Getting back on the Wagon

I haven't posted in a year!! It was probably one of the roughest years I have ever had and things seemed to have calmed down now, so it is time to get back on the wagon. At one point I was down a total of 51 pounds, however I have put about 5 of it back on in the last 6 months or so. Now it's time to finish what I started and get myself healthy and in shape. Lately my eating and exercising habits have been less than stellar, but they are improving. I started slowly adding cardio workouts back into my life a month ago and yesterday did a mile in sixteen and a half minutes on our elliptical. Think it is time to start counting calories again too!

Housework & Calories

One of the main reasons I will put off a work out is if my house is dirty, or the chores are piling up. Instead of feeling guilty for cleaning my house instead of working out, I did some research.

Turns out you can burn a lot of calories doing your everyday routine. Here's some example of calories burned doing everyday tasks around your home. These calculations are per half an hour, so set your timer and get moving!

(Note: These calculations are based on my current weight and will vary somewhat between individuals)

Examples:

1. Cooking - 140 calories

2. Carrying an Infant -195 calories

3. Gardening - 285 calories

4. General Housework - 150 calories

5. Ironing Clothes - 120 calories

6. Loading/Unloading Car - 165 calories

7. Mopping - 235 calories

8. Mowing with a Push Mower - 230 calories

9. Pushing Child in Stroller - 140 calories

10. Putting Away Groceries - 140 calories

11. Raking Leaves - 220 calories

12. Re-arranging Furniture - 350 calories

13. Sex - 225 calories

14. Shopping - 125 calories

15. Shovel Snow - 320 calories

16. Washing the Car - 235 calories

17. Washing Dishes - 120 calories