Fitness Food for Thought

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

10 Dec 2008 07:26 PM

"Don't Let the Cold Weather Derail Your Fitness Routine," "Making Workouts a Priority During the Holiday Season," "Don't Let the Holidays Ruin Your Fitness Routine"--BAH HUMBUG!

I know, I know. I was the one who wrote the aforementioned blogs, but honestly, I'm too tired to brush my hair let alone hit the gym for a workout. And I know I'm not alone. So, for all of you regular gym goers who are desperately looking for someone to support your decision to take a break from exercising today, you've come to the right place.

In fact, I actually found a fitness expert who doesn't look down on people who slack off a bit during the holiday season. Tom Weede, a certified health and fitness says the holidays are "a time to have fun and be with family and friends, and if you have a rigid attitude toward your diet and exercise, you may end up just giving up because you've set the standard too high."

Weede suggest that we allow ourselves some "cheat" days because in reality, what matters is the overall total calories we consume and the overall total we expend through physical activity over the entire holiday period.

"One or two splurges aren't going to torpedo your efforts," Weede says.

That said I've compiled a list of some popular holiday foods and the calories contained in each. Whereas I plan to indulge in my favorite dishes this month I also plan to keep track of the calories I'm consuming. After all, calories do add up and I still have that marathon to run.

Don't deprive yourself; enjoy the moment of splurging, then return to your original fitness routine.

Chew on this information:

Dark meat turkey, no skin, 3.5 oz., 187 calories 7.2 fat

Carrots, plain with salt, 1/2 cup serving, 26 calories 0 fat

Cranberry sauce, 1 slice, 1/2-inch thick, 86 calories 0 fat

Stuffing, 1/2 cup, 178 calories 8.6 fat

Gravy, 1/4 cup, 30 calories 2 fat

Pecan pie, 1/8 of 9-inch pie, 502 calories 27 fat

Eggnog, 1 cup serving, 342 calories 18 grams of fat Activities and the number of calories they burn for a 150-pound person:

Stationary bike: 504 calories/hour

Elliptical trainer: 648 calories/hour

Stairmaster: 432 calories/hour

Running (11.5 min/mile): 648 calories/hour

Walking (17 min/mile): 288 calories/hour

Related Articles:

Don't Let the Cold Weather Derail Your Fitness Routine

How to Make Workouts a Priority During the Holiday Season

Don't Let the Holidays Ruin Your Fitness Routine

Looking for a Treadmill this Christmas?

How Often Do You Use Your Home Gym?

Bad Things Happen When You Stop Going to the Gym

Getting Fit: No More Excuses

Exercise and Music

Why am I so Sore?

Creating a Challenging Workout Routine

Exercising on the Road: No Excuses

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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