How to Burn Calories While Filling Your Holiday Shopping Bags

Posted by Bag The Junk on December 18, 2013

Topics: Physical Activity, Healthy Snacks & Beverages

Balance out your holiday food indulgences by incorporating extra physical activity and healthy eating into your family’s routines. Here are six easy and fun ways to boost your calorie burn while you’re out buying gifts for friends and family:

1. Park farther away from the door when visiting the mall
Pick a parking spot in the back of the lot or down the street from your destination so you can get a few more steps in. If you live in a chilly climate, make sure to bring a hat, scarf and gloves along for you and the kids!

2. Make a few extra laps around the mall
If you plan to visit a few different stores in the mall, make a lap around the whole perimeter in between each stop. Also, skip the escalator and go up and down stairs when you can.

3. Use a basket at the grocery store instead of a cart
If you only have a few items to pick up at the grocery store, skip the cart, suggests a Yahoo! News article. Place a gallon of milk in your basket and you’ll be carrying around ten pounds. Older children could also take a basket and carry some items on the list. Read the full article: http://yhoo.it/18Mwhjh

4. Do bicep curls with shopping bags while waiting in line
The same Yahoo! News article encourages adults to try repetitions of 15 to 20 curls with a shopping bag while waiting in line at a store. http://yhoo.it/18Mwhjh

5. Pack healthy, grab-and-go snacks
Don’t count on the mall food court, which is filled mostly with fatty snacks and sugary beverage options. Plan ahead and pack your own bottled water, trail mix or apple slices for the family. Or try some of our other favorite on-the-go, nutritious snacks: http://bit.ly/14IVkPG

6. Turn on holiday music while driving around town and encourage kids to move
As you drive to different stores, have younger kids act out classic holiday songs with their arms or see what dance moves they can do with their upper bodies while staying safely buckled in.

How do you fit in exercise and healthy eating during your holiday shopping trips? Tweet us @BagtheJunk, write on our Facebook wall, or leave a comment below.

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