Its splurge day. Everyone deserves a break, just don't over do it.

Let's talk Cardio!  When I fist started working out I couldn't believe how many calories I was burning.  After 6+ months I learned that the machines lie.  Some more than others.  I now use a heart rate monitor and it gives me a more exact number without trying to guess how far off the machines are.  Here's a breakdown on my 90min cardio workout:
50min elliptical: 45min of interval training and 5min cool down.  I do 5 min segments.  1 minute backwards, 3 min keeping my heart rate above 155 and 1 min all out as fast as I can go.  I have worked my resistance up to level 13 and use the random program. 
35min crossramp: I use the interval setting set at lever 12.  6 min intervals with 4min forwards and 2 min backwards.  I try to keep my heartrate above 150. 

Here is the calorie breakdown:
Elliptical: According to machine-562 calories, According to my monitor- 421 calories.  I find the the higher the resistance, the less the difference in calories.  In the beginning I was closer to 250 calories different. 
Crossramp: According to machine-312 calories.  According to my monitor-267
*See pictures*

Why the difference?  The machines do not account for your gender, many of them your age, or your height.  The heart rate monitor does.  An in shape 20 year old man is not going to burn the same amount of calories as a 50 year old out of shape woman.  A heart rate monitor can completely change your workouts.  Just ask my husband who finally got one about a year ago.  We like the polar brand. 

8-apple...............................................100 Calories
  -toast with cream cheese and apple butter............75 Calories
90min Cardio and stretching......................700 Calories
11-carrots............................................35 Calories
12-hard boiled egg white only................20 Calories
2-Banana and crystal light......................115 Calories
4-Oatmeal.............................................245 Calories
6:30-small salad.....................................150 Calories
       -broiled fish with double vegetable...........350 Calories
8:30-1 cup cereal....................................150 Calories
       -2 chocolates................................150 Calories
       *or a piece of smith island cake......................I don't even want to know Calories.