A quarter of those from Wales overindulge on holiday, eating twice as much as normal while away

Concerns over food and overeating fuels holiday stress

• Almost half of Welsh people worry about ‘eating or drinking something that will upset my stomach’ (41%) while on holiday – with 23% admitting they worry they won’t find any food they like when going abroad
• A quarter of those in Wales admit they overindulge, eating twice as much as normal while away
• 35% say they tuck into foods they usually avoid – while 23% claim their usual diet goes completely out of the window
• A quarter have suffered stomach pain, cramps or diarrhoea, while away
• Yakult have teamed up with dietitian Lucy Kerrison to share simple ways we can all look after our gut health on holiday – from the foods we eat, to the wellness routines we adopt

Over a third of holidaymakers from Wales say eating a full English Breakfast is a highlight of their holiday, as they tuck into foods they’d usually avoid, including less healthy items such as chips, pizza, waffles and pancakes. 

With food such an important part of many people’s holidays, a quarter of people admit they overindulge, and eat twice as much as normal.

However, food fears are also common. Almost half worry about ‘eating or drinking something that will upset my stomach’ (41 per cent), while 23 per cent of people say they worry they won’t find any food they like when going abroad – a higher percentage than those who are concerned about not knowing the local language (18%) or area (23%).

The study, carried out by Yakult, researched people’s eating habits while on holiday, and found that 35% of people say they tuck into foods they usually avoid, and 23 per cent claim their usual diet goes completely out of the window.

In turn, this can lead to repercussions, with eight in ten of holidaymakers from Wales (79%) admitting they have felt unwell as a result of eating too much while on holiday.

Additionally, a quarter have suffered stomach pain, cramps, or diarrhoea, while other ailments include constipation, heartburn and headaches.

A quarter (27%) love eating chips when they go away, and 12 per cent say they tuck into ‘greasy or fried food I might eat less of at home’.

Although 50% like to sample ‘the local delicacies’, over half pack British staples to take with them, as they’re anxious about being without home comforts – including almost half taking tea bags, a quarter packing crisps, chocolate bars and biscuits, 14% pack cereal bars and 9% take tins of baked beans or spaghetti.

In addition, 5% pack allergy specific foods such as gluten free bread and nut free chocolate. In comparison, 36% of people enjoy fresh fruit when on holiday and 20% fresh vegetables.

To help everyone look after their gut health while on holiday, Yakult have partnered with gut health dietitian Lucy Kerrison, to advise on some of the simple habits we can adopt while away – from the foods we eat, to the amount we drink, and the wellbeing routines we can follow.

Lucy comments: “Holidays are a time for fun and enjoying food is a big part of many people’s holidays, whether abroad or during a staycation.

“So, it’s sad to see that so many people have experienced gut health issues while away, simply because of the food they are eating.

“The good news is there are many simple measures we can follow, which may help benefit our gut health and reduce these issues.

“From making sure we eat enough fibre, and enjoying local fruit and veggies while abroad, to keeping hydrated (especially when in the heat), keeping active, chewing food well and reducing stress – by relaxing and trying activities like mediation and yoga for example.

“Eating fermented foods and drinks can also benefit gut health while away and keeping to daily routines, can have a positive impact on your overall wellness.” 

“With a little thought and preparation, looking after our gut health can be easy, allowing us to make the most of our well-deserved holidays!”

For further information, visit the Yakult website (www.yakult.co.uk).