How Long Does it Take to Burn Off the Latte I Had This Morning? by Dr. Ryan Hewitt

Ever wondered how many calories you burn when you walk?

There are some simple formulas you can use to determine how many calories are being burned according to your weight and how fast you are walking.

3.0 miles/hour (20-minute mile): Burns .027 calories/pound/minute.

3.5 miles/hour (17 minute mile): Burns .033 calories/pound/minute.

4.0 miles/hour (15 minute mile): Burns .042 calories/pound/minute.

4.5 miles/hour (13 minute mile): Burns .047 calories/pound/minute.

Take the number of calories/pound/minute you burn and multiply it by your weight and then by the number of minutes you walk.

For example, if you weigh 150 pounds and walk a 20-minute mile for 60 minutes, you multiply 150 by .027, then multiple the result (4.5) by 60. You burn 270 calories.  In other words: One grande café latte from Starbucks, or one poppy seed bagel, or 6 cups of cooked broccoli.  Have you ever tried to eat 6 cups of cooked broccoli?  Yikes.

So pick up the pace!  You must have a mild sweat on when you’re done walking.  Have a proud sense of satisfaction like you just did the planet a favor.  A short four-mile trip that you walk instead of drive keeps about fifteen pounds of pollutants out of the air we breathe.  You save money, reduce your stress, gain some health, improve your flexibility, and increase your metabolism.  But above all else, you make a fantastic contribution to your wellness account.  Remember, prosperous health and fitness compound over time, just like your financial investments. So go bank some exercise!