The average Brit consumes 3 days worth of calories on Christmas day!
Christmas is known to be the season for piling on the calories and over-indulging on festive delights. A study by Wren Kitchens reveals that the average Brit manages to make their way through 5,905 calories on Christmas day alone, that is the same as eating 12 big macs! This feast is nearly three times the recommended daily allowance (RDA).
According to the survey of 2,000 Brits, the results also revealed that the UK’s shopping and eating habits are equating to £16 billion of food waste. What’s even more shocking is that £485 million of that is during Christmas week alone!
Counting calories appears to be a taboo during the festive period, with an astonishing 70% of Brits admitting that they simply don’t worry about their food intake over Christmas. We wonder how many regret this by the new year!
If the famous song came true and it really was Christmas everyday, then the average Brit would be 26 stone heavier by Christmas 2020!
With shoppers frivolously overspending in the festive season, Brits end up wasting an incredible amount of food, with Northern Ireland and secondly South East England being the biggest culprits.
5 Tips to avoid binging over the Christmas period
Wren Kitchens have rounded up some practical approaches that you can take on-board to help you avoid binging over the festive period and stay on track of your fitness goals.
1. Don’t go to a Christmas party hungry
It can be hard to resist plates full of delicious food especially if you are attending a party on an empty stomach. Eating a nuitritious meal before the attending the party can ease temptation while allowing for a small indulgence later
2. Focus on how much alcohol you are consuming
Drinking over the festive period is tricky to avoid but it can be made manageable. An easy way to manage consumption is to drink a glass of water between every alcoholic beverage. Also try to avoid too many sugary drinks such as mulled wine and cocktails, instead opt for a gin and slimline tonic or a glass of wine.
3. Stay hydrated
During the busy festive season it can be easy to forget to drink enough water. Drinking water helps to main bodily functions from digestion, controlling of calories and absorption of nutrients. Always remember to carry a bottle of water on your festive travels.
4. Get plenty of sleep
Tiredness can cause drowsiness but can also lead to overeating. With a busy social calendar over the festive period it can be hard to get a correct sleeping routine but it is important to try and maintain at least 7 hours of sleep a night.
5. Don’t be afraid to say no
Don’t be afraid to say ‘no’ to food that you know you shouldn’t have. You don’t always have to feel obliged to eat what other people are giving you. When you focus on supporting yourself, it will give you a positive mindset! However, It is important to treat yourself and indulge a little at Christmas.
