Training & Nutrition - High Calorie Intake & Weight Loss Normal?

I started cycling this summer, in ernest. I do it mostly for recreation and some simple commuting (like running errands). I haven't been keeping track of how many miles I've gone, but my bike is certainly showing signs of wear, and I am turning into a stronger rider.

I've never weighed more than 150 lbs. and I'm about 69 inches tall. I was starting to worry about my waistline a few months back when I saw that I was growing "love handles". I'm 27 yrs. old so I guess that was bound to happen eventually. I've always been skinny. Last time I checked, I had something like 8% body fat.

So, I've been watching my caloric intake for the last few months, eating pretty much what I feel is right. I'm not on any kind of diet, I just eat when I'm hungry and eat till I'm full.

Most of the rides I go on are easy going, 1-2 hr. trail/road rides at about 10-12 mph with some steep hills. I usually bike around where I live, and occasionally go to a park with bike trails. I'm not a dedicated racing cyclist that trains for competition. I occasionally carry up to 40 lbs. of stuff on my bike, in panniers, when I go shopping or for overnight camping trips.

MY CONCERN:

I've been eating more and more. Sometimes up to 1500 calories in one sitting. I crave carbs a lot, especially things like pasta, bread (whole wheat), and ice cream. I occasionally get hypoglycemic during or after my rides. I always carry an energy bar with me now. My calorie intake has increased all summer. The thing is, I've actually lost weight!!! Plus, my "love handles" are disappearing. My legs have become much stronger. I can tell because I have an easier time climbing hills that used to nearly drop me. My legs have also become slightly more muscular. When I'm riding hard, I can see muscles in my legs I didn't know I had.

Is this okay? I feel great, so I assume this is what happens when you ride a bicycle a lot.


Thanks,
-Matt C.-

I feel ya. I had been on a diet forever, and didn't let myself have what I wanted. I still eat healthy stuff, mainly carbs, like pasta, granola, and fruit, but I eat like a horse. I don't think I'm gaining weight, but for me, it's difficult to go from diet mode to eat for fuel mode. I ride about 200-250 miles per week and I feel like I'm just constantly eating... never bad stuff, though. Maybe Ric Stern can help out with this one. What is the proper amount of calories for a cyclist who's wanting to improve performance and not gain weight?

Thanks for the reply. You sure lost a lot of weight. Good job!

I'm not cycling to lose weight, though. I'm just doing it for fun and convenience. I do like to think of myself as being a healthy person, though.


-Matt C.-