5 Fast Ways to Walk Off the Weight This Winter

One of the things I love about The Digest Diet 21-day weight loss plan is its simple but incredibly effective exercise routine. You won’t be spending hours sweating at the gym or doing any kind of crazy weight-lifting program. Instead, we suggest a 12-minute (you read that right!) fat releasing weight loss circuit, coupled with fun, one-minute activity bursts, like dancing or a few quick jumping jacks—and a lot of walking. During the holidays it can be particularly tough to wedge in a stroll, but here are my five surefire strategies to squeeze in waist-slimming, calorie burning walks.

1.The De-stress-Me Walk

If you’re anything like, oh, 99% of us, balancing shopping, travel, work and home life can be trying. But when you're ready to hit the wall, hit the road instead. According to research presented at the American College of Sports Medicine’s recent annual meeting, the mood benefits of exercise last up to 12 times longer than we used to think. If that means a half-hour walk can make me relaxed for up to a half a day, I’ll take it!

2. The Let’s-Meet-at-the-Holiday-Party Walk

Whether you’re meeting your friends or heading out to the company cocktail, make the hike on foot. If you can't, take out this old chestnut: Find a parking spot as far away as possible, or get off the bus or train a stop before you need to. Then power-walk the difference on foot. Not only will you arrive with a healthy glow, but since exercise boosts your mood, you’ll also arrive in celebratory spirits. Get a big glass of water and start the party.

3.The Snowy Day Walk

Think flurries are the perfect opt-out excuse? Think again! I find something really invigorating about taking a stroll around my neighborhood when there's snow. Take in the sights, enjoy the quiet serenity, and get an extra workout for your calves when walking up snow-covered hills. Turn up your favorite tunes if you want, and catch a few flakes on your tongue!

4. The Mini-Walk

I like to call this “Walking Lite” even though it’s equally powerful in terms of fat burn. For really packed days where you can’t fit in a good 45-minute walk, just block out three separate 15-minute strolls. You’ll get the same health and fitness gains, and even keep your metabolism burning at full-throttle throughout the day to amp up your weight loss.

5. The I-Have-No-Time-For-A-Walk Walk

If you truly have no time to fit in a walk, take solace in this: Research shows sprinkling in plenty of short breaks throughout the day (even if it was just a one-minute trip to the watercooler) gives you a smaller waist. If you’ll excuse me, I’m off to grab that glass of H20!

More from Reader's Digest:

• 5 Diet Foods That Can Make You Fat
• 27 Foods You Should Never Buy Again
• 1-Minute Fat Releasing Workouts That Work
• The Best, Proven Ways to Keep Off Holiday Party Pounds
• 5 Non-Food Ways to Boost Your Mood

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