Does This Bike Make Me Look Fat?
Posted on 28. Apr, 2010 by Tony Arranaga in News
I’m fighting the battle of the bulge. I’m noticing that my pants have gone from a size 30″ waist to a 32″ over a the course of a year. Crazy, I know, especially when you consider I ride a bike during my daily commute. What’s up with that? How do you gain weight riding a bike? I contacted Valley physician Dr. Joseph Jasser with Cigna Medical Group to get an expert opinion…
I assume that you are referring to your waistline. If so, that is something that is not uncommon. A majority of people who increase their activity level will at the same time, increase their caloric intake. That being said, the increased activity is good and will definitely help with weight loss, but the additional calories will add pounds if the increased activity is not enough to offset the additional calories.
My recommendation is to look at your diet. You have made an effort to increase your activity, now all you need to do is improve your diet and you will definitely be on your way to a thinner waist. How? Well, you made one comment that caught my attention – eating out nearly every day is the kiss of death for weight management. Restaurants cook for flavor, not for health. I’m not sure how they do it, but they can take a very good lean piece of fish or chicken and by some mysterious process, plate it with more that 1500-2000 calories! Unless you are a marathon runner, you don’t have a chance. And don’t get me started about fast food joints…Cook at home! That is the most important recommendation I have. Make time and make it happen. When I was busy in medical school, I used to cook my week of quick, easy meals on Sunday and freeze them. That one change will do more for you than any diet ever will!
The other thing I would recommend is moderation. What has happened to portion sizes in our society is nothing short of dietary suicide. We don’t judge a meal by the quality of food, but rather than the size of the portion and that is sad! Pay close attention to the size of portions that you serve yourself whether it’s at a restaurant or at home. In addition to portion size, you should pay close attention to what you buy at the grocery store. If it comes in a box or can and has a list of ingredients that you need a PhD to interpret, you should stay clear of it! Load up on vegetables instead.
I could go on and on, but I will leave you with these simple changes. I promise if you take my advice, you will drop the extra pounds without even trying!
Dr. Joseph Jasser
Thanks for the advice, Dr. Jasser! The moral of the story: You can walk and ride your bike all day long, but achieving that fit and trim body is accomplished through a combination of exercise and healthy eating habits.
8 Responses to “Does This Bike Make Me Look Fat?”
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Chloe
28. Apr, 2010
Calories In –> Calories Out, my friend. One thing I have noticed in the desert is that we often eat when, really, we are thirsty. You lose an amazing amount of water without even trying. Skip the sugary calorie packed drinks and snacks and water, water, water. A lot of time when you are properly hydrated, you don’t feel hungry.
Tony Arranaga
29. Apr, 2010
That’s great advice, especially as the temperature gets hotter heading into the summer months!
Janice Plado Dalager "The JPD"
29. Apr, 2010
We always wish it were some freakish reason that was more out of our control. I admit, I would have thought if you’re legs were toning up, this “padded waistline issue” was just the precursor to the natural svelting-up of everywhere else. Alas, I too was fooled.
Looking forward to hearing the difference even just doubling your healthy meals at home makes. (That would be TWO per month!
). Good luck!
Tony Arranaga
29. Apr, 2010
Thanks! As it turns out, I also started going back to the gym and doing a half hour of cardio in the morning. I’m sure with a little discipline (and less sweets from my favorite coffee bars) I’ll be in fighting shape ASAP.
Tonia
29. Apr, 2010
I can’t agree more. This is why I’ve started my cook at home, cook with me campaign. Sometimes I really hate cooking just for one, but when you serendipitously create a culinary masterpiece, you get pretty pleased with yourself. You should come cook with me some night!
Tony Arranaga
29. Apr, 2010
I will definitely take part in your cook with me campaign! My cooking skills are limited, however the dishes I can make are pretty tasty!
Chloe
02. May, 2010
Cooking is my favorite hobby. So as it turns out I am my own worse enemy in this department.
Tony Arranaga
10. May, 2010
I’m going to try and cook at home at least three times this week. I ate out tonight… so we’ll see how the rest of the week goes..