How to log Christmas Shopping

I don't get why so many people are saying, "It's not exercise so don't log it." I call BS. Anything that is out of your 'normal' daily activities I would log. Mostly because when you are running around for hours on end like that you may find yourself hungrier. Then instead of just eating something small like a 100 or 200 calorie snack you put it off and then end up going over later because you are STARVED. I did that recently and got a MASSIVE headache and paid for it. So, if I am just going to the grocery store or light shopping with friends, no I wouldn't count. But if you plan on being out and walking and pushing carts and picking things up and carrying them around for 6+ hours, I would count something. I wouldn't count all though. Maybe one or two hours of walking lightly, add in a small snack, log it all, and call it a day. Or you can just go over cals a bit and let it go. But I wouldn't not count it and not have the snack if it is going to make you crazy at a later time. Some people can't stand being over and it will bug them. I don't mind it and usually don't log it and just go over and move on.

I'm going to start logging BMs, brushing my teeth, and shaving.

I'm another that will log any walking that is outside of my usual routine. A day out in the shops leaves me with sore feet and some fatigue, so I will eat more on a day like that.

I usually use the 2mph walk, whether or not I am carrying anything, or might be moving a little faster. And round generously down to the nearest hour, accounting for periods sitting or just standing.

I've maintained steadily for long enough to know this works if you're honest with yourself about how much outside of your usual activity level it is.

Agree about not logging it unless...........

You "hurdle" other shoppers to get a better place in line, have to stab someone multiple times to get the last TV (or whatever) on sale, or constantly shove little kids out of the way - think football drills for linemen.

http://www.sciplus.com/p/SMART-PEDOMETER-FOR-STEPSDISTANCECALORIES-_51769

I did the same -- shopping from 11:00 am - 9:00 pm. I logged it in as walking at a slow pace for 1 hour. It just made me feel better to know I was getting some exercise during this crazy shopping day!

Happy Holidays

I just don't agree. I did my shopping at an outlet mall and had to walk for ages to get to the stores I wanted, then split up with the wife and walked the entire mall again buying things for her. I ended up walking almost six miles at quite a clip. I logged it, and yes, I assumed 100 calories per mile (that number for each mile is pretty accepted). I don't typically walk that much in a day, so I see no reason not to log it as a walking workout. I lost weight this week, just like every other week since I started, so it was the right thing for me.

It sounds to me like different people have different approaches to their holiday shopping. Just log what you think is right according to what you know about yourself, your usual activity level, and how much of an activity you do on an unusual day. And be nice to other people. Even on a message board.