JoelS

I don't have a before picture. But I've dropped 58 pounds from 205 to 147. I'm going to keep eating the way I have been and the weight loss will stop when it settles out. To be honest. If I don't lose any more, that'll be fine with me.

So here it is. From today's ride when we stopped in the bike shop for an odd part at the tail end of the ride. I have a couple of layers on top, and my jersey is still pretty dang big on me. I need to go shopping!

Neil_B

I47! Do you disappear when you turn sideways?

Mr. Beanz

Wow,that's good, but not sure if I know anyone under 147 lbs. How tall are you?

Lose the beard, maybe 135!

JoelS

I'm 5'7". And no way I'm going to lose the beard. It keeps my face warm in the winter.

Fantasminha

Congrats JoelS! That's awesome!

txvintage

Wow Joel, that's amazing. The Colnago is a work of art.

The weight loss is awesome as well

Seriously, that's an amazing result of what I'm sure has been the result of much hard work. May I ask if you could share your diet approach, as well as your riding schedule and other work out methods you have used to lose the weight?

Congrats! You have more than earned a new jersey, or two, or three!

jesspal

looking great awesome job

gapwedge

Looking good there JoelS. Man, after my initial 10 pound loss I have been on a plateau ever since. So dang frustrating. Keep up the good work.

cyclezealot

great work.. Nice bike.

JoelS

Thanks.

Ok, I'll tell everyone how I did it. Again... Seriously though...

I cut out sodas altogether. Sure, I'll have a very occasional one when we go out, but less than 16oz. a week. I stopped the booze. I stopped drinking beer. I drink mostly coffee and water.

I don't eat much anymore. I tracked calories for a few days to get an idea of what I was eating, then cut back to about 2000. I significantly reduced the amount of meat that I eat. No more than about 4oz. in a meal, often less. That helped more than any other single thing. Cut back on protein.

I did not stop eating carbs. I did not go to a veggies/fruits only diet. Just a solid well balanced diet of less than 2000 calories a day, with lots of water.

I ride a pretty good amount. Yesterday was about 46.6 miles. Avg of 15.8, 2700 feet of climbing on mostly rollers. It was a fast ride. I also put in 5 hours on the trainer over the past week. 2 sessions of 2 hours, 1 of 1. Trainer rides are Monday, Wed, and Fri. Then a road ride on Sat or Sun. I watch old races when on the trainer. On the flats, I pedal easy. When they climb, I shift down and crank up the resistance and climb. I worked it out to where I can simulate a 9% grade. When they crest the climb, I drop the resistance and recover.

I wear a HR monitor. I try to keep my HR at 140 or more. Even on the trainer. Yesterday, I spent over 1/3 of the ride in HR zone 4 (Google that if you need, I can't really explain it).

I'll come out and say it. Fad diets don't work! Atkins, no carb, south beach, LA, etc. They don't work. They don't teach you to eat healthy. Learn to eat healthy. Learn to eat small portions. That's the best way to go about it.

dcrowell

Exactly. It's taken me about 13 months to drop 75 lbs. I still need to lose a bit over 45.

I'm also losing weight to live longer. See here for an example.

coasting 

Seriously impressed. How long did it take?

ninjaman

Congrats, JoelS! Your story will undoubtedly inspire many to lose weight the right way.

JoelS

I've been at it since the tail end of April.

Nimitz87

good job!

your right a well balanced diet is key...but protien is a great thing when you want to build muscles...its essential actually.

Chad

jaxgtr

That's awesome.

JoelS

True, but too much of it will put weight on you that you don't want.

Doohickie

Lookin' good, Joel. I'm in and out of Clydesville lately, hovering mostly just under 200 (which ain't too bad for 6'-2", but I'd still like to drop about 15). I've totally given up on dieting until the New Year, but my wife went all vegetarian on me so when we eat out we go to the vegan place, at least some of the time. Between her healthy eating habits rubbing off on me, and my riding, I seem to hold steady without sacrifice. A little sacrifice, I hope, will make those 15 lb. melt away.

Nimitz87

thats when you hit the gym. and free weights.

I take in about 200g of protien a day give or take.

Chad

JoelS

Ah, see, that's where I'm lost. I have so many problems with my joints that moving heavy weights is out as exercise. About all I can really do without replacement surgery of several bony parts is ride my bike. So that's what I do. Might do as much as 3 hours on the trainer tomorrow.

seenoweevil

Congrats JoelS! I'd be much more impressed if I weren't so envious! Just kidding, I'm inspired by stories like yours. Thanks for sharing!

</intolerance>

Congrats! What an accomplishment!

keiron curtis

That's very impressive weight loss, what way do you eat, and what, that has worked so well for you?

kenseth03

Joel, I am blown away. If I simply could cut out the sodas (i drink about 3 liters a day) I would lose weight but I am heavily addicted to them. Then to hear that you cut out alcohol and modified your diet also is amaizing. Great job!!!!!

Nimitz87

holy crap @ 3 LITERS!!! thats an insane amount of soda...good luck with stopping/slowing down...

Chad