OK, now for something a little different . . .
I'm a 42 yr. old, male, "fast" recreational cyclist (about 6,000 miles/yr.),
6'2", currently down to 158 lbs. My scale puts my fat at about 2% - 6% (yes, I know those things aren't very accurate). I don't race, but I do an "uphill time-trial" to calculate my power output. I definitely feel and ride better -- and even climb faster -- on those rare occasions when I'm a bit heavier, perhaps 165-170 lbs. (My power output on the climb is at least 10% higher then.) I know its supposed to be "calories in vs. calories out," but all that happens when I eat more is more frequent bowel movements. (Every now and then my weight goes up or down for no apparent reason -- like when I gain 10 pounds on an 80 mile/day tour, or lose 10 pounds over the winter when using the indoor trainer only a few hours a week.) Is there any way to gain the extra pounds -- and keep them on -- that I need? People say I look "too skinny" -- the same people who are shocked at how much food I can devour! I've tried digestive enzymes and probiotics to no avail. (I know it doesn't help that I'm a mailman who has to walk over 10 miles/day!) I know bodybuilders use protein, but I checked my intake once, and was shocked to discover I already consume about 220 - 250 grams of it a day, WAY more than recommended for my weight. (My caloric intake is about 3,500 - 5,500/day.) Any ideas . . . or do I just have to go to an all-you-can-eat buffet every night?
Paul A(lpe d' Huez) Kossa
I'm a 42 yr. old, male, "fast" recreational cyclist (about 6,000 miles/yr.),
6'2", currently down to 158 lbs. My scale puts my fat at about 2% - 6% (yes, I know those things aren't very accurate). I don't race, but I do an "uphill time-trial" to calculate my power output. I definitely feel and ride better -- and even climb faster -- on those rare occasions when I'm a bit heavier, perhaps 165-170 lbs. (My power output on the climb is at least 10% higher then.) I know its supposed to be "calories in vs. calories out," but all that happens when I eat more is more frequent bowel movements. (Every now and then my weight goes up or down for no apparent reason -- like when I gain 10 pounds on an 80 mile/day tour, or lose 10 pounds over the winter when using the indoor trainer only a few hours a week.) Is there any way to gain the extra pounds -- and keep them on -- that I need? People say I look "too skinny" -- the same people who are shocked at how much food I can devour! I've tried digestive enzymes and probiotics to no avail. (I know it doesn't help that I'm a mailman who has to walk over 10 miles/day!) I know bodybuilders use protein, but I checked my intake once, and was shocked to discover I already consume about 220 - 250 grams of it a day, WAY more than recommended for my weight. (My caloric intake is about 3,500 - 5,500/day.) Any ideas . . . or do I just have to go to an all-you-can-eat buffet every night?
Paul A(lpe d' Huez) Kossa