Straight answers

<div class="section1"><div class="Normal"><span style="" font-weight:="" bold="" font-style:="" italic="">Ketan Ashar</span><span style="" font-style:="" italic="">, Fitness expert, On keeping fit after binging on sweets during the festive season</span><br /><br /><span style="" font-weight:="" bold="">How serious is the problem of people gorging on sweets during festivals like Diwali? </span><br /><br />Going full throttle on sweets is common not only during Diwali but also other festivals.But it tends to get out of hand during this season because there are so many occasions happening one after the other. People tend to consume large quantities of sweets without really giving it a second thought. And it can actually result in serious health problems. This overindulgence is definitely not recommended, given that a large number of people today suffer from diabetes. <br /><br /><span style="" font-weight:="" bold="">Is it true that after Diwali people visit gyms more regularly? </span><br /><br />Yes, it is true. People are either busy shopping or out on holiday during Diwali, and a lot of high-calorie foods are consumed as well. Before Diwali gyms see a lean period. But by the last week of November, people start going to gyms once again as they all want to get back into shape in time for New Year celebrations.<br /><br /><span style="" font-weight:="" bold="">How should people control their eating habits during festivals?</span><br /><br />One has to be very careful not to gorge on sweets. Sweets shouldn''t be taken as a meal in itself. People should restrict themselves to consuming sweets in small qualities. <br /><br /><span style="" font-weight:="" bold="">What about exercising? </span><br /><br />Given that it is festival time, people sometimes tend to forget about exercising. They should try and maintain their regular fitness regime and try losing a minimum of 150 to 400 calories a day. If it is not possible to hit the treadmill, try walking for an hour or so as that helps in a big way to maintain weight. A 5-7 days workout routine should be maintained.<br /><span style="" font-style:="" italic="">sharmistha.chatterjee@timesgroup.com</span></div> </div>