It's that time again. Diet time. Ok, I really prefer to call it something like Health & Fitness Improvement... I have really got to get some of these excess weight off. To be at my 'ideal' weight, I need to lose about 100 pounds. Right now I'd be happy to see a steady loss of 5 to 10 pounds a month.

I'm trying the Flat Belly Diet by Prevention. I chose it because it allows really good things like nuts, and olive oil, and avocados, and dark chocolate. They call them MUFA's ~~ which, for the life of me, I can't remember what that stands for *shaking head in disbelief*. Something about healthy unsaturated fats ~~ and you have to have some with every single meal & snack. I'm hoping I won't feel too deprived.

I start tomorrow with breakfast. There's a 4 day jumpstart, then a 28 day program, which you keep repeating as long as you need to.

I think the main challenges are going to be:

• Making sure I eat every four hours
• Making sure I get everything for breakfast, lunch & snack prepared the night before
• Dinner at home with family
• Weekends, when my schedule is not structured at all

I've been going to the gym regularly the past few weeks ~~ at least 2 times a week for at least an hour each time. I've been doing mainly cardio work ~~ at least 1/2 hour on the elliptical & another 1/2 hour or so on the rowing machine. I really like the rowing machine ~~ a nice full body work out, cardio with strength/toning. Between the two, I do feel it the next day, in a good way. And according to my heart monitor, I'm getting & keeping my heart rate in the proper zone while exercising & burning massive amounts of calories. I really need to add at least one more day, ideally two, to get the best results. Looking at the Yoga, Pilates & Aquaerobics classes at the gym, but right now they are filled to overflowing. I'm hoping they empty out in the next month or so.

And I'm hoping some exercise & weight lost will help with my back pain. My right hip has been very painful lately... I've been to the chiropractor & it's helping, plus I am constantly doing pelvic tilts, hamstring stretches & such to try and make it better.

There is exactly one month 'til our vacation, and I'd really like to be a little bit lighter, thinner, firmer.

Wish me luck :)