It's that time of year when eating becomes a sport and pounds pack on like there's no tomorrow. There's no better time than the present then to start burning those calories before they get the best of us.

We burn calories with every activity we perform, even sleeping. Keeping track of what we burn throughout the day and becoming aware of which activities burn more calories than others can help us stay the healthy course as we eat our way through the holidays.

Check out this calorie burn calculator and you can determine just how many calories you'll expend performing more than 40 different activities. If you weigh 165 pounds and mow your lawn for 45 minutes, you'll burn about 321 calories. Spend 30 minutes running a 10-minute mile (weight: 135), and you'll burn 318 calories. Cook that holiday feast for 60 minutes (weight: 195), and 185 calories will be gone. Plug aerobics, cleaning, skiing, or walking into this nifty tool, along with your weight and length of activity, and you'll be on your way to calorie-burning awareness.

Keep in mind that simply burning calories is only a portion of what you need to accomplish in your quest for health. A well-balanced, low-fat diet, plenty of rest, and a healthy attitude are also essential. Of course, moderation is key too -- even with exercise. And don't forget that when you exercise, you must invest your 100 percent. Going through the motions alone won't do much good. Give it your all instead.

Here's to a calorie-burning holiday for all!