dalameda

I lost 60 pounds over a 4 month period with a medically managed diet, and a lot of behavioral training. keeping it off isnt about the diet so much as it is about the behaviors. Like others have said, exercise regularly doing something you really enjoy, and eat healthy. The types of calories you take in absolutely do matter, as well as the quantity. I took up cycling during my weight loss, and one of my first organized rides was 15 miles, and I was so fatigued I almost passed out. Know I do metrics and centuries on a regular basis. I would think you could keep your performance during a 1 pound per week loss, but would probably loss performance at a greater weight loss.

One other thing that might help is getting your BMR or resting metabolism checked, that helps you set a realistic calorie goal that keeps you from adding weight but also avoids going too low on caloric intake.

But most importantly, it isn't the diet that is going to make your weightloss successful, it is your lifestyle choices after you lose weight.

gabedad

I had gastric bypass surgery about 3.5 years ago. I was over 340lbs. While I obviously lost most of the weight by surgery cycling has helped me keep it off and keep me fit.

I have done a few centuries and a couple of 2 day 150 mile rides (TDC new england) This season I have of the same planned and may end up doing a 2 day 160 mile ride with about 14k of climbing (still thinking on that one!)

MinnMan

you know, I'm pretty happy that I lost 35 lbs. when I started cycling (it came off gradually, over about 18 months). But that's nothing - a bunch of you have done some amazing things.

dpostelnicu

I want to thank all who responded to this crazy topic. If I did not learn anything but: motivation, persistence, consistency, and self control are the keys to a successful wight loss. As mentioned, a life style change is necessary to loose it and keep it off. All I need to do is be wise in my input choices and don't give in to peer pressure or turn to food when I am depressed. Fix different food for me and my wife than my kids (picky), and pay extra for the good fresh stuff now.

I happen to notice that the lower the income the higher the weight. It cost money to eat healthy, and it takes lots of time to plan and prepare great food. Lets see time = money! Is it the society demanding more time out of our life, work more and latter that the olden days? Are we putting off living today for tomorrow? I remember when I came to US, back in 1982 from Romania, I noticed that everyone is running every where and doing way more than possible. Well now 33 years latter, I am in the same boat, boy how did I become assimilated? I have tons of projects on my plate, normal QA Engineer job (40hrs/week), commuting to work(10hrs/week), side job business in HVAC (5hrs/week average), hobby auto mechanic (5hrs/week average [have only 7 autos for 5 drivers]), married and 4 boys. Kids create such stress, even if they are older!

scroca

A couple of thoughts:

You want to lose fat, right? I don't know why you say you can't lose fat and gain muscle, but muscle weighs more than fat, so you may not lose as much weight if you add muscle mass but you can still lose quite a lot of fat in the process.

Keep in mind that the body will react to a quick loss of fat by defending itself against it's perception of starvation. This is what leads to undermining the quick loss programs and results in a subsequent re-gain of weight. If you lose slowly, over time, your body will not react by causing you to feel starved.

Since part of your stated goal is performance, I suggest you look at your diet like this: you can't expect to run a high performance engine on low quality fuel.

Strength training can help your goal to build muscle mass and burn fat. Your cycling does a lot to develop your legs but not much to develop the rest of you. Any core strengthening and shoulder/back gains in strength will also allow you to feel more comfortable on the bike, so long as you don't over do it.

I think you can eat meat and still reach your goal. It may be helpful, however, to reduce the meat portion of meals or eliminate meat from some of the meals. By the way, if you eat rice and lentils instead of meat for some of your meals, you will save money too.

StanSeven

A couple of things. Exercise (riding) and diet won't do it by themselves. You need both.

Most cyclists wanting to lose weight don't ride hard enough. Monitoring heart rate is easy and doesn't lie. It's just so easy to go slow and think you lose weight like that riding for two hours. Then you eat during that time and wonder why you don't lose.

curlyque

Owy, kidney stones suck.

Atkins is a high fat, not high protein diet.

In my experience, if you are a compulsive, overweight eater, then low carb will eliminate cravings and you will loose weight if you follow the rules.

If you are not compulsive, then take your choice of plans, but still consider low carb for weight loss.

spoiledrotten

You say that... like I have, but it happened once, and it can happen again if you get too complacent. I was a skinny kid; 135# at 19. I looked like an earthworm with the crap slung out of it, but I got married and got lazy and I gained weight. Now, I'm riding and have lost about 25# since Oct, 2014. I was at 227 and now at 200ish. I'm still working but I still find myself getting comfortable and eating things I shouldn't. It's tough to keep to a plan that is playing against you. I wish you the best in your mission.

howeeee

I went from 172 to 145 in 3 months. Thats a short time to lose 27 pounds. Its doable, by counting calories and riding. I ride fixed gear, about 20 miles a day 5 times a week,sometimes a I do 40 miles or so.

I am 5'9", 61 years old.

trekmogul 

When you get the mind set that you are willing to make a lifestle change then it will work. I had no problems, no issues just fat and happy 265lbs. Then one day without saying a word to anyone, the journey began and no almost 6 years later, not a single lb gained. Went from 265 to 150 and it was quite easy..Yup Easy..Be accountable for everything htat goes in the chops and stop wiht all the mickey mouse excuses and waa laaaa ..We went from a size 44 trouser to a size 31. Lost the majority of it in about 6 months and never looked back. If you dont have willpower and discipline with what goes in the mouth, not gonna work.

pursuance

200 miles in a week does me in ATM but not for too much longer.
My Trek was stolen last year, got depressed, over ate to 265# @ 6'.
Lost 45# in 5 months by removing all processed flour/sugar out of my diet.
No potatos at breakfast but lots of veggies. My goal is < 190#. At 200# I'll buy a new Kona Sutra.

Must watch videos.
Blood Sugar: Fixing The Problem
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcvg...91703E&index=4

Sugar: The Bitter Truth
University of California Television (UCTV)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBnniua6-oM

A lot of toxins can be stored in fat, so rapid weight loss can cause some health issues... bumps in the road.

There is such a thing as carb hangover, look it up.

*Been a long time since I've posted, now I'll get off YOUR lawn.*

Rehab

Well, IMO, if you want to loose 50 lbs and maintain or increase your strength, 6 months is a little short in time frame. I have lost 50 over the course of two years through a drastic diet change (health reasons) and regular workouts. I think too many times we get in a hurry to get to the desired weight only to find it cannot be maintained over the long term. With a slow steady loss, you will be more likely to maintain your desired weight permanently.