How many calories are actually in a Christmas dinner – and how to burn them off

Christmas is the time of year where it's fine to over do it a little when eating. But how many calories are we putting on when we tuck into a Christmas diner?

Christmas dinner is one of the best moments of the year.

And while you shouldn't worry too much about the amount of calories you consume while gorging on roast turkey, crispy roasties and pigs-in-blankets, it's good to be aware.

The number of calories in the average festive banquet equate to 7,000, which is more than double the recommended daily allowance for men, and women.

The figure takes into account a whole day's eating, with the roast, booze, post-dinner chocolates and pre-lunch champagne. The whole shebang.

Remarkably, a report in 2017 said 29 per cent of people thought they would eat fewer than 3,000 calories over the course of the day.

How many calories are in a Christmas dinner?

Roast potatoes, at 200 calories each, do some damage, as does the turkey, at more than 300 calories for three slices. A stuffing ball has 123. There's approximately 1,450 calories in the roast overall – depending on portions.

According to a video by the Design Agency, a glass of fizz comes in at about 120 calories per glass, while a cheeky night cap of Baileys measures 180.

But worry not. It's Christmas, and if you can't dine in style on December 25, when can you?

How to burn calories on Christmas Day

There are also lots of ways to balance out the seasonal feasting. Start with a Boxing Day walk, perhaps? A person weighing 12.5 stone will burn about 375 calories on a brisk hour's walk.

Most important though is known that crash dieting, as nutritionists constantly remind us, won't offer a quick fix action plan in the New Year. Fad diets in the long-term aren't said to be the answer.

Tips for beat the Christmas dinner bulge

Iain Reitze, head trainer at Prestige Boot Camp, told the Mail : "So many people try new diets or regimes in January, and I think it's important to make sure you find a plan you can stick too, rather than do a drastic or faddy one and set yourself up for a fall.

"My message would be to try to eat clean and exercise when you can each day all year round, then you can enjoy Christmas without piling on the pounds."

Health expert Sarah Stanner agrees. She said: "Although these diets can lead to weight loss initially, much of this will be water loss and weight is quickly regained.

Don't be drastic

"To lose a pound of body fat you need to eat 3,500 calories less than normal . As “normal” daily calorie intake is typically between 2,000 and 3,000 calories, claims about quick fat loss lead only to disappointment.

"We lose weight when we consume fewer calories than we burn, no matter what diet we’re on.

"Controlling your appetite is important: many people report feeling hungry to be one of the main reasons for abandoning a diet.

Just enjoy

She continues: "The best way to do this is with foods that are low in fat, low in energy density, high in fibre and with high water content. This means lower-fat dairy products, leaner meats, wholegrain breads and cereals and plenty of fruit and veg.

"Protein keeps you feeling fuller for longer, and can help curb your appetite. Water or diet drinks are better than sugary or alcoholic beverages; eat breakfast, as well as regular meals."

If you do want some calculations for a fast fix, you'd need to do 21.5 hours of walking, 13 hours of aerobics or 7.5 hours on the treadmill to burn off those Christmas Day calories, according to Wren Kitchen.

If you ate like Christmas every day of the year, you'd put on more than 26 stone.

So, simply, patience post-Christmas is crucial. Throughout the year, make sure you exercise, drink plenty of water, and eat lots of veg.

Christmas 2018

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But also, enjoy Christmas.