Christmas is fast approaching!
Don`t panic! I have compiled a list of calorie burning activities that might help you stay on track this Christmas.
As much as we look forward to this time of year, and all that comes with it (the friends, the family, and of course, the food!) it’s hard to escape the stress that it can often bring.
“Exercise routine? Heh.
Healthy eating? Forget about it.”
Sound like you? Between the cooking, cleaning, traveling, decorating, shopping, and entertaining, how can you fit in your normal exercise routine? Or even a shorter exercise routine? Well, if you’re like most “normal” Brits, you’ve probably bitten off more than you can chew when it comes to responsibilities. So, here’s a list of common Christmas activities and the number of calories they burn.
The best advice I can offer to anyone on a long term weight loss and body shape journey is to be realistic, plan meals ahead if you can and relax if you fall of the wagon every now and then…it is normal. You can keep your caloric intake in check (by keeping portions small and making healthier recipe substitutions), and by adding up these common activities—like cooking and cleaning—you can still burn a hefty sum of calories without setting foot in the gym.
Bathing dog (to look and smell pretty for guests!): 15 minutes = 56 calories
Wrapping gifts or making gifts : 30 minutes = 48
Bagging grass & leaves: 30 minutes = 127 calories
Light baking (of all your favorite treats): 1 hour = 159 calories
Tending bar for guests (not drinking it yourself! Ah go on then!): 1 hour = 146 calories
Changing bed linens (for the out-of-towners): 15 minutes = 40 calories
Loading & Unloading the car (suitcases, shopping, kids): 10 minutes = 32 calories
Carrying shopping (er…an excuse for more sale shopping perhaps?): 5 minutes = 13 calories
Taking out rubbish: 2 minutes = 5 calories
Carrying wood or lumber (Marshmallows not included): 5 minutes = 26 calories
General to heavy house cleaning: 1 hour = 191 calories
Clearing dishes from the table: 5 minutes = 13 calories
Washing dishes by hand: 15 minutes = 37 calories Dusting: 15 minutes = 40 calories
Family reunion (includes sitting, talking and eating…not fighting): 1 hour = 95 calories
Food preparation: 1 hour = 195 calories
Putting away groceries: 5 minutes = 13 calories
Quick walk after dinner: 15 minutes = 95 calories
Light jogging (to get away from scary relatives): 15 minutes = 127 calories
Mowing lawn (pushing power mower): 20 minutes = 95 calories Mopping floors: 15 minutes = 56 calories
Playing catch (baseball or football): 30 minutes = 79 calories
Raking lawn: 30 minutes = 137 calories
Grocery shopping (with cart): 30 minutes = 73 calories
Grocery shopping (with basket): 30 minutes = 79 calories
Socialising while standing: 1 hour = 127 calories
So, if you’re finding it impossible to get to the gym, try something new this year…like NOT avoiding the extra holiday chores. Your partner and/or host will be happy, and so will you for keeping your waistline in check.
Keep active, have fun and enjoy your Christmas time.
Rachel Benton
Personal Training
Bedford, UK
www.rachelbenton.co.uk
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