Every four years we get an extra day on the calendar on February 29, 2012. Most people will move on auto-pilot through the day as if nothing is any different. For those who complain that they never have extra time or can’t find the time to do healthy things for themselves, we’d like to point out the additional 24 hours added to 2012. We realize that work, school, chores, and obligations must go on, and that few people will truly have an entire day to themselves. What we do suggest is trying to do at least one thing on the 29th that you wouldn’t ordinarily do.

Life is too short to waste any time on any day, but with the gift of an entire extra day, we say embrace it and get as much out of it as you can! Here are some fun ways to spend the day doing healthy, positive things for yourself and those around you, all inspired by the number 29.

1. Do 29 minutes of yoga.

2. Walk for 29 minutes of your lunch break.

3. Go on a 29 mile bike ride.

4. Swim 29 laps.

5. Do 29 random nice things for other people.

6. Drink 29 ounces of water.

7. Then, drink another 29 ounces of water.

8. Treat yourself to a 29 minute massage.

9. Create a new playlist with 29 of your favorite songs.

10. Wake up 29 minutes earlier to give yourself time to start the day without rushing.
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See more Empty Calories right here in the blog each week, or receive one each month when you subscribe to our free newsletter.
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By Rachel Berman RD, Director of Nutrition at CalorieCount.com

Over the river and through the woods or wherever else you plan to go this year, traveling for the holidays can throw a wrench into your healthy lifestyle efforts. From impulse snack buys to big sit-down dinners, it is true many Americans gain about a pound each holiday season that sticks and accumulates over the years. Despite hectic holiday travel, you can avoid that pound or more by following a few easy steps.

Plan Ahead

Packing healthy snacks is always a smart decision when you are on the go. If there is a chance you may get stuck in an airport or in traffic, plan ahead to stave off your hunger with an easy-to-pack snack like trail mix, a protein bar, fresh fruit, a peanut butter sandwich on whole grain bread, or any other non-perishable snack. With nutritious, tasty options at your fingertips, you will not be as tempted by less-than-ideal snacks for sale and will be less likely to show up at your destination ravenous, ready to overeat. In addition, waiting many hours between meals can contribute to a slower metabolism. So if you think you should skip the snack and save the calories for later, think again.

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Ah, Christmastime! From fond family memories to delectably sweet treats, this time of year holds a special place in many of our hearts. When I think of Christmas, one of the first things I think of is Christmas cookies.

However, the heavy emphasis on cookie recipes during this time of the year can be a disaster waiting to happen for those who prioritize healthy eating. On one hand, you don’t want to ingest all the fat, sugar and calories found in your typical easy cookie recipe. On the other hand, you don’t want to be a Grinch and thumb your nose at all that holiday cheer. What is a healthy eater to do?

Compromise, of course! This holiday season, you can have your cookie and eat it, too. When you make Christmas cookie recipes at home using wholesome ingredients like whole wheat flour, skim milk, all-natural margarine alternatives, you can make healthy cookie recipes perfect for the season. Here are my 10 favorite Christmas cookie recipes:

Gingerbread Men – What makes this recipe so great for your health is that it has no milk or eggs in it at all, plus it uses all-natural, no-calorie stevia instead of sugar.

Sugar Cutout Cookies – Sugar cookie recipes are usually the most dangerous baked goods because they are not filling at all. This vegan recipe uses whole wheat pastry flour and stevia to make it light and sweet, yet healthy.
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