It may only be November, but the Christmas songs are out in full swing. It’s likely you can’t hit it the supermarket without finding yourself dancing down the aisle to a bit of Slade or Wizard. Are you stocking up for Christmas? Getting ready to serve those tasty treats and sweets? The annual ads have hit our screens, with the big chains all vying to supply your turkey and all the trimmings. Not to mention those yummy festive must haves.
According to the British Dietetic Association, the average person will consume 6,000 kcals on Christmas day. This is more than triple the recommended daily amount. It would appear that Christmas itself is an excuse to indulge.
“Over the festive period, which seems to kick off earlier and earlier every year, the average person could consume an extra 500 kcals per day, equating to a weight gain of around 5lb by the time we reach the beginning of the New Year” (BDA) Scary!
Perhaps it’s the Xmas spirit? Or the knowledge that the New Year is also an opportunity to start sugar free resolutions? Either way, It can’t all be Turkey and roasties surely?
Sugar is hot topic in the news at the moment, not less because it can do great harm to even the most diligent brusher’s teeth, but also because, according to Obesity Info, it can lead to weight gain. While a high fat diet equals more calories, (1 gram of fat = to 9 cals) sugar (1 gram of sugar = 4) causes your body to produces extra insulin; this leads to what is known as a sugar high. It is when you come down from this, that you feel hungrier and therefore you consume more calories as a result. Knowing sugar consumption leads to further eating it’s interesting to know just how much sugar is in your family favourites.
In our next two news articles we offer a rundown of your popular Xmas treats, and reveal just how much sugar you’re letting into your system. With the recommended sugar intake being no more than 30gs a day some of our finds may surprise you!
Roses:
The rumours are true; the traditional family tin of Roses has got smaller over the last five years. It has gone from 2lb 2oz to 1lb 14, and, while manufacturers claim they downsize to ensure a price freeze, with 56g of sugar per 100g, it’s actually a relief to know that there are 11 less chocolates per tin. Of course, this may not include the six coffee ones that hang around until Easter
Traditional candy cane:
Yes they look great on the tree and for many signify the start of the holiday but just three Tesco Peppermint Candy Canes equal all of your daily allowance. That’s like eating 2 table spoons of sugar in one sitting.