Local experts give tips to keep off holiday pounds
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JACKSON, Tenn. — With the holiday season here, many West Tennessee residents, including members of Gold‘s Gym in Jackson, are attempting to burn those extra calories. Darla Gray said she works out almost daily. “I think I tend to probably work out a little bit more during the holidays because I think about what I just ate or what party I’m going to, and I’m going to eat,” she said. Steve Roten owns and manages Gold‘s Gym. He says after a big meal to get out and walk, go to the gym, get moving. “Don’t let all those extra calories make you lazy and lay around and do nothing,” he said. “I think a lot of us are really guilty of that.” Depending on your weight and the exercise, health experts said it could take several days to burn off all the calories in just one holiday meal. Roten said exercise should be part of your life. “If you’re lifting weights and you’re doing cardio and you’re keeping your metabolism going, then those extra calories that you do take in are gonna come off much easier,” he said. Roten says to send leftovers home with guests and be smart about what time you eat. “That big meal at dinner is not a good idea,” he said. “Eat early. That way you’re up moving around throughout the rest of the day and you’ve got a chance to kind of burn some of that off.” Gray encourages portion control. “Eat the things you want to eat in moderation — you can stay fit,” she said. Health experts say do not forget about liquid calories such as soda and alcohol and recommend drinking water instead.
