Exercises That Will Burn Off 9 Insanely Delicious Summer Foods

I love to eat in the summer. Okay, fine: I love to eat year-round, but there is nothing like strolling to a local park with a lobster roll from my favorite Brooklyn lobster shack, or nibbling a fresh and vibrant insalata caprese while I sit out on the deck with a glass of wine or a refreshing summer cocktail. Yes, eating (especially al fresco) is one of the most glorious ways to celebrate these hot summer days. What I don’t love is all the exercising I have to do to burn all the calories from my summer favorites. But, I do have to exercise because I don’t want to have to invest in a new wardrobe for fall.

I get seriously bored of doing the same ol’ thing at the gym all the time. That’s why I talked to Jessica Bailey, a certified personal trainer and fitness instructor in New York City. She’s whipped me into shape many times over the years, and she had some seriously cool exercise ideas to burn off your favorite summer grub. Check out this slideshow to get some inspiration, but keep this in mind: “These calorie burn estimates depend on the length of time that you exercise,” says Bailey. “Everyone burns calories at a different rate depending on your muscle mass, your size, etc.” With that in mind, these estimates are based on a 140-pound woman, so alter accordingly, and get movin’!

More on Exercise:

Cool Exercises to Burn Off Summer Favorites

Lobster Roll

Calories: 436

The Burn: Nothing says summer like a lobster roll! Unfortunately, at nearly 450 calories you're gonna have to work hard to work it off. Bailey suggests taking a fun and funky Zumba class, which burns (on average) about 450 calories per hour.

Recipe Idea: Try this Classic Lobster Roll from Momtastic.

Photo: Getty
Corn on the Cob with Butter

Calories: 155

The Burn: "Stretching for one hour will burn an average of 160 calories," says Bailey. Sounds like a long time to stretch, but once you've lengthened everything from your neck and shoulders to your quads, calves, and ankles, you'll be ready for a yummy ear of corn!

Recipe Idea: Try this spicy Corn on The Cob with Paprika-Butter from Momtastic.

Photo: Getty
Cheeseburger & Fries

Calories: 875

The Burn: Treat yourself to the burger and fries, but skip the guilt by going rollerblading. "On average, rollerblading burns 860 calories, if you do it for one hour," says Bailey.

Recipe Idea: Lighten things up with this Ranch Spiced Turkey Burger from Momtastic.

Photo: Flickr/M021229
Guacamole & Chips

Calories: 425

The Burn: Guacamole is the quintessential summer dip, but when you factor in the fat from the avocados and the deep fried tortilla chips, you'll need to take a one-hour Barre class (which burns up to 500 calories) to work it off.

Recipe Ideas: Look no further than the Best Guacamole Recipe Ever from Momtastic.

Photo: Momtastic
Insalata Caprese

Calories: 236

The Burn: A mozzarella and tomato salad sounds light and summery, but it'll still cost you nearly 300 calories. According to the American Council on Exercise, Kettle Bells burn about 20 calories per minute. You could knock it out in under 15 minutes!

Recipe Idea: For a morning twist, try this Caprese Avocado Breakfast Toast with Basil Pesto from Momtastic.

Photo: Getty
Spare Ribs

Calories: 280

The Burn: Time to pump it up! In order to burn off a finger-licking plate of barbecue pork spare ribs, Bailey suggests lifting weights for 1 hour.

Recipe Idea: Sweeten things up with these Apple Pork Ribs from Momtastic.

Photo: Getty
Ice Cream Sandwich

Calories: 220

The Burn: If you want to cool down with an ice cream sandwich this summer, you might want to try this first: "Pole dancing burns about 250 calories in an hour," says Bailey. It's a great way to spice up a boring workout routine (and get an ice cream reward!).

Recipe Idea: Try these Low-Calorie Ice Cream Sandwiches from Momtastic.

Photo: Getty
Strawberry Shortcake

Calories: 370

The Burn: Nothing says summer like fresh berries and cool whipped cream, but if you want to indulge, you're going to need to do running intervals on the treadmill. "Half an hour should average about 350-500 calories," says Bailey.

Recipe Idea: For a twist, try this Grilled Strawberry Shortcake idea on Momtastic.

Photo: Getty
Strawberry Daiquiri

Calories: 112

The Burn: Everyone needs to cool off with a sweet n' slushy summer cocktail, and all you have to do to make up for it is go to a pilates mat class, which burns an average of 120 calories per hour.

Recipe Idea: Try these Strawberry Vodka Lime Coolers from Momtastic.

Photo: Getty