Health-conscious Brits can now enjoy their Christmas dinner with a clear picture of the exercise required to offset the indulgence. A new analysis has converted the calorie content of popular festive foods and drinks into the number of steps needed to burn them off.
The Festive Drink Run-Down
Researchers from the walking incentive app WeWard have crunched the numbers, offering some welcome news for party-goers. Topping the list as the easiest tipple to walk off is champagne. A single 90-calorie glass requires just 1,692 steps, equating to a brisk 17-minute stroll.
Sharing second place are wine and cider. A standard serving containing 120 calories would need 2,256 steps, or about 23 minutes of walking at a moderate pace. The mimosa follows in third, with its 140 calories demanding 2,632 steps (26 minutes).
Even more decadent cocktails are not as daunting as one might think. An espresso martini (160 calories) requires 3,000 steps, or half an hour of walking. A classic hot toddy needs 3,196 steps (32 minutes). Notably, none of the drinks analysed required more than 40 minutes of walking to counteract.
The most step-intensive beverages proved to be beer and eggnog. A pint of beer needs 3,910 steps, while a serving of eggnog demands 3,948 steps – both roughly a 39-minute walk. A comforting hot chocolate falls just before them, requiring 3,647 steps (36 minutes).
Walking Off the Christmas Dinner Plate
The index also turned its attention to the classic components of a British Christmas dinner, with some surprising results. The star of the show, roast turkey, is relatively forgiving. A standard portion of 142 calories requires 2,858 steps, or 29 minutes of walking. The researchers caution, however, that this is based on a set portion size, with larger servings naturally needing more exercise.
Roast potatoes, a festive favourite, contain around 190 calories per portion. Burning these off would mean taking 3,572 steps, which translates to about 36 minutes of walking.
The most demanding item on the festive plate is stuffing. A single portion, packing approximately 356 calories, would require a substantial 6,693 steps to offset. This equates to around 67 minutes of walking – more than double the time needed for the turkey.
A Step Towards Better Health
This festive analysis underscores a broader health message. Experts have long championed increasing daily step counts to improve cardiovascular health, aid weight management, and boost mental wellbeing. The popular target of 10,000 steps a day is often cited.
However, recent research suggests significant benefits can be gained from more modest, consistent effort. A study published earlier this year found that building a steady 15-minute walk into the daily routine could dramatically reduce the risk of heart disease and early death.
Participants who walked consistently for about 15 minutes daily saw their risk of early death fall by up to 85% compared to those who only walked in short, five-minute bursts. The conclusion was clear: "modest changes in step patterns, without dramatic increases in step number", can still deliver meaningful health advantages.
So, while knowing the step-cost of a mince pie might inform your choices, the key takeaway is that any walking incorporated into the festive period is a positive step for your health.
