JUNK FOOD AND BOOZE CONSUMPTION PREDICTED TO RISE WITH WORLD CUP FEVER

15th June 2010, 9:01am

Brits following the World Cup will tuck into 47 million extra takeaways in front of the footie -and wash them down with 211 million extra beers, reported a survey of eating habits by fruit growers in South Africa.

According to the study, which was undertaken by independent research company Opinion Matters, football fans are expected to swop their normal eating regimes for a diet of junk food and booze with 42% predicted to succumb to the temptation of pizza, crisps and other fast food and 47% upping their alcohol intake as excitement over the tournament takes place.

And the survey has found that it is the younger fans who are most likely to let their normal healthy eating habits slip, with 69% of 16-24 year-olds expecting to eat more junk food compared to 42% of 45-54 year-olds. And resignation towards healthy eating will be accompanied by a looser attitude towards alcohol with 66% of 25-35 year olds themselves expecting to consume more booze on average than normal.

The results of the study are likely to unsettle nutritionists who support the government guidelines for five portions of fruit and vegetables per day; the report anticipates that the average person will eat eight fewer pieces of fruit than normal, consume two fewer apples and pears and eat one less portion of other fruit such as peaches, nectarines and plums during the event.

Ron Maughan, professor of sport and exercise nutrition at Loughborough University, said: "While the occasional indulgence will not harm you, this research suggests some of the guys watching the football will consume an awful lot of what, when eaten in such volume, are unhealthy items."

He has advice for fans that have an interest in staying healthy during the excitement: " There is plenty of fresh fruit available as alternative snacks. Football fans and non-fans alike should take care to balance their diet with these foods at all times – and particularly when the temptation to eat poorly is at its highest."

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