Let’s be honest: Although you do your best to beat those cravings during the holiday season, there’s a chance you’re probably going to indulge in the not-so-healthy foods. There’s no need to beat yourself up about it – everyone deserves to treat themselves every once in a while.
However, there is such a thing as over indulgence – as the average American consumes more than 4,500 calories during a holiday gathering, according to research from the Calorie Control Council.
If you plan on enjoying all of the sweet and savory treats that come along with the holiday season, don’t worry – all you need to do is make a killer plan for fitness afterwards. Get even with those newly acquired stubborn pounds once the festivities are over with this holiday activity workout plan.
1. Shovel some snow
This activity isn’t usually a part of your typical workout routine, but it can help burn some calories, according to Fitness Magazine. Fitness trainer Luci Gabel told the source that shoveling snow works the lateral and lower back muscles as well as the abs, shoulders, biceps, triceps and legs. In other words, it virtually works your entire body. About 80 minutes of snow shoveling can burn 500 calories, which is equivalent to a slice of pecan pie. Treat yourself to the tasty piece and then head outside to shovel away those calories.
2. Go shopping
What better way to spend the gift cards and money you got from Santa than by going shopping the day after Christmas? Not only will you score on the post-holiday sales, but you can also burn the amount of calories that were in your slice of pumpkin pie! By shopping – or simply window shopping – for two hours, you can burn about 260 calories.
Kick those holiday calories to the curb by shopping after the holidays.3. Go cross-country skiing
Not only can this activity make for great family fun during the holiday season, but it can help you burn off that delicious glass of eggnog you enjoyed on Christmas morning. According to Health magazine, one cup of eggnog contains 223 calories per cup. The combination of sugar, whipped cream, eggs, and the alcoholic additive of your choices adds up to 11 grams of fat, 150 milligrams of cholesterol and 20 grams of sugar. You can drink a glass of the delicious holiday beverage; just make sure to cross-country ski for at least 25 minutes to burn off the calories.
“A 34–minute walk in snowshoes can burn 280 calories.”
4. Take a walk in some snowshoes
While a braised pot roast may be one of the healthier options that hits your plate this holiday season, the calories can add up if you don’t watch portion sizes. There are 280 calories in one 3-ounce serving. Instead of running around during the winter and slipping all over the ice-covered sidewalks, walk around in snowshoes. A simple 34-minute excursion can burn about 280 calories.
5. Go sledding
It may not be the favorite of the sweet dishes, but cranberry sauce always finds a way to hit the table during the holiday season. If you’re a fan of the stuff, you’re in luck. The calorie count isn’t ridiculous – it’s only 110 calories per 1/4 cup. Unfortunately, this canned jelly is made up of high fructose corn syrup, which may contribute to the stubborn pounds added on during Christmas. Instead of worrying about the effects of cranberry sauce, just go sledding. Health magazine said it’ll only take about 15 minutes of this activity to burn those calories.
