Let’s be honest – December is about indulgence.
And rightly so.
It’s the time of year for parties, good food, good wine, and memories with friends and family.
But let’s not pretend it doesn’t make weight loss – or even weight control – a serious challenge.
Enter damage limitation mode.
Let’s Set the Scene
Research by Wren Kitchens suggests the average person consumes 6,000 calories on Christmas Day alone.
That’s the equivalent of almost three days’ worth of calories in just one sitting.
Now add in Christmas lunches, office parties, mince pies, mulled wine, and the odd cheese board, and the festive calories pile up quickly.
But here’s the good news:
If you plan ahead, you can bank some calorie credit to balance the indulgence without missing out on the fun.
The Math of Christmas Credit
To offset 6,000 calories by Christmas:
Start now. With 24 days to go, that’s an extra 250 calories burned per day.
But let’s be realistic.
Factor in festive meals and events, and you’ll likely want to double that to 500 calories per day to stay ahead.
This isn’t about perfection – it’s about building a buffer so you can enjoy the season guilt-free.
Let’s Make This Super Simple
Here’s how to burn an extra 500 calories a day with minimal disruption to your routine:
1. Add a Brisk Walk or Run (30–60 minutes)
• A 30-minute brisk walk burns roughly 200 calories.
• Push it to 60 minutes, or add some light jogging, and you’re looking at 400–500 calories.
2. Incorporate a Mini Circuit Workout (20 minutes)
• Alternate between bodyweight exercises like squats, press-ups, and lunges for a quick calorie burn.
• 20 minutes of moderate-to-high-intensity work can torch 200–300 calories.
3. Take the Stairs Whenever Possible
• If you have stairs at home or work, climbing for 10 minutes can burn around 100 calories.
• Spread it across the day, and it adds up fast.
4. Get Outside and Move
• Whether it’s chopping firewood, playing with the kids, or doing some gardening, outdoor activities burn serious calories.
Why This Will Make You “Fit for Future & Family”
The Christmas season isn’t just about enjoying indulgence – it’s about doing so without guilt or stress.
By banking calorie credit, you’re investing in balance.
It’s about staying active so you can feel strong and energetic while still enjoying every bite of Christmas dinner.
And it’s about showing your family and yourself that health isn’t about sacrifice – it’s about strategy.
Because when you plan ahead, you’re not just preparing for one day – you’re building habits that keep you fit for the future.
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