I'm just your average noob fred. I've worked my way up to ~125mi a week riding mainly solo because I'm too scared to put a tail on anyone and I don't have quite enough skillz to signal hazzards up front without falling on my A$$.

Anyway during the process of working my way up (Mar-Now) I lost weight, lots of weight. About 15# from a guy who looked pretty normal is :eek: 5-11 145 now :eek: However, without really working I developed a 6-pack. So I have that going for me.

So I stabalized this by basically eating raw junk during the day and eating my normal meals at night. That and I've basically become a Laura Flynn Boyle clone so there isn't much more to lose.

I'm sure there are some supplements meant for bikers out there separate from those for the hulking body builder types. Before I invest in some big tubs of yuck I thought I might ask here what people used to keep weight on w/o snickers bars and fried catfish.

I'm sure there are some supplements meant for bikers out there separate from those for the hulking body builder types. Before I invest in some big tubs of yuck I thought I might ask here what people used to keep weight on w/o snickers bars and fried catfish.

Anything with calories works just fine. It's an excess of calories that will make you gain weight, it doesn't much matter where the calories come from.

I'm 6 1 and weigh in the 154 area. And that's with riding, maybe, 100 miles on weekend and going to the gym 2 or 3 nights a week. What's important, IMO, is that you feel good and get a checkup periodically. I personally don't use my low weight as an excuse to eat poorly, I despise junk but do enjoy eating. There are other health issues that bad eating habits can lead to other than weight gain.

I wouldn't mind having a larger build, but my priority is cardio and endurance. So as long as I feel well, ride strong (for me) and avoid anything resembling a gut, I'm fine with the tradeoff. I like to tell myself that girls like skinny guys.

I'm 5'8" ~145, but I'm only 17. If you want to gain weight, eat before you go to bed. Have a PBJ and a glass of milk every night and you'll put on a few. I use the protein shakes and they're pretty good, but I'm coming from heavy lifting background the last couple years- I used to have a good squat, deadlift, and clean for my size.

The cycling has caused me to drop a few pounds myself. So far, I'm one of only a few of my wrestling team buddies that hasn't packed on 10-15 lbs since the season ended and I'm pretty sure I'm the only one who's lost weight, which I'm pretty happy about.

I wouldn't worry to much about the weight thing, but if you are: go to a local vitamin/supplement store (I'd avoid GNC, I never really liked them) try the Vitamin Shoppe if you have one, or whatever is local and ask the guys there. They're usually pretty knowledgable about the stuff and they'll point you in the right direction. The PBJ thing before you go to bed works well. Also, for a snack get an Eggo waffle and put peanut butter on it, that's good.

One idea I've heard to be more healthy overall is to eat a number of smaller meals throughout the day. A number of bodybuilders I've heard from eat like 6 healthy, pretty strong meals versus the normal 3 a day. I'm sorry if this rambles, I'm jsut throwing out ideas to try and help.

I'm sure there are some supplements meant for bikers out there separate from those for the hulking body builder types. Before I invest in some big tubs of yuck I thought I might ask here what people used to keep weight on w/o snickers bars and fried catfish.

Supplements are just some sort of processed food. They contain calories, vitamins, minerals, and other stuff. They typically cost a lot more than food (per unit of nutrition) and it can be said that their only advantage over food is convenience. Sometimes, they contain things that you don't want, and they have a hard time keeping up with "real food" in terms of the overall balance of nutritional elements. You're better off just eating larger quantities of good food. It ain't rocket science.

Supplements are just some sort of processed food. They contain calories, vitamins, minerals, and other stuff. They typically cost a lot more than food (per unit of nutrition) and it can be said that their only advantage over food is convenience. Sometimes, they contain things that you don't want, and they have a hard time keeping up with "real food" in terms of the overall balance of nutritional elements. You're better off just eating larger quantities of good food. It ain't rocket science.

I've nothing new to add, except to say that I've an MSc in Human Nutrition and half way through PhD in diet/obesity, and wanted to add my voice to Kerry's comments, they are extremely sensible.

Anything with calories works just fine. It's an excess of calories that will make you gain weight, it doesn't much matter where the calories come from.
I have to disagree a little that it doesnt matter where the calories come from. Anyone doing regular, fairly intense athletic workouts needs to make sure they are getting enough protein as part of their calories. Muscle needs to be repaired and built up to meet the demands of the exertion.

in your gut within 15-30 minutes after your ride. Especially if you are worried about loosing weight. This helps in recovery and muscle rebuilding. The body will convert the proteins and carbs to useful components at a faster rate immediately following excercise.

The recovery drinks are fine, or something as simple as 5 spoonfuls of sugar in a glass of milk will work. Also make certain you are eating on rides longer than 1.5 hours, otherwises the body will go after muscle proteins for fuel.

Even if you do eat during rides the body will go after muscle proteins to a certain degree on high intensity rides, so make certain you don't short change proteins in your general diet.

I would be eating some fruit, granola bar or whatever before the ride if I were worried about dropping too much weight.


I'm just your average noob fred. I've worked my way up to ~125mi a week riding mainly solo because I'm too scared to put a tail on anyone and I don't have quite enough skillz to signal hazzards up front without falling on my A$$.

Anyway during the process of working my way up (Mar-Now) I lost weight, lots of weight. About 15# from a guy who looked pretty normal is :eek: 5-11 145 now :eek: However, without really working I developed a 6-pack. So I have that going for me.

So I stabalized this by basically eating raw junk during the day and eating my normal meals at night. That and I've basically become a Laura Flynn Boyle clone so there isn't much more to lose.

I'm sure there are some supplements meant for bikers out there separate from those for the hulking body builder types. Before I invest in some big tubs of yuck I thought I might ask here what people used to keep weight on w/o snickers bars and fried catfish.

I have to disagree a little that it doesnt matter where the calories come from. Anyone doing regular, fairly intense athletic workouts needs to make sure they are getting enough protein as part of their calories. Muscle needs to be repaired and built up to meet the demands of the exertion.

We're talking about excess calories here, over and above what your body needs to maintain your weight and your body. It doesn't matter where the excess calories come from, a calorie is a calorie and more than you need will make you gain weight. If your body only needs 80g of protein a day to maintain your muscle mass, eating more than that won't make a bit of difference other than extra calories to add weight.

So in the sense I'm talking about, and in the spirit of the question the original poster put forth, it doesn't matter where the excess calories come from.

So in the sense I'm talking about, and in the spirit of the question the original poster put forth, it doesn't matter where the excess calories come from.
Except that, if he wants to gain weight, presumably some of that weight would be increased muscle mass (why would he just want to add fat); therefore the protein requirement would increase

I'll continue eating my 3 squares and concentrate on not going too far to the fried side for lunches. I'm going to pack a trail mix of sorts with nuts and fruits and things to snack on during the day.

I'm going to give a shot at making a shake at night before bed consisting of yogurt/fruit/whey protien and some fruit juice to make it blend ok.

It's probably a good idea to go get a checkup as I am greatly increasing my workout regimine and I am not a big fan of my heart exploding for some previously undetected flaw. :eek:

Thanks again for the advice. I'll let you know how it turns out.

Good thread, I am tall and lanky anyway. But i am stuggling at 185 and I am 6-2ish close to 6-3. I fatten up in the winter over past years and hit 205 and go about 190 by sept. This year most of my group did spin together and i stayed around 190. Now that I have been on the road for 2 months i have dropped a few more pounds.

[QUOTE=culdeus]
Anyway during the process of working my way up (Mar-Now) I lost weight, lots of weight. About 15# from a guy who looked pretty normal is :eek: 5-11 145 now :eek: However, without really working I developed a 6-pack. So I have that going for me.

I have too many supermodel girlfriends and my boss just came in and wantsts to give me another raise I can't decide if I want to ride my Colnago or my Independent Fab. etc etc.

Food as energy isn't rocket science, eating and drinking during a long workout is another thing all together.

BTW, I suspect that your six pack was there the whole time, just covered by a layer of tub-a-goo. Albeit a thin layer.

BT

Pay no attention to Von, she gives good advice, but she's often angry.

I keep posting questions, then find a thread a few hours later on a similar subject in a different category. Pop over to the 'racing, training, nutrition' bit for my experiences and concerns and some good responses.

Maybe I should spend more time with the ol' search feature, but I don't have <b>that</b> many hours to spend on RBR, as awesome a thing as it may be!