How Many Steps Is That Popsicle Worth?
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If you’ve been following along and reading the blog for a while, you know I love a good treat. Whether it’s National Donut Day or International Take Your Kid out for a Slushie Day (which, in our family, is pretty much every day), you know that there’s a pretty good chance that I’m going to be celebrating in my own way.
Sometimes, the treat at the end of a long walk is the only thing getting you through. My daughter and I still laugh about the unexpectedly brutal walk we took a couple of summers ago, when we ended up on a trail that seemed to be uphill the entire way. Just when we thought we were finally starting our descent, we’d turn a corner and end up climbing back up again. And as the sweat dripped down our poor, tired faces, we kept saying, “We’re getting donuts after this.” In the end, we couldn’t find the local donut place that I’d heard about, but we ended up with an entire cheesecake flight, which was delicious—and well-deserved.
During the summer, the treat at the end of the trail is one of the greatest joys of going on a walk. From my post-walk iced coffee to my daughter’s colorful slushie mix, there’s just nothing like enjoying a refreshing treat after a walk (and reminding yourself that you’ve earned it).
So, just for fun (because you know I absolutely am not counting and couldn’t care less about whether you’ve really done enough to earn that Klondike Bar), today we’re taking a look at come of our favorite summer treats and seeing how many steps they’re worth.
Let’s Crunch the Numbers!
(Don’t worry…I know it’s summer vacation, so we’ll keep it simple.)
The average walker burns about 40-50 calories per 1,000 steps. Of course, all of that depends on your pace, your age, your weight, and even the terrain. But we’re talking summer treats here—not rocket science. So we’ll just keep the numbers simple and give approximate totals.
Ice Pop
Calories: 23
Steps: 500
These classic summer treats may be small, but they’re also oh-so-refreshing on a hot day. And you can pretty much get those 500 steps by handing the kids their own ice pops, cutting open the top, throwing away the cuttings, and picking up after the kids after they leave the sticky plastic wrappers around the house—so enjoy!
Fun fact: Did you know that one serving is actually FOUR ice pops? The next time your kids look at you like you’re hogging them all, feel free to point out the nutrition facts on the back of the box.
Classic Popsicle (or, if you’re feeling extra, a classic Bomb Pop)
Calories: 40
Steps: 1,000
You can walk 1,000 steps (or around a half mile) in 10 minutes—even at a leisurely pace. That’s pretty much just a stroll around the block. Worth it? Absolutely!
Fudge Pop (the bigger size)
Calories: 90
Steps: 2,000
While the kids are playing at the park, you can walk around the trails with a mom friend and treat yourself to a chocolaty treat. I’d say that’s a pretty awesome way to spend a summer afternoon.
Icee (8 oz.)
Calories: 110
Steps: 2,500
Slushies are a hot-weather favorite for our family. After a long volleyball practice—or a particularly hot morning walk—there’s just nothing like a cold, sugary slushie to cool you down. Admittedly, a small slushie is rarely just eight ounces—so you’ll have to adjust your steps accordingly. But at around a mile and a quarter per cup…that’s not such a bad deal.
DQ Dilly Bar
Calories: 220
Steps: 5,000
Sure, this classic ice cream treat requires a lot more steps than that cherry Popsicle, but it’s still just around a 2.5-mile walk on a sunny summer day. Crank up your favorite tunes (maybe check out my summer walking playlist), and that chocolaty crunch will feel so worth it in the end.
Dunkin Iced Coffee (Large, obviously)
Calories: up to 260
Steps: up to 6,000
The number of calories in your favorite iced coffee varies, depending on what you put in it. Personally, I skip the cream and sugar and go with sugar-free coconut flavoring and a sweet caramel swirl. I have no idea how many calories that equates to—but even if it’s the max 260, it is absolutely, positively worth the three-miles of steps.
What Does It All Mean?
Nothing, really. It’s all just in fun. Because, bottom line (and I can’t stress this enough—not even with bold print): you don’t need to earn your summer treats. Summer is crazy and busy and hot—and that’s all the justification you need to enjoy the occasional Popsicle or ice cream cone after chasing the kids around the park.
At the same time, though, it’s still fun to think about how your daily walks bring you a little bit of balance—and some extra enjoyment, too. After all, how much more satisfying is that blue raspberry ice pop after a hot summer walk with a good friend? So don’t think of it as “walking off” your treat. Think of it as walking into summer fun.
Want to Have Even More Fun with Your Summer Walks?
Create your own Snack Walk Challenge! Each week, pick a different treat—then go out and walk enough steps to meet the challenge!
Or make it social! Grab a walking buddy and set a goal together: “Let’s walk 5,000 steps and then get slushies!”
What About You…?
Do you have a favorite summer treat? How far would you walk for it? Share your picks (and your pics!)—and be sure to tag us!
In the meantime, keep enjoying those summer walks—and summer treats!
