If the idea of tying up the laces of those running shoes doesn’t appeal to you, or if you don’t have the time to even think about working out, you’re in luck. Some of your regular daily activities make an excellent way to get moving and burn off that extra helping of stuffing from the holidays. Check out the following everyday movements and how many calories you lose without even knowing it. The numbers are based on a 150-pound person – a heavier person will use more calories.

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Cooking

74 calories/30 minutes

Keep your budget – and your waistline – in check by tossing that take-out menu and spending time creating a healthful meal, complete with whole grains, fruits and vegetables. During a 30-minute meal preparation, you’ll burn about 74 calories. Beat the urge to snack while you cook and you'll be even better off. Instead, while you wait, get active with simple exercises. For example, try calf raises – rising onto the pads of your feet and holding, feeling the strain in your calves – or counter pushups, similar to traditional pushup but placing your hands on the countertop and angling your feet away.

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Shoveling snow

202.5 calories/30 minutes

Keeping the driveway clear in winter is a necessary evil. Give your child a break and do yourself a favor by getting outside with an old-fashioned shovel to rid your sidewalk of that pretty, but dangerous, mess. Thirty minutes of shoveling can rid you of about 202.5 calories.

Shopping

243 calories/hour

Hit a mall or wander the aisles of a grocery store for some enjoyable cardio. One hour of shopping burns about 243 calories –even standing in line takes off about 47 calories. To burn more, park farther away from the entrance. In the grocery store, carry a basket rather than push a cart and take your time scanning the shelves of the health food section, stocking up on foods rich in nutrients.

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Watching TV

72 calories/hour

Your body can burn about 72 calories while watching an hour-long television show. Just avoid the common downfall of eating while watching. You can easily get caught up in the show or movie and continue snacking until its end, ignoring the familiar full feeling. Save food for table time and instead do abdominal exercises. For example, sitting straight with feet on the floor and your tummy tucked, twist as far as you can to each side and hold for 10 seconds, feeling the contraction. During commercials, you can do crunches on the floor.

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Desk work

65 calories/hour