When the holidays hit, it can be tough staying trim with all the rich hot chocolate drinks, irresistible cookies and other yummy calorie-laden foods and beverages. It often feels
like one extended celebration from Thanksgiving through New Year's Day, complete with one continuous buffet of delicious meals, tasty treats and beverages. Even at work, you can't escape as the break room fills up with special goodies too. The good news is you don't have to avoid holiday food like the plague; you can even indulge a little. The trick, however, is to keep up at least some degree of physical activity during this time and no, this does not mean you have to pay gym fees or buy expensive workout gear. Below are some out-of-the-box ideas to increase your physical activity during the holiday festivities.
Shovel Your Driveway. So, you want to indulge in that piece of pecan pie? Go right ahead — and then undo that slice by going out and shoveling your driveway for about an hour and fifteen minutes. Built-up, wet snow can make one hefty workout. Shoveling snow works your lower back muscles, lateral muscles, biceps, triceps, shoulders and abs. You can even work your legs by lunging into your shoveling. Health warning: Snow shoveling is a known trigger for heart attacks. Take frequent breaks. Choose lighter amounts of snow at one time rather than shovel loads full of heavy snow. Stay in tune with your body and if you think you are showing signs of a heart attack call 911 or your local emergency number.
Run or Jog. Stuffing; small chunks of white bread, seasoned and soaked in butter. While full of calories, you don’t have to avoid it. Just 15 minutes of running or jogging around your home or neighborhood can burn off those calories quickly. Another option would be to try out some healthier stuffing recipes such as:
Jumping Jacks. Mashed potatoes are a holiday meal tradition, but the typical recipe equates to unhealthy fats and calories. Not to worry, do 23 minutes of jumping jacks and it will be as if you never ate this traditional comfort food staple. This might seem excessive, but doing your jumping jacks while you enjoy your favorite holiday movie will help to pass the time quickly.
Shopping. There's nothing like going to the mall to catch those "after holiday sales" to save money. And mall shopping means walking. That translates into burning those holiday calories off. You can burn about one calorie every 20 steps. Of course, walking speed and body weight matter too. A 130-pound person can burn up to 140 calories pe
So, instead of torturing yourself trying to avoid all the holiday temptations, focus on sensible control and throw in some physical activity during this busy time.
*See your doctor to be sure you are healthy enough for exercise.