Christmas sees spike in consumption

When December hits, Christmas celebrations start. But before you indulge too much in after work drinks or summer soirees, beware: new UniSA research shows that Christmas is the top time to tip the scales.

In the first study of its kind published in the journal Nutrients, University of South Australia researchers found that compared to the yearly average, people’s alcohol intake in December was 70% higher, non-alcoholic drinks (like juice and soft drinks) were about 30% higher, and sweet and savory snacks were about 10% higher.

Additionally, the study shows that summertime is when most Australians indulge more—whether the weather is hot or cold. It’s an interesting finding given the common belief that people eat less in summer when it’s hot, than in winter when it’s cold.

With two thirds of Australian adults and more than a quarter of children living with overweight or obesity, understanding when people are most at risk of putting on weight is vital for public health.

UniSA researcher Dr. Rachel Curtis says the study presents key opportunities for diet interventions.

“The typical Aussie adult generally eats too much discretionary food and not enough foods from the five healthy food groups: fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy and meat, and alternatives. And this is reflected in increasing numbers of overweight and obese people,” Dr. Curtis says.

“Extra indulgence is heightened in summer, and especially over the Christmas and festive season when people are relaxed and catching up with family and friends. This is when they tend to let down their guard and treat themselves more than usual.

“By understanding diet changes over the year, we can help plan interventions for when we are most at risk of making unhealthy food choices.

“Our study shows that consuming approximately 570 additional kilojoules per day (136Cal/day) in December equates to about 0.5kg of weight gain over the month. And while this may seem small, even a short period of extra indulgence can accumulate each year if not counteracted.”

With long-range forecasts predicting warmer weather over summer, Aussies are cautioned to take note of what they eat and drink and be careful to balance this out with healthier options.

“It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you don’t eat as much over summer because it’s hot—but when you start to count up the celebrations, catch-ups and Christmas drinks, it’s very easy to leave caution to the wind,” Dr. Curtis says.

“A quick drink here, an extra party pie or mini quiche there…the numbers add up, so we need to be mindful of healthier alternatives. And swapping out a cracker for some veggie sticks and dip could be an easy option. Or choosing an iced water over a soft drink.

“No one wants to miss out on Christmas treats. But remember to be mindful of making healthier choices. It could save you a lot in the long run.”