Drop 5

WebMD Feature from "Men's Fitness" Magazine

Lindsay Brown

Our regular five-pack for taking off­ five pounds in the next 30 days

START STROKING

Just because a chill is in the air doesn’t mean you have to retire your swim trunks. Swim laps twice a week at an indoor pool. An hour will burn 572 calories.

Calories burned: 4,576

SAY OM

Find your inner Mr. Miyagi this month and start taking a weekly karate class. One intense class will torch 1,347 calories. While you’re at it, sign up for more Eastern exercise classes, like tai chi and yoga, to truly connect your mind and body.

Calories burned: 5,388

HAVE A HEALTHY HALLOWEEN

For once, really stick to your promise not to overindulge in Halloween candy. Every bite-size candy bar you inhale is packed with almost 100 calories. And that “harmless” candy corn? Try 150 sugar-packed calories per serving.

Calories saved: 3,750

LEARN SELF-CONTROL

Shave 100 calories from your diet each day this month. By simply substituting mustard for mayo on your sandwich, leaving a few bites on your dinner plate, eating two fewer cookies, or omitting the cheese on your burger, you can effortlessly save calories.

Calories saved: 3,100

CLEAN THE GUTTERS

Pick up a rake and tidy up your yard once a week. An hour of raking, bagging leaves, and doing other household chores can burn more than 400 calories.

Calories burned: 1,632

Total savings for one month: 18,446 calories (or just over five pounds of fat)