Weight loss and weight gain are a balancing act for many of us. We consume calories through the foods we eat and our body can then use it or expend the calories through physical activity.
When we consume more calories than our body uses that’s when weight gain occurs. Over time, this can lead to being overweight and obesity. When we consume about the same amount of calories as our body expends, we can maintain our weight. And finally, if we consume fewer calories than our body expends, we can lose weight.
It is important to balance the calories you consume from the foods you eat with the calories you burn through physical activity to avoid that weight gain. You can increase the amount of calories you burn each day by adding moderate physical activity to your daily routine. Every time you are physically active, you use more calories. If you treat yourself to a special food, take a walk or make your daily walk a little longer.
In addition to helping your body expend calories, regular physical activity can affect the amount of calories you might consume. Did you know that physical activity before a meal can decrease your appetite? Also, by adding physical activity into your daily routine you can relieve the boredom and stress that can make you want to eat. Staying active can help you to maintain or lose weight.
Use physical activity as a tool to balance the calories you consume from foods and to reduce overweight and obesity.
Make a point to attend the nutrition and physical activity sessions sponsored by Winchester Weigh-Down:
— Feb. 2: Silver Sneakers Wednesday. 10 a.m. Seniors work-out class, beginners welcome. Class is held at the YMCA. For more information and to register, call 744-9622.
For more information on Winchester Weigh Down, contact the Extension Office at 744-4682, visit the Clark County Health Department website at www.clarkhealthdept.org or visit one of our eight weigh-in sites to register: YMCA, Clark County Extension Office, Clark County Health Department, Ertel Medicine, Clark Regional Immediate Care, Bluegrass Budokai, Winchester Chiropractic and Every Ladies Fitness Center.
Jennifer Howard is the Clark County Extension Service agent for family and consumer sciences.
