit ~100 miles as of yesterday for this week.bradw,
You are tearing it up man! I need a rest after around 80 miles. Just try to stay active… every little bit helps.


Hey WonkerJaw! I can't believe the rain down there! My mom lives in Killeen, TX (my hometown) N7CZinMT,
I've been through Killeen many times. I'm from the Panhandle but I live in Austin now… small world. Three weeks ago I was in Gatesville for a 100k ride.


Hi Wonker, Keep on plugging dude you will make it. My brother lives in Tyler when he is home and complains about the rain.John M,
Tyler, TX. the "Rose Capitol" I have been there many times as well. The weather has finally let up and it is gorgeous! It is suppose to hold for the weekend. Right now I'm wishing I was out of this cubicle and outside.

I hope everyone has a long and safe weekend. Everyone is doing a good work with great results… don't go crazy. If y'all can do it… so can I. HAPPY 4th everyone!

Wishing the same to everyone also.
Hit the weights and kites today. Hopefully I get to ride tomorrow. :)

Okay, so I am new to the forum here and started back into biking the beginning of April. Am not doing the biking just to lose weight, but thought it would help. I am 6'5" and 255 lbs. After three months of riding (over 1,000 miles so far) I have noticed a change in my legs, but have lost just a few pounds. I am riding about 6 days per week. Any thoughts on when the weight will start to come off. I am not eating a ton of food or junk food, and am ingesting fewer calories than I used to.

Hmmm....gbreetz...just read your note. I am wondering if you are eating enough.
I am no expert in weight loss but I know that if you are increasing your physical activity, you should not be decreasing your food intake too much. It can have the reverse effect. I have been increasing my riding, and initially did what you did - ingest fewer calories - and did not see a significant weight loss. Then I increased the number of meals I ate each day (still healthy meals and no junk food) and within a month, noticed a 5 lb weight loss. The following month it was 7 lbs.

I think that when I decreased my calories (in the hopes I would lose weight) but was cycling increasing distances, my body must have thought it was not getting enough and started to go into a "starvation mode" as some call it so I guess I ended up retaining water/calories or whatever. Not sure how it works.

I am 5'6 and 160 lbs - trying to get down to 120-130 lbs.

I would also suggest that you alternate your bike route so your body doesn't get used to the same hills and terrain, if you are not doing so already. Or try adding some sprints into your rides. Anything to throw your body off and make it have to work a bit harder = more calories burned.

I hope this helps a bit. Don't get discouraged. I was exactly where you are a few months ago and it was so frustrating. Now it's exciting to see the weight finally come offf.

Good luck !

I am doing the loss program, but I dropped my intake to 2000 cal a day and ride 100 miles a week. You may need to decrease the quanity you are comsuming to drop some weight. When I logged what I was eating, I was consuming ~ 3000 per day. I need 2400 to maintian my goal weight so I reduced to 2000/day and that is working. I started in April and have lost 27 lbs and 3+" in the waist.

Nice work everyone! Some impressive stories here...

I'm 5'8" - I weighed in at 242 at the end of April. Thanks to my bike and heartrate monitor, I'm down to 220. Hoping to see 199 by November (can't remember the last time my weight didn't start with a 2!).

My weight loss has plateaued. Talking to a friend who's a sports sci guru, he reckons I need to up my cal intake. At 1900-2300 for my activity level, my body is going into starvation mode and holding onto fat.

The other thing he recommends is mixing up my riding - I've been doing the same distance daily at the same pace for 2 months now - I should intro intervals and some long slow "base mile" days into my weekly cycle (npi).

RandyMcD, you're about where I'm at and are going to where I have been. I'm 6', 236 lbs. right now. Two years ago during the Spring, I decided I wanted to be in the best shape ever for my 30th birthday. I was 210 then. After a month of good eating and regular, HR-monitored exercise, I got to 199. What a great feeling!

Unfortunately, I plateaued at that same time and went on vacation the very next week. Worked out in our timeshare's exercise room, but I took in a bunch of cals. That was all it took.

That last two years, especially the winters, I've been very sedentary. Computer programming job for 8-12 hours a day. Then come home and sit in front of another PC. I hit 240 a little over a month ago and decided that that was it.

I got a new elliptical machine (I cannot recommend these highly enough) so I would have something at home to work up a lather on. And I bought a new bike. On just the elliptical machine alone and calorie counting, I've lost those first four pounds in a month. I'm picking up my bike from the LBS tomorrow, and I'm going out for a 30-40 miler. As long as the biblical proportions of rain don't come down here like they have been.

I'll be ready for the plateau this time. And I'm not stopping until I hit my target weight of 180 (175 if I can squeeze it out healthily).

I remember that plateau. I was wondering what the heck was going on. I was doing everything the same. I even upped my time and effort on the elliptical machine. It was very discouraging. I don't know much about the physiology behind it, but I would definitely say I needed to mix up my routine. I'm going to invest in a trainer and/or some rollers this fall so I don't depend solely on the elliptical machine over the winter.

<snip>(can't remember the last time my weight didn't start with a 2!).

I can. 8th Grade! Size 42" waist! Now 214lbs and a 36" waist!

I started dieting in May and began training for the MS150 about a month ago. I'm 6'2" and have gone from 245 down to 223. My diet has consisted of healthier carbs, cutting out junk, and eating normal size meals. I've been riding three or four times a week both on and off road. My rides vary from 15 to 45 miles a day.

I hit a goal this weekend! I started my diet/exercise program 18 April. I was 228 lbs with high blood pressure (165/100 :eek: ). I started cutting back my food to 2000 cal a day and riding 4 times a week. I hit 199 Saturday :D , that is the lowest I have been since 11/01. I am now riding 100 mi per week and hitting the gym on my off days. I still have another 24 more to go to hit my target mark of 175. I feel like I am making progress. I feel better and should get a good report Tuesday when I go to the Doc.

Just wondering is you guys have room for a bariatric patient. I make no bones about my desicion and feel it saved my life. It would be nice to have a "support" thread that is about cycling, weight loss, and doesn't look down on me for my choice.

Just wondering is you guys have room for a bariatric patient. I make no bones about my desicion and feel it saved my life. It would be nice to have a "support" thread that is about cycling, weight loss, and doesn't look down on me for my choice.

Hey Glen. Everyone is welcome!

One of my best friends is a bariatric patient. I can attest that the choice is not easy!

WOOT!!!

I have lost 10 pounds in the last 28 days, mostly due to riding and making slightly better choices on what I eat.

Progress is a great motivator!

Just wondering is you guys have room for a bariatric patient. I make no bones about my desicion and feel it saved my life. It would be nice to have a "support" thread that is about cycling, weight loss, and doesn't look down on me for my choice.


I have a friend that is a bariatric patient, not an easy choice but for some it may be needed. I am glad it is working for you.

Keep riding and smile for today is a good day by the mere fact that we are all breathing!

Thanks for the warm welcome!

I think I should let you in on 2 things.

1) I am female--Jenn is my name--glenghillie is just a screen name
2) I am still looking for the right bike. I think I will end up going with the Gary Fisher Zebaron. I have ridden Giants, Trek, Fugi, and even :roflmao: Schwinn as well. I am going for what feels best over price, but am in a budget. I may even go one model lower to get the bike earlier. I will have to ride it first.

Again, thanks for the welcome.

Thanks for the warm welcome!

I think I should let you in on 2 things.

1) I am female--Jenn is my name--glenghillie is just a screen name <snip>

Again, thanks for the welcome.


Ooops! I knew I was going to put my foot in my mouth sooner or later. Sorry, Jenn. :o

You have the right approach on getting a bike. Your comfort should be paramount.

Agian, welcome!

Bob

Ooops! I knew I was going to put my foot in my mouth sooner or later. Sorry, Jenn. :o

You have the right approach on getting a bike. Your comfort should be paramount.

Agian, welcome!

Bob

Nah...just wanted to clear it up. I participate in other forums where you have no idea.

Hey Jenn - How long ago did you have the surgery? A friend of mine had it done about 18 months ago and has had significant weight loss. She doesn't like talking about her actual weight, but I'd guess somewhere in the neighborhood of 100-150lbs. She's 28 and was having severe health problems prior to deciding to go the surgical route.

Welcome Jenn
Everyone is welcome here. We all share a common theme here, weight loss, improving health and bike riding. I had to look up the term as I did not know what it meant. I do know someone who went through this and I wish you the best! On the bike, like Bob sadi your comfort is the most important issue. Get some thing that feels good and you will ride. Get the best groupo you can afford when you get the bike. Having owned 105/600 and Dura Ace there is a differnce.

Bolo: congrats on the loss! I am finally under 200 now. Have not seen these numbers since 01.

I went to the Doc yesterday and good a good checkup!! Dropped 29 lbs and my BP is down to 120/70, was 165/100 in April :D

Hey Jenn - How long ago did you have the surgery? A friend of mine had it done about 18 months ago and has had significant weight loss. She doesn't like talking about her actual weight, but I'd guess somewhere in the neighborhood of 100-150lbs. She's 28 and was having severe health problems prior to deciding to go the surgical route.


My surgery was June 21--just a month ago. I have already lost @20lbs. My goal is 150. That is actual 3 lbs above my highest "ideal" based on AMA, but I have always been very muscular--even under the blubber--so I think anything smaller would leave me looking too thin. I will re-evaluate when I get there and decide if I want to go another 10 or 15. Any smaller then 135 would probably leave me looking like an anorexic.

So far I have been taken off one BP med and I am hoping to get another cut in 1/2 on Monday. I would like to come off it too, but I think I have to wean of this one. My hiatal hernial was fixed by the surg so I don't have GERD anymore either.

The best thing is I actually care about me again. Waking up was like comming out of a cacoon. That is the only way I can describe it. I had been a fairly cute fuzzy worm, then I became a shell of a person, now I am a beautiful butterfly. I haven't decided what kind yet.

Good for you! Good luck, I know my friend has been very happy with her decision.

Congrats to you for that!!!

Hi everyone,

I am getting back on the saddle after gaining some weight after my initial weight loss. I am only 5'5" and I weighed 167lbs. After starting to eat right I got down to 138 over a period of one year. I maintained that weight until my boyfriend wanted to go on Atkins to lose some extra weight that he thought he had. (I say thought because I thought he looked great.) My lazy self wanted to lose about 10-12 more without incorporating any major exercise. (I know that sounds weird, but for some reason I had a major repulsion to exercise!) So, against my better judgement, I went on Atkins with him. Atkins totally messed up my system. I felt uncomfortable all the time, tired, and moody. Then I started eating weird because of my major cravings for bread and carbs. I gained back 8lbs.

I am getting back on track now, and this time I am encorporating biking as my major form of exercise. I want to lose about 10 more lbs total, but would like to gain some muscle because I have almost none. I love biking and am working on my stamina.

This forum is awesome!!
EmiliB

EmiliB: Welcome to the forum :) Good luck on the diet, you should do what works for you and enjoy yourself when you ride.

I have a brother that lives in Tyler :)

YEAH! I'M BACK!... After almost a month I hit the road to work spinning with a smile on my face. The past month has been loads of stress. I've packed on about 8 lbs. Today I rode to work (10 miles one way) and made my lunch. I found a route from home to work that will be doable in a few weeks… 7.5 miles of steep hills. I'm just not ready for that… yet! On Aug. 28 I will be in the HHH 100 mile ride. www.hh100.org So I'm getting things turned around starting now. Hope everyone is doing well. Y'all have a good one!

Welcome back Wonker! Wish I could ride to work, but 27 mi and a 6:30 am start time makes it tough, plus I get my daughter on the way home so......
Good luck on the ride :)

Thanks John, I'm not has far down the road with the kid thing as you but some day I'll be singing the same song.

:) She even rides with me after my weekly rides. I put the bike in the 39/23 and spin with her at the same rate. Just want some of that ENERGY kids have :D

Hello all New to the forums and I apologize if I cover any territory already discussed but 17 pages is alot to leaf through...especially when I should be working. But this is my situation. I'm 35 (36 in 4 days) 235 lbs and diabetic(type 2). After a long hiatus...I'm back on the bike. Every day. For a 1/2 hour after work I do about 5 miles a night (ave about 12 mph). Some sprints...some climbing...some coasting. On the weekends I double up(5 mile ride in the morning...5 mile at night). I have a decent enough diet. Low carbs...fast food rarely...mostly just water and juice to drink some junk food snacks occasionally. Now my question (you knew it was in here some where).

Am I doing this right?

I'd appreciate any feedback or suggestions anyone might have. Should I push out for longer times yet? My thought was just to get in the habit of coming home and getting out on the bike. If I make it "work" or obligation. I'll stop doing it. If there are any good programs out there that anyone knows about for getting started.

This seems like a great forum I look forward to particiapting. Thanks to any for your help.

I'd appreciate any feedback

No expert here...just trying to lose weight and get in better shape. If I were you I would just keep raising your miles and time spent on the bike. Try to shoot for at least an hour on the bike or at least build yourself up to that. You can always get a HRM & book and do some training that way. I did that and really like it.

Good luck!

Welcome to the forum. Sounds like you have a plan, do what works for you. I was close to you when I started,49 and 228. Have lost 32 lbs since mid April. I added miles as I could and now I do the max I have time for in a week ~110 mi. Between riding and watching my weight and decreasing my salt (Hypertension) that is all I have done. Good luck and most important enjoy your ride time. Take at least on day off to give the legs a break, if nothing else go real slow and enjoy the view while you ride.

Thanks John and wingnut...I'm going everyday now because I have taken off about every day for the last decade...lol. A real wake up call was on my first ride in starting over and I thought I was going to die going up a medium hill. Back in my day (when I worshipped Greg Lemond...if that gives you an idea) I used to be able to easily pass people racing up hills. Now I was about to cry like a wee baby. I will dial it down in a bit with some gentle rides on off days buy until I get some strength back in those legs I'm going to keep working them for a bit.

Hey Rad,
Welcome to BikeForum. I would say also the HRM & book is a good way to train and a good book for that is The Heart Rate Monitor Book for Outdoor and Indoor Cyclists: A Heart Zone Training Program. I'm reading it now. Body for Life: 12 Weeks to Mental and Physical Strength by Bill Phillip for well balanced nutrition. Body for Life has a simple plan that will balance your proteins and carbohydrates plus address stuff like sodium, different types of fats (good and bad) and teaches you how to read nutrition labels. The nutrition part was written by Keith Klein. www.eatingmanagement.com Good general knowledge about nutrition is the key. In fact, I would say to go see nutritionists. I lost 70lbs. on the Body for Life plan… I stopped… now I'm doing it again. Hang in there… Rome wasn't built in a day

Hello all New to the forums and I apologize if I cover any territory already discussed but 17 pages is alot to leaf through...especially when I should be working. But this is my situation. I'm 35 (36 in 4 days) 235 lbs and diabetic(type 2). After a long hiatus...I'm back on the bike. Every day. For a 1/2 hour after work I do about 5 miles a night (ave about 12 mph). Some sprints...some climbing...some coasting. On the weekends I double up(5 mile ride in the morning...5 mile at night). I have a decent enough diet. Low carbs...fast food rarely...mostly just water and juice to drink some junk food snacks occasionally. Now my question (you knew it was in here some where).

Am I doing this right?

I'd appreciate any feedback or suggestions anyone might have. Should I push out for longer times yet? My thought was just to get in the habit of coming home and getting out on the bike. If I make it "work" or obligation. I'll stop doing it. If there are any good programs out there that anyone knows about for getting started.

This seems like a great forum I look forward to particiapting. Thanks to any for your help.

I'd appreciate any feedback

Keep it fun!

Ride down to your local library and see what books they have on cycling. My library surprised me by being pretty up to date on newer books on training and cycling skills, etc

Think about joining a cycling club. There are all kinds of cycling clubs and many levels of rides. Some clubs do alot of fun events or rides to places to eat, always fun :D

Keep it fun!

Slowly increase your distance, but don't over do it. Mix it up between long rides and short rides. Take a day off from riding now and then.

Set some reasonable goals. Distance or speed or whatever, just to give you something to shoot for.

Most of all keep it fun :)

Had a really good weekend. Road 30 miles off road on Saturday. Road 31 miles Sunday on pavement at 18 mph avg. Road 16 miles roundtrip to the gym today. And for the first time since college, I'm under 220 lbs!