Go The Distance

Although I am a Dietitian this blog is about more than just healthy eating, it's about helping create a healthy lifestyle.  Making a daily caloric balance is not only about calories in but calories out.  In other words, limiting what we eat isn't always enough, we also need to kick up the calories we burn.  So I am going to have you:

Go The Distance

Let me explain what I mean by this.  Find ways in your daily routine to walk a few extra steps.  You may even find it helpful to clip on a pedometer so see trends in your daily distance walked.  If you want a concrete goal, aim for 10,000 steps per day on your pedometer. Here are a few ideas to help you STEP IT UP, and go the distance:

1)  There is something that feels great about getting that front row parking space.  "I did it!  or "My lucky day"  might cross your mind.  But parking at the back of the parking lot so you have to walk farther to get to the door of your destination should provide you with a better sense of accomplishment.  You may find that you actually save time as well, because you won't waste it driving around looking for the "best" spot.  The best part though, you will rack up extra steps.

2)  Take 10 minutes out of your lunch break to take a walk outside.  Doing it before you eat may be your best bet.  After eating you may not feeling like doing too much moving as your circulation goes to your stomach for digestion.  If you have an hour lunch break spend 30 minutes walking and 30 minutes eating.

3) When the mid-afternoon lull hits you, instead of reaching for a caffeinated beverage, try a quick 5-10 minute walk outside.  Even though it may be difficult to get a away, even for 5 minutes, you may find that you are more productive when you get back and in the long run you won't miss those walking minutes one bit.

4)  On the weekends find outdoor activities that require you to walk around.  Visit fairs, expos, the zoo or even a cruise around the mall.

5)  Instead of sitting while you're on the phone pace back and forth or walk around the house, remember every step counts.


Though it doesn't seem like much, increasing your steps can really make a big impact.  Remember if you burn  an extra 50 calories per day that will equal 5 pounds in a year, 100 calories per day and we're talking 10 pounds.  You can easily see how adding these small steps can equal HUGE results.