A fasted 1hr ride before a normal breakfast - maximum per week?

[Jon George]

In an effort to remove about a stone of beer belly acquired over the summer, I have embarked on a daily (week days) fasted ride of just over an hour before my regular breakfast. I popped into my LBS today and the subject came up. The assistant (a keen CX competitor) seemed horrified and recommended limiting these to a maximum of three a week. The original magazine article on cycling fitness which prompted me to try this approach didn't mention anything about restricting the number and I can't find any reputable internet articles to confirm or repudiate. Opinions would be gratefully received.

 

[jack smith]

Just do it as much as you can, i had to loose weight for the paras to get under their rediculous bmi limit i didnt eat for one or two days a week and i would still run/ cycle i was dropping a few kg a day by the end of it cant be healthy but it bloody works.

 

[Stephen C]

I do it 5 days a week before an hours commute, I can't cycle just after eating so to have breakfast before I commute then leave time for it to settle would mean getting up at stupid'o'clock. I've never had any trouble with it, even on days when I've pushed hard, just make sure you refuel sensibly after with a good breakfast.

 

[4F]

Mon to Fri I go to the gym for 45 minutes and then cycle an hour to work. Been doing it now for 4 years with no side effects and only eat when I get into work.

 

[jack smith]

If you really want to drop the lbs you could always fast 1-2 days a week as i say not healthy at all but chuck in a commute to work and your working off fat alone takes dedication not to eat mind its hard work

 

[DaveReading]

Don't do it more than 7 times in any given week.

 

[Shut Up Legs]

For 6 years now, I have a just over 1 hour commute every week day, then have something to eat when I get to work, and my weight has been stable all that time. I just ensure that I drink a glass or 2 of water before I leave.

 

[Mrs M]

Have you tried the 5:2 diet, I've read the book !!
Good luck with your efforts.

 

[Saluki]

Why not just do the 5:2 diet. The pounds shift, it's not a quick fix but a lifestyle choice. I ride fast days (not this week though as it keeps raining)

 

[Jon George]

Don't do it more than 7 times in any given week.

Go get your coat!

 

[winjim]

Don't do it more than 7 times in any given week.

If you're having more than 7 breakfasts a week then I think I can see your problem.

 

[Joshua Plumtree]

Can't see this being a problem. Everyone has more than enough stored energy to cope with an hour's cycling before breakfast!!

 

[screenman]

Only do it on weekends and week days, same as drinking booze.

 

[BigAl68]

Get up at 4am.
Coffee x 1 pot
Leave for work around 5am, 1 hour commute then breakfast at work normally muesli or porridge about 7 to 7.30 every week day

 

[Jon George]

Thanks for all your comments. Fifth straight morning and my body appears to have acclimatised. (Hopefully the gut will begin to recede.) Now all I have to do is to remember there's an increase in do-this-drive-every-morning-so-I'm-not-concentrating numpties about.