The calorie pay-off

By Dr Wynnie Chan

Bet you didn’t realise that your normal routine can actually pass for a workout in a pinch. Here’s a list of how many calories you might be blasting throughout the day, without even realising it

If you’re drinking a small latte as you read this article, then a trip to the gym isn’t necessary – doing normal office work like typing or filing for 80 minutes will burn it off. Of course, we all need to exercise regularly to stay healthy, but some days it’s OK to get by, doing activities from our list below to keep your calories in check.

If you eat a 68g Mars bar containing around 300 calories
You’ll need to walk for 90 minutes at a moderate pace to burn off 306 calories

If you eat a medium baked potato topped with tuna and sweetcorn containing around 626 calories
You’ll need to dance for 150 minutes to burn off 630 calories

If you eat a slice of brown toast with low fat spread and jam containing around 151 calories
You’ll need to do the washing up for 90 minutes to burn off 153 calories

If you eat a medium apple containing around 53 calories
You’ll need to sleep for 53 minutes to burn off 53 calories

If you eat a bowl of green salad with French dressing containing around 122 calories
You’ll need to peel potatoes for 90 minutes to burn off 126 calories

If you eat a 40g pack of crisps containing around 218 calories
You’ll need to hoover and clean the house for 60 minutes to burn off 222 calories

If you eat a roast dinner with medium portions of roast beef, carrots, sprouts and roast potatoes containing around 631 calories
You’ll need to dig holes in the garden for 150 minutes to burn off 645 calories

If you eat a medium portion of cod and chips containing around 838 calories
You’ll need to jog for 130 minutes to burn off 858 calories

If you eat a 125g pot of fruit yoghurt containing around 131 calories
You’ll need to read a book for 110 minutes to burn off 132 calories

If you drink a small banana and strawberry smoothie with semi skimmed milk containing around 106 calories
You’ll need to care for a toddler (change nappies and walk up and down the stairs) for 50 minutes to burn off 110 calories