Set to eat double our normal calories at Christmas

With the festivities on the horizon, new research has revealed that Christmas really tis the season to indulge.

A survey of more than 7600 UK adults published by Decathlon in the Decathlon Activity Index 2018 shows that Brits will consume on average a whopping 4027 calories on Christmas Day this year.

This is nearly twice as many calories than men should consume in a day and more than twice the number of calories women should eat in a typical day, according to NHS advice.

The research shows that in order to reverse this, Brits would need to complete a four hour run or swim for five hours.

In fact, more than one in four (27%) said they can’t even estimate how many calories they will intake on Christmas Day.

A staggering 86% said they would eat more than they normally would on Christmas Day and a similar number (65%) confessed they eat what they like on this day without giving it much thought.

Despite this indulgence, more than a third (35%) said they don’t plan to participate in sports or exercise during the seven days following Christmas Day.

Nicola Barnabo, fitness sports manager at Decathlon said: ‘Whether it’s eggnog, turkey, roast potatoes or Christmas pudding, everyone knows part of the fun of Christmas Day is being able to indulge and enjoy lots of different foods. But it is a little surprising when you consider not just how many calories we are consuming, but how sedentary our lifestyles tend to become over Christmas.

‘It’s not necessarily a case of needing to spend Christmas in the gym or training relentlessly, but I think this research shows that even something that you might naturally do with family anyway while you’re all together over the Christmas period – such as a Boxing Day walk, a game of football or even playing tag with the kids could be beneficial for quite a few of us in the days between Christmas and new year.

‘And if you find yourself with the time and inclination to enjoy your usual workout or try a new form of exercise, that will be hugely beneficial too! After all, there’s no harm in getting ahead of new year goals!’

The Decathlon Activity Index tracks rates of participation in sport and other physical activities across the year through a monthly, national survey.

Decathlon has 45 stores in the UK and sells a variety of sports equipment, clothing and accessories perfect for those want to get active or excel their performance.

For more information, visit www.decathlon.co.uk.