How unhealthy is YOUR Christmas dinner: Five foods which can rack up the calories
CHRISTMAS dinner is packed full of calories - the average Brit will consume nearly 6,000 calories on Christmas Day alone, and a huge 200g of fat.
Christmas dinner: Unhealthiest festive foods revealed
While the meal is not the unhealthiest Christmas dinner around the world - research has revealed the USA take the top spot - it is high in fat and worse than European equivalents.
The average Brit will consume nearly three times the RDA for the average female and twice the RDA for the average male in one day.
Christina Merryfield, lead Dietician at Bupa Cromwell Hospital, said: “Christmas dinners in the UK feature steamed vegetables which are high in fibre and low in fat, but this is often the only part of the meal from the fruit and vegetable group,” she said.
“All other elements like roast meat, stuffing, gravy and Yorkshire puddings are high in fat or have added saturated fat, particularly if the skin and fat from the meat are included.”
Christina said the secret for enjoying a healthy menu at Christmas is to go easy on the alcohol - which she said is just empty calories.
Roast meat, stuffing, gravy and Yorkshire puddings are high in fat or have added saturated fat
She said: “Fill up on vegetables and salad first rather than meat and fried foods.
“Avoid high fat and sugar nibbles before dinner such as crisps and chocolate.
“Once you feel full, stop eating.
She added: “Have a small portion of sweet desserts, and opt for whole fruit if available, as this will help you feel less bloated.”
Christmas dinner: Cheese and sausage stuffing are among the most unhealthy parts of Christmas dinner
Some countries enjoy healthier options than the UK, like Poland where the traditional Christmas dinner includes a wider variety of vegetables, fish instead of red meat and fruit-based desserts.
Christina added: “Fish is the main protein source in Polish Christmas meals. It’s a lighter option due to its healthier fat profile compared to red meat.
“Fish is also higher in ‘good’ types of fat like Omega 3s fatty acids.
“Christmas dinners in Australia and New Zealand also rank higher than the UK even though the menus in both countries are based on English traditions.
“As Christmas falls in the heat of the Southern Hemisphere’s summer, barbecues and seafood are popular and fruit is the main focus of dessert.
She said: “Although there heavy, protein-based foods like red meat, it’s easy to choose lighter options like seafood and fish complimented by salads and vegetables."
Christmas dinner: Cranberry sauce high in sugar
The unhealthiest food at Christmas revealed
1. Sausage stuffing
Sausage stuffing has a high fat and calorie content.
The delicious accompaniment to the turkey is made from sausage meat - which is high in fat and most recipes include breadcrumbs and butter, high in saturated fat. An average portion of stuffing can contain 2.5 grams of saturated fat - 13 per cent of the recommended intake for an average adult.
2. Yorkshire puddings
While some people don’t add the Sunday lunch favourites to their Christmas dinner, those who do add around 100 extra calories to their plate.
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Christmas dinner: Egg nog is high in sugar and fat
3. Egg nog
The traditional Christmas drink contains sugar, eggs and whipped cream, so it isn’t surprising the festive treat is high in fat and and has a high calorie count.
4. Cheese board
Despite eating a large Christmas dinner and a pudding on Christmas day, thousands of people will also be tucking into a cheese board.
However, a 30g serving of a normal Brie can contain around 8 grams of fat - around 28 per cent of the recommended intake for an average adult.
5. Cranberry sauce
While the name suggests it should be healthy - Cranberry sauce is packed full of sugar.
Typical canned cranberry sauce could add up to around 50 extra calories to your plate, with a typical tablespoon including 6.2grams of sugar.