4 Ways to Workout In the Kitchen

It always amazes me how fast time flies by each day. I glance at my to do list and the next thing I know I’m scrambling to complete just one of those tasks before Good Papa walks in for dinner.

My two wonderful, little time-suckers like to keep me busy. The only way to accomplish anything is to multitask. 

I get in a workout while walking the kids to the park. I entertain the baby while making dinner. I take a shower while I eat my breakfast… well, maybe some things are best done on their own.

I strive to exercise and make nutritious meals each and every weekday. I have found little tricks here and there to help me. Themed dinners have been key in making meal planning easier for our family. And, I squeeze in exercise with a lot of short, but effective workouts. Even with all these tricks, I still sometimes find myself short for time.

To solve this all-too-common problem, I have compiled a list of tasty recipes that double as a workout. Yes, that’s right. You can workout while you’re cooking in the kitchen. It won’t even feel like a workout. Plus, you can easily get the kids involved. Now, that’s multitasking!

4 Ways to Workout In the Kitchen

1. Make Pizza 

Pizza is the ultimate fast food. It’s delicious and typically only a phone call away. The only problem is that take out pizza isn’t the most nutritious thing to serve to your family. Homemade pizza is the way to go. It’s just as, if not more, delicious than take out and it’s better for you. This pizza dough recipe from Bobby Flay is the one I make most often- it’s tasty, easy to follow, and difficult to mess up.

Turn it into a workout… 

Kneading the dough is a great arm workout! If you want up the intensity, try this quick HIIT arm workout while you wait for the dough to rise.

2. Make Bread 

If you want to make bread, you’re in for another great arm workout! Kneading the dough takes some serious muscle power. Try this classic bread recipe from King Arthur Flour.

Turn it into a workout… 

• While your dough is baking, play a game of red light/green light with your kids OR tag. Seriously, kids can’t get enough of this game and it’s a great way to get in some cardio.

3. Make Your Own Ice Cream 

I remember making ice cream in a bag with my mom when I was little. I felt so bad because I accidentally opened the bag causing the ice cream and salt to mixed up together, ruining the ice cream. Well, like mother like son, W ended up doing the same exact thing when we tried it together. Fortunately, I had a second bag ready and waiting. Make sure you double bag! I couldn’t believe how tasty this ice cream turned out.

Turn it into a workout… 

My shoulders were killing me by the time the liquid turned into ice cream. I tried to get W to take turns shaking up the bag, but he quickly lost interest and wanted to watch me do it instead. If you have a toddler or child who will help you out and take turns, try upping the intensity by throwing in a few more cardio moves!

4. Whip Up Your Own Whipped Cream

I know you can easily buy whipped cream at the store, but there’s really nothing quite like homemade whipped cream. Plus, it really isn’t that much trouble to make. You can use a machine, but like the Pioneer Woman says, it’s a lot better when you do it yourself with your own two hands. Fortunately, you can count it as a workout too!

• After all this hard work you put into exercising and making these meals, why not kick back, relax, and take some time to enjoy a nice dessert. You can top it with your freshly made whipped cream! Yum!

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