Biking to Eat

20
Dec
2010
By

There are countless reasons why I’m Loving the Bike, but one of them is definitely due to my love of eating.  You see, I enjoy being lean and in shape…..and when I’m out packing on the miles on my bike I feel as though I can enjoy the foods I love without the guilt (within reason, of course).

This motivator has continuously got me on the bike time and time again……and it’s allowed me to live the healthy lifestyle that I crave.  I swear that if it wasn’t for being a cycling addict I would be 300 pounds.  I’m not a total junk food maniac, but I sure do love eating ice cream and a lot of other treats….and a lot of it.

The bike has also been my saving grace following a weekend binge-fest that makes me feel like a big slug.  There are many weekends that I take off from riding and where I seem to spend the whole time eating foods that I shouldn’t.  Sunday night I go to bed feeling bloated, tired, and out of shape.  I get on the bike Monday morning for a two hour ride and all of a sudden I feel back to normal…..and I get off thanking the bike for bringing me back.

I really do Bike to Eat.  I don’t know how many times that thought has got me out on the bike, made me pedal hard when I’m out there, and had me excited about my reward.  I know that food shouldn’t be used as motivation for exercise, but with the right kind of balance I think it’s okay.  My background in nutrition and fitness (and a lot of experience) has allowed me to figure out my boundaries and what I need to do in order to stay in the shape I desire.

I’m a so called “stick” as my friend Bryan of Biking to Live likes to say.  But I do have to work at it to achieve this status.  I will actually be posting my “Cycling for Optimal Weight” plan next Monday….so watch for that.  I’m teaming up with Kelli our nutrition guru and providing you with a cycling plan and athletic nutrition program that will allow you to achieve your ideal weight through cycling.  I’m very excited about this one.

Enjoy Your Ride

Tags: ,

Pin It
  • C2Summit

    I feel the same way about the bike-food relationship. I think I do a good job of riding enough to maintain my lifestyle, the problem is I stay where I’m at and would like to be 25-30lbs less. I feel like I maintain where I am now and if I was 25-30lbs less I would maintain that just the same, it’s just a matter of getting to that point. The hardest part seems to be fighting off the hunger that comes with increased training!

  • Daver Dave

    Samsies. I notice when it’s not 17 degrees and snowing here in Pittsburgh my appetite is much smaller. That has nothing to do with the weather but the fact that I’m spending more time in a bucket seat and less time on a saddle. But seriously, there is nothing better than a HUGE burrito from Chipotle after a long ride.

  • Pedalman

    I’m a big eater by nature and I think cycling saved my waistline as I got older. I love sitting down to a few plates of pasta before a ride and knowing that will be used as my fuel. I’m not a big sweet eater but I love carbs. My favorite snack is a peanut butter and banana sandwich.

  • http://www.kimharding.net/blog/?cat=9 Kim

    Personally, I mostly ride a bicycle to get from A to B, the fact that as a side effect it keeps me fit and health is just a bonus.

  • http://www.weiland.net/ Weiland

    I might have brought this up here or even on Bryan’s blog, but just be warned. Yes cycling does seem to give one a blank calorie check, or at least a bountiful of reserves for calories. That doesn’t mean that void can be filled with bad calories over and over. I know people that ride to eat and they go wild consuming high fat diets because they think since they burned 2000+ calories on a ride they are free to eat that greasy cheeseburger or fried chicken. That food is still loaded with fat and cholesterol, which as we all know can be silently building up until one day it’s too late.

    I don’t mean to preach but I see a lot of people with the attitude that they can and do eat whatever they want and that whatever tends to be on the unhealthy and processed side of things.

    • http://www.lovingthebike.com Darryl

      I totally agree with you, Mike. In our “Cycling for Optimal Weight” that comes out next week it includes the comment that you can bike your butt off, but if you are eating like crap it isn’t going to help you very much.

      Thanks for your very accurate comments.

      Darryl

  • http://bikingtolive.com Bryan

    Great article Darryl and thanks for the link. I like this philosophy and noticed you pointed out that it isn’t easy. You still have to put in good rides in order to enjoy the food when off the bike. I’m looking forward to your article next week on Cycling for Optimal Weight.

    • http://www.lovingthebike.com Darryl

      Thanks Bryan. The information coming out next week is not Rocket Science, but just good tips and a program that will allow people to achieve their weight goals through cycling.

  • Aaron

    Completely agree with this post. I was a former runner who transitioned to cycling and was amazed at the difference in calories burned. With running I had to watch my food somewhat carefully unless I was training hard. With cycling, I don’t have to worry about it too much during warmer weather. The rides more than make up for it. If I decide to shed a few pounds, with cycling it is relatively painless to keep a 2000 calorie diet while riding, and the weight almost falls off of me.

Blog Sponsors

Featured on these top sites

Blog Partners

Cycling 360 Podcast

Popular Threads

Powered by Disqus

Causes

Be Kind To Cyclists

People for Bikes

World Bicycle Relief

Join Team LIVESTRONG with me and fight cancer!



Sugar Alternatives for Energy and Hydration

Question: I am using the homebrew sugar formulations (sometimes added to green tea).  I am also trying to wean myself off 1/2 dose adrenalean ”lip tonic delivery system” (biorhythm brand- caffeine, hoodia g, synephrine, yohimbe) capsule for energy.

My question is other than juice, can you suggest modifications in lieu of table sugar for energy and hydration.

Answer:

Both raw/organic honey or agave can work great in the homebrew (substitute in the same quantities for the sugar, or to taste), but you do have to shake well in order to make sure they don’t settle out.  Have you tried either of these?  Also, make sure to use at least the minimum amount of salt recommended in the homebrew as the temps rise, you need the sodium replacement if you’re sweating.

Sports Drink Homebrew

Please send us your questions for our Expert Sports Nutritionist, Kelli Jennings to “Ask the Sports Nutritionist“. Kelli Jennings is a Registered Dietitian with a passion for healthy eating, wellness, & sports nutrition. For more information go to www.apexnutritionllc.com.

Nutrition Tips