A GP is warning that piling plates high on Christmas Day could require a double marathon to burn off the calorie intake.
Dr Nick Tait, of TFJ Private GP Services based in Leamington, said while householders are watching the pennies, they should also be watching the pounds, in terms of their waistlines, after research revealed three-quarters of Brits do not think about their binge intake over Christmas.
Dr Tait said: “The average person will consume over 5,200 calories* eating a typical Christmas dinner, not to mention 190 grammes of fat. This is almost three times what a typical person is recommended to eat in a full day.”
On top of the meal, Dr Tait calculates people will consume an additional 2,000 calories on our typical intake of mince pies, alcohol and chocolate.
“Each person will gain at least four pounds during Christmas Day based upon a typical consumption, which is why we have become a nation of yo-yo consumers, dieters and guilt-ridden, short-term gym subscribers.
“I don’t want to be seen as a ‘Grinch’ because we all want to enjoy ourselves. We can still eat well, but we do need to think about smaller portions, or using less fat in the preparation.
“Many people go for a walk after lunch on Christmas Day simply to get out of the house, but to burn off the typical calories consumed in such a short period of time, would mean running 52 miles, which is the equivalent of two full marathons.
“This binge behaviour is why we are faced with a growing problem of obesity and its connections with heart disease and Type 2 diabetes, for example.
“Yes, we can all use the excuse that ‘it’s Christmas’ but a little moderation on the day will go a long-way to keeping us healthier.”
He recommends eating heathier alternatives or smaller portions. Less calorific options include:
· A small, light breakfast such as scrambled eggs, a fruit berry smoothie, or a low-calorie muffin
· Avoid eating starters, instead offer light canapes such as carrot and cucumber sticks with houmous, asparagus wrapped in Parma ham, or mini salmon fishcakes
· Break tradition with your dessert and opt for a low-calorie alternative such as red berry fruit compote, mango and passion fruit roulade, fruit jelly or a light pavlova
· Aim to eat breakfast between 9am and 11am, then eat your Christmas dinner between 2pm to 5pm to avoid eating too much in the evening
A typical Christmas day binge
Starter
Smoked salmon with buttered toast and horseradish – 366 calories
Small portion of nuts – 130 calories
Dinner
4 slices of turkey – 404 calories
3 roast potatoes (200 calories each) – 600 calories
5 pigs-in-blankets (sausages wrapped in bacon) – 400 calories
Gravy – 79 calories
3 balls of stuffing (125 calories each) – 375 calories
Buttered sprouts – 100 calories
Buttered carrots – 80 calories
Bread sauce – 90 calories
Dessert
1 mince pie – 177 calories
A portion of Christmas pudding, custard and brandy butter – 587 calories
5 Quality Street chocolates – 132 calories
Cheese and biscuits – one portion of cheese and buttered crackers – 394 calories
Drinks
Two glasses of champagne – 226 calories
A bottle of beer – 142 calories
Two glasses of white wine – 240 calories
Two glasses of red wine – 320 calories
A glass of port – 154 calories
A glass of mulled wine – 245 calories
Total for Christmas dinner blow-out = 5,241 calories
*Source of information: Forza Supplements
