Burning Those Calories

There are so many different theories about burning calories and losing weight, as well as different ways to accurately measure the number of calories burned. Of course that also brings out humorous ways to burn calories. For example: climbing the walls- 150, jumping to conclusions- 100, etc. While fun to read, not exactly useful when you really want to know the number of calories burned.

The American Dietetic Association states that you must burn off 3,500 calories more than you take in to lose 1 pound. But there are some things that you do on an everyday basis that does burn calories such as sleeping, breathing and even sitting (a personal favorite ofmany).

Of course more strenuous activities burn up more calories. And, did you know that the number of calories that you burn during exercise also depends on the time of day? For instance it is said that during early morning workouts you will burn 10 percent more fat and calories. Don't get too excited though because you have an endurance peak usually between 3 and 7 PM. So, you could work out harder at that time and feel less exerted than a lower intensity morning session.

For those of you that would normally use "no time" as an excuse not to exercise during the holiday season, you really don't need an excuse because with certain activities you are burning those calories. Here are a few: Shopping for 2 hours burns 468 calories, wrapping presents for 2 hours burns 102, cleaning the house prior to a party for 2 hours burns 476 calories. And one just for the guys, you do not need an excuse for your childish behavior any longer because sledding (with or without the kids) for 2 hours burns 476 calories. So grab the sled, children optional, and head for your favorite hill.