A bit of a rut.

Ok, so like I said in my last post (or at least I think I did) I haven't been doing as well with the whole 'eating better' thing the past week. I knew this could come up to kick me in the butt, and sure enough it did. The scale doesn't lie, and I'm definitely off track. DARN.

New rules that this lesson has taught me:

- When going out to dinner, or any meal in fact, get one of the healthiest options on the menu! These may be 3 or 4 dollars more expensive, but it's worth it. Instead of seeing going out as a cheat meal, just think of it as, "Hey! I can buy a really healthy and well put together meal that I couldn't do myself." This applies to any and every restaurant I go to. If I get a salad, get an actual HEALTHY salad. None of this "Fried chicken salad with cheese and heavy dressing." No.

- Exercise is NOT enough alone. Eating well (I don't like the term 'diet.' It sounds restrictive and depressing.') is a huge factor.

- Yes, there will be times when I slip up on exercise or eating right, but I can't kick myself for it. I'm only human, and people make mistakes. Just don't make a habit out of it.

I have also learned I have been doing my cardio exercises a little off. I should put the resistance and stuff lower on the eliptical, otherwise I'll build alot of muscle in my calves (which I have been noticing and is annoying). Instead, do the same time (30 minutes, 2 times a day but instead of at say resistance, 5 and 8, do resistance 2 and 4) It will do a better job of leaning the muscle, not building bulk.

I also need to work up on getting better at running and jogging. It's a great way to slim down.

I have PLENTY of time for exercise, so here's what my modified schedule will be.

MONDAY: Ultimate Conditioning Class at UTA 12:00-12:50, exercise in gym 1:30-2:45

TUESDAY: Gym and/or walk for 2 hours a day, possibly one hour exercise in morning and one in evening.

WEDNESDAY: Pilates Class at UTA 12:00-12:50, exercise in gym 1:30-2:45

THURSDAY: Same for Tuesday

FRIDAY: Same for Tuesday and Thursday

SATURDAY: Pilates DVD at home for 30 minutes, gym for 1.5 hours

SUNDAY: Pretty much same as other days at home. Gym and/or walk

There might be one day of rest if I need it, but honestly, this is pretty much what I do every week (or at least have been doing) I just need to focus on the eating better consistently.

The gym workouts at UTA are pretty much this...

- 2 miles on the track to warm up (this is alternating of power walking and jogging)

- Some weights

- Rowing for 20 minutes or so

- 2 or 3 miles on the bike or eliptical, whichever I feel like

- Another mile on the track if I have time

- End with stretching

The gym workouts at the apartment are pretty much the same each time...

- 3 miles on eliptical

- weights for 15 minutes

- lunges and stretches for 15 minutes

- 3 miles on eliptical

- stretch it out when I get home to apartment

For my walks, or jogs or whatever, I walk to/through Overton Park right by the complex. There are two different routes that I've clocked at 2.5 miles or 4 miles. Just depends whichever I feel like for the day, preferably the 4 if I have time.

So, that's my update and little insight into what my routine is. Like I said, exercise isn't the issue, just the eating better!