Halesowen woman gives a red card to unhealthy snacks (From Halesowen News)

Halesowen woman gives a red card to unhealthy snacks

5:00pm Sunday 6th June 2010 in Local

A WEIGHT loss expert has warned Halesowen footy fans that they could pay the penalty for a month in front of the telly watching the World Cup.

Debbie Blackburn, a weight management counsellor from the town, is advising people not to reach for unhealthy snacks while they are watching England play in June, but instead to go for something that is better for them.

Debbie said: “Most people tend to eat unhealthy snacks when they are watching the television, especially when it is football. Beer, crisps and takeaways are much more tempting than a healthy smoothie or carrot sticks.”

But eating healthily could save you money, as well as saving your waistline.

Debbie said: “Brits spend an average of £45 a month on takeaways – that’s £550 a year”

So, instead of piling on the pounds watching sport this summer, Debbie is encouraging the people of Halesowen to get outside and do some exercise themselves.

Debbie added: “With the summer fast approaching, now is the time to be healthy and active rather than a couch potato.

“Whilst I am not suggesting people stop watching sport this summer, I would advise balancing the TV with exercise and also healthy eating.”

Debbie is a weight management counsellor for LighterLife, a weight loss and weight management programme for people who are one stone or more overweight and with a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or above.