Originally Posted by
nuclear_biker
I got into biking because I wanted to exercise (both for mental/physical health) and because I just can't fit the gym into my schedule. In the process, I rediscovered that I love biking! I did a bit of research on biking and weight loss, and came across a bunch of contradictory or confusing information. I know weight loss is a touchy subject with a lot of people looking for quick ways to their problems. I'm currently about 247 lbs (down from almost 260). I'm 6'3", and I think a good weight goal is aroun 200 or 190.
What I do now: Basically i commute to work, and go for longer rides a few times a week. I keep track of how many calories I burn, and how much I eat, and try and leave a deficit (I use MyFitnessPal and Stava for this).
Why I'd like to change: I feel like I would benefit greatly from some form of structured routine. I have seen a few of these online, but I haven't really found much in the way of user feedback. I'm also looking for something that incorporates diet suggestions with rides. Several of the things I read online said you can encourage fat burn this way. There seems to be some disagreement between how to do this (some say eating before is crucial for weight loss, while others suggest not eating until after).
What I'm looking for: I'd like to hear what kind of training regiments have worked for you guys for weight loss (by which I mean going from an unhealthy weight to a healthier one) as well as dietary suggestions.
First of all, if you're relatively new to cycling, it is important to just build a base ... which you are starting to do with the commuting and going for longer rides. What kind of distances are you riding? Daily? Weekly? How often are you riding?
Secondly, for me, it helps to have a goal outside weightloss. I am in the process of losing weight, and cycling is part of that process, but I'm also "training" for some long distance events and a certain climbing challenge. So instead of just riding to burn calories in the hopes that I'll lose more weight, I'm riding for these events, which is much more interesting and motivating. And so I have something of a training plan for these events. That might help you as well ... do you have an annual century ride in your area, or something like that?
BTW - I am also on MFP.
