Radworld

I have a bit of sweet tooth and I found that only way of fighting it is to indulge it... in moderation. One thing that has helped is the portion control. Instead of a pack of Starbursts I eat 2. I store them over at my neighbors cube so they are just out of reach. Also I get "fun sized" snickers and freeze them. It takes longer to suck on and chew them so it kind of slows down the gobble factor.

I took a night off the bike last night but was active in the yard and house. Was stunned this morning to climb on the scale and find myself at 230...Down 10 pounds from when I started biking. The most noticeable thing is that I feel loads better just by the work out. I'm getting an energy level I haven't felt in a long time.

WonkerJaw

Congrats on the weight loss! I think my real problem is that I'm not allowing for any snacks during the day. With the increase of activity I'm starving by mealtime. Today I packed some fruit and we'll see how it goes.

Thanks everyone for all the input.

John M

Wonker, like the others I eat fruit. I eat fresh fruit 3 times a day 2 for a snack and 1 at lunch with my sandwich. I am a cookie nut and have gone now 3 months without so that I can help lose the weight.

Rad, congrats on the loss!

Zin

Hey everyone! Its been a while since I've checked in here on everyone! Boy its been a busy summer with work and injuries. Looks like everyone is doing well. I'm glad to see it! I'm also happy to report that I'm down to 213! I'm really happy to have avoided a weight gain, and actually lost a few, over the past month since my physical activity has been greatly reduced do to a rather nasty crash early in July. I'm still not 100% but was able to do a hilly 40 miler last Saturday. Ahhh, it felt good to be able to push myself a bit again! I still feel the injury to my ribs, so can't push as had as I'd like. However, I'm happy to do what I am able.

I also got a different bike! Now riding a late '90's Bianchi San Remo tourer. Its a huge upgrade for me.

Keep up the hard work everyone! WE are making grand progress!

All the best,

Bob

rockygnr

Hey Bob,

Sorry to hear about the crash. Congrats on the continued weight loss and the new bike. Getting pretty close to that 200 milestone.

Keep it up,

Dale

John M

Bob, sorry to hear about your crash. Hope you are healing well. Congrats on keeping the weight down and the new bike Enjoy your time riding. I am off to a week at the beach, no bike to ride, but I do have my stunt kites to fly

newskinnedknee

Just bought a bike. The old one was a 47 pound ***mart special that I rode close to 70 miles a week 10 years ago. I am older and a little bit overweight now. I thought I was in pretty good shape as I do a lot a work in the yard. That kind of work does not prepare you for riding as I have found out. The first ride on some hilly roads near my house almost killed me. It lasted an hour and I made 6 miles with 7 rest stops. The second ride I did better and sort of relaxed more and did 1 hour but more like 8 miles and only 3 rest stops. I am eating less and watching what I eat. I have not lost any weight yet and do not expect to see any results for a while. But I want to do this right. I am trying to lose weight and get exercise. Is there a difference in the method as opposed to someone who is training for a race? My only real goal on the bike is doing a century someday. I plan on getting a bike computer with cadence and a heart rate monitor eventually to help in this. Any suggestions on any good models?

CommuterKat

I'm a bit of a newbie here, but I have been kayaking and going to the gym since February, and have been biking for a bit over a month now, and have lost 20 pounds. I became vegetarian, and have switched over almost entirely to organic foods. The new eating habits combined with the exercise have made me feel stronger and more confident about myself than I ever have. I still would like to lose 80 more pounds, but I am getting there. I am about to quit the gym as I have found the biking to be sublimely more enjoyable. I think that biking has got to be the best exercise plan ever dreamt up. I am looking forward to seeing more new muscles appear as the summer wanes and fall approaches.

WonkerJaw

Bob,
Sorry about the crash... But good to hear about the weight! Take it slow... don't make your recovery longer than it needs to be.

WonkerJaw

Your Local Bike Shop(LBS) will put you on the right ride. After that it's all about how much you want to spend. Me... I ride a Marin and love it

Congrats on the loss and welcome. I agree with you on the bike vs. gym thing. I have not had a gym membership all summer. I will get one when the dead of winter gets here.

Grasschopper

I think I may have finally broken the 220 barrier. Was 219 this morning and that was after a rather large cookout last night with 1/3 lb burgers, margaritas, french fries and toll house cookies for desert. Rode to work this morning (and will just about every day this week as it is supposed to be very nice (yes I am a fair weather commuter) and will be doing at least 20 miles this evening.

Here is to looking forward to the 210 barrier rather than back to the 220 barrier (I hope).

Radworld

Looking at you with envy Grasschopper from the 230 barrier...Congrats! Don't mention the fries and margaritas. How I miss the fat filled goodness!

Grasschopper

Hey I don't think there is any fat in the Margaritas. Thanks though. One of the things I am trying to do (and it is no doubt slowing me down) is to eat things I like (had a nice 12 oz steak Sunday night) and just work it off. Rode to work this morning and have decided to tackle a mountain in the area at least once this evening to help work off the fries and the cookies.

Radworld

Instead of my last diet when I just basically didn't eat and was miserable for 2 months...I'm doing this one much healthier and better. Just basically cutting out the "crap" foods. A couple "treats" during the week. Going more for a lifestyle change.

madopa

My approach this time as well, and I can honestly say this is by far the longest healthy/fitness kick I've ever been on so I really do feel I've changed my lifestyle permanently. I'll know for sure after making it through the NFL season and the holidays! Last night I actually turned down a beer for water at a friends place.

Now that I've mentioned it, is anyone elses weakness beer? I'm convinced I'd be under 200 right now if it weren't for it. Come Friday night after a week of biking/training I've got to have one or three.

Radworld

A small update

1 month ago...I was 242 lbs...no excercise and prettty resolved to just eating and drinking whatever I want but not very happy with it. After a month of biking 5-10 miles a night and paying attention to my diet I'm 228...my pants are starting to hang. Feeling very positive about the whole experience going to bust out on two 15 mile rides this weekend. Thanks to everyone for your advice and support. It has been helpful and inspiring coming to this forum.

WonkerJaw

I know what you mean. It's so easy to rack up a thousand extra calories pending which beer you drink. I'm down to 2-3 once a week but every once in a while I go over limit. What helps me is alternating beer and water. I may be able to go out for a night and only have two beers. Find what works for you and keep after it… it gets easier I promise. Wish me luck… I have an after work Happy Hour today.

Reading your success and others has helped me to stay focused. I was starting to lose my motivation but this forum has helped me stay in the game. This next week is going to be rough because the bike is at the LBS and will not be ready for a week from today … may have to take some evening walks.

Everybody have a great weekend.

Radworld

Beer...its my weakness as well but if anything its improved my appreciation. I look forward to having "a beer" more. Its become more of reward for a good ride or a long day. Versus the day when I would come home and just grab one. I've become more choosy about it because if I'm going to reward myself I'm not blowing it on a Bud or an plain Miller. I went to a Packer Game last week after a few weeks of riding and dieting. Without hesitation I ordered up a Guiness (now on tap at Packer Games)...and I can't remember the last time I have sat down and truly savored a beer like that one. All things in moderation...unless your Oscar Wilde.

WonkerJaw

Amen! If I'm going to splurge… I'm going for the good stuff. One of my favorite flavs (ironically) is Fat Tire from New Belgium Brewery in Colorado. Or a cold Shiner and yes the sweet nectar that is Guinness are brews to be savored... in my opinion. Cheers

bpohl

Good job, Rad! I know how good that feels, and just wait till you hit that goal weight! Keep up the good work!

CommuterKat

6 more pounds gone! Yay!!! I stepped on the scale yesterday, and that middle number had gone down a digit, that's always exciting. I also did a 70 mile ride yesterday, longest one so far! Here's to letting the bike erase the weight!

Zin

Way to go Kat! I'm stuck at ~215 for the last couple of months. I've picked up my resistance training again for the winter. Hope the muscle mass will help burn up more fat. I guess I'm not so worried about the scale anymore, but am watching the waist line shrink!

John M

Hello everyone. I was on vacation last 10 day. I actually did 7 day with out the bike or treadmill. Felt good to take a break after 4 months of riding and working out 6 day a week. I watched my food intake, ate right and even spurlged one night on vacation. I managed to lose 1.5 lbs on vacation! Talk about suprised, that was a shock when I got home. However, I did fly my stunt kites for 3 - 4 hrs every day so that was some workout. Congrats to everyone on their progress and welcome to the new ones.
I did hit a milestone last night, I can now wear 38" waist pants and a size smaller shirts! I have not been able to wear 38" pants in better than 6 years. I am estatic that I can do this. last time was in 98.

madopa

Stunt kites? Were you in OBX? I'm headed there next week.

Also, congrats! I was starting to creep out of the 38" waist and into somethin bigger before starting my routine.

John M

Madopa, yes OBX. Jockeys ridge is where I like to fly, Nags Head. Right across from kitty hawk kites. (OBX = Outer Banks NC for you that do not know). Choqunicha beach is another spot, MP 23
I have 12 stunt kites You could say I am addicted. That dune is a great place to fly single lines, dual line or quads. Here is a shot of my Eclipse SUL Eclpse My website is a bit of a mess as I am totally revamping the site as I have the available time. Have 3 GB of photo's from I vacation to process.

Thanks, I was busting out of my 42's in April. Feels great to get into the smaller size. 15 more to go till I hit my target weight.