Citation
(2003), "The British Dietetic Association prepared a press release in December 2003 regarding Christmas and diet", Nutrition & Food Science, Vol. 33 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/nfs.2003.01733cab.001
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2003, MCB UP Limited
The British Dietetic Association prepared a press release in December 2003 regarding Christmas and diet
The British Dietetic Association prepared a press release in December 2003 regarding Christmas and diet
The British Dietetic Association estimated the average adult gains about 5lb during the festive season.
Perhaps surprisingly, many of the traditional Christmas treats are healthy foods, low in calories and high in health-promoting vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. Smoked salmon, roast turkey, lean ham, and a wonderful variety of fruit and vegetables all contribute to the enjoyment of Christmas.
The important thing about Christmas eating is to forget about the "all or nothing" approach. Trying to lose weight during the holidays is likely to be a self-defeating goal. Instead, they advise people to strive to maintain their weight. They recommend regular meals, and to balance party eating by choosing lower calorie foods at other times of the day.
"Enjoy the culinary pleasures of the festive season", says Luci Daniels, Chairman of The British Dietetic Association. "Relax, enjoy, and try to balance out the food with a few lovely long walks."
When it is all over, and you think about your New Year's resolution, do not include "give up", "never eat", and other negative decisions. Instead make positive resolutions that you can keep – learn to choose healthier food options, go for smaller portions, make a positive resolution to have five portions of fruit and veg a day, and include more physical activity in your daily routine.
For more information contact: Dr Wendy Doyle, spokesperson and State Registered Dietitian. Tel: 01727 844433; Mob: 07887 897588; Azmina Govindji, Chairman, Public Relations Committee. Mob: 07930 363570; The Dietetic Department at your local hospital or health centre; visit WeightWise on www.bda.uk.com
The British Dietetic Association, founded in 1936, is the professional association for State Registered Dietitians (SRDs) in the UK. It is the nation's largest organisation of food and nutrition professionals, with over 5,000 members. About two-thirds of their members are employed in the National Health Service. The remaining dietitians work in education, industry, research and sports settings or as free-lance consultants.
SRDs hold the only legally recognised graduate qualification in nutrition and dietetics. They interpret and translate the science of nutrition into practical ways of promoting nutritional wellbeing, disease treatment and the prevention of nutrition-related health problems. The advice from SRDs is evidence-based.
State registration, awarded by The Health Professions Council, is an indication that a dietitian is competent to practise and must work within an agreed statement of conduct.