As I’ve mentioned, I track everything I eat. I later look up calories, or make an estimate. I believe this is key to my weight loss.
There have been days when I overeat, and wanted to abandon calorie tracking for a day or two.
Now that I’m dating, going out to eat seems to happening more often. I’ve still been plugging away on my calorie tracking though. There are a few scary numbers in there, but I try to offset them with lighter days.
I haven’t ridden my bike in way too long, I’ve had days with horrible overeating, yet I’m still losing weight, although slower. I can live with that.
I’m not going to blame the lack of bike riding on dating. She’s not around through the week, and I could have ridden except for other things that have come up. I was going to ride today even with the threat of rain, but I just don’t feel well enough today. Yesterday, I was sitting around the house in the morning waiting for the cable guy to fix my broadband and had to go into work late, so no riding.
I will be riding the 40+ mile RCCS ride on Sunday, but I’m not sure if the time off the bike will mean I’m refreshed and ready, or that it’ll kill my legs. I guess I’ll find out.
The issue I think with riding during the week is rhythm. When you have that good Getup/Getready/Ride kind of rhythm, it’s quite easy. When your schedule gets off-kilter, whether for weather, health, weekend activities or whatnot, I personally loss the rhythm very easily.
My riding has changed in the last month. With no regular commuting I find myself grabbing “training rides” when I can. It’s not my preferred manner of riding, but it’s better than nothing.
I think you are right. Rhythm is important, and my schedule is completely fubar. I’ve also been up late nearly every night talking on the phone… just like a teenager again. 🙂
🙂 again, it’s great for you. must feel good.
Back in 2003 I lost around 110 pounds in my first really large sustained success with getting in shape. (went from about 315 to 205) When I started dating my now-wife much of that success went out the window as we were always going out to eat, I wasn’t exercising as much, and generally was too busy enjoying life to think about it. That led me to gain back over 65 lbs. Once we got back from the honeymoon I started tracking everything I eat and all the exercise I do religiously (day 851 today). There’s bad days, mostly weekends, and good days. It all balances out and I’ve figured out what it takes to maintain, or lose a little. It’s going much slower the second time around, but I have control. Much of that control comes from the records I keep (written and excel spreadsheet). Luckily my wife and I are on the same page about remaining healthy, so that makes it much easier for both of us. Sorry for rambling. Glad things are going so well for you. Keep riding!
Dave,
Congrats on the weight loss. I still haven’t hit the 100 lbs of loss yet, but should soon.
As far as dating, yeah, it is slowing my weight loss down, but due to tracking what I eat I’m pretty confident I won’t gain (much) weight. I may hit my goal weight a little later, but that’s okay too. Being happy is important too. 🙂
I’m still losing weight the second time around. 30ish lbs to go. Slow and sure, but I agree with you. Being happy and having a good frame of mind is more important than chasing down a goal. A truly sustainable way of life is the reward for patience in this game 🙂