Calorie Burning

With the gloom out there today I found myself daydreaming of sunshine and outdoor fun.  I recently read an article comparing some popular snacks to the equivalent amount of exercise a 150-pound (68kg) person would have to do to burn off these goodies and thought I’d share.             

Item	Calories	Equivalent Outdoor Activity & Time
New York Fries- Regular (200g)	580	Doubles Tennis- 1 hour 55 min
Starbucks Cinnamon Dolce Latte – Venti (20oz.)	410	Jogging- 50 min
Starbucks Banana Loaf (115g)	430	Swimming Laps- 1 hour 5 min
Tim Hortons Apple Fritter (95g)	300	Brisk Walking- 1 hour

Speaking of walking, a recent study has shown that walkers consume less chocolate on average vs. non-walkers, and a 15-minute brisk walk can actually curb chocolate cravings. 

Keep in mind it’s recommended that we participate in at least 2 ½ hours of moderate to vigorous activity each week (regardless of intake!). 

Sources:

Appetite 58:387, 2012

Arizona State University Healthy Lifestyles Research Center (http://sites.google.com/site/compendiumofphysicalactivities/home)

Health Canada 2011.  Eating Well with Canada’s Food Guide.  HC Pub.: 4651