3-4 Days

The goal per week is 3-4 days a week. I would be happy with 3-4 days a week. In my post "The Cycle Continues" I talked about my desire to get back into a real workout routine, one that simply does not start and stop without any consistency. I have pursued that goal and have succeeded some weeks and have been less successful on others. But the goal is still underway and the fact that I'm continuing regardless, now on week five is a great step in the right direction.

In case you're curious here is what my workout schedule has looked like in regards to what days I've participated and what days I've sat out. As you can see the first two weeks were perfect - 4 good days a week. Week three wavered a bit and week four was especially difficult with a little person in our house setting much of the schedule in the morning and evenings. I give exceptional props to you mothers out there that are also working out regularly-you guys rock! This week (wk 5) has just begun.

This evening in my Nutrition class we talked about some suggested LIFESTYLE STRATEGIES in regards to our health and eating habits. I thought these strategies were simple and to the point, but can also give us all some thinking points regarding ways we can easily change our lifestyle gradually for the better.

• Be Realistic - make small changes first, not great leaps: such as regularly taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or going ahead and taking the far away parking spot instead of waiting for the "VIP" close spot to the store, begin working out once a week instead of expecting yourself to do 3 or 4 times right away, etc.
• Be Adventurous - expand your taste buds and give yourself and your family variety, add new vegetables and fruits to your food choices.
  
• Be Flexible - balance food and exercise - do not fret about it happening every day, but throughout the week work to balance your food and exercise as a whole. If you desire to maintain weight, consume as many calories as you burn off, if you desire to lose weight, work to burn more calories than you consume.
• Be Sensible - savor your food, give yourself a chance to enjoy it and acknowledge that you're getting full, put your meal on a lunch plate rather than a dinner plate to help keep your portions correct, add activity to your day.
• Be Active - walk your dog, go to the gym, play with your kids outside in an active way... there are ways every day we can be active.