DISH WE WEREN’T HERE
– Weight worrying Brits spend £13 billion every year on holidays they don’t enjoy –
● New research by weight loss specialist Voy reveals one in three (33%) Brits don’t enjoy going on holiday because they are watching what they eat
● This equates to over £13 billion1 spent on unenjoyable holidays each year
● 37% of Brits decide on their holiday destination based on the cuisine
● 36% feel they have to pause their fitness and weight loss efforts when going on holiday, with over half (63%) claiming to not eat the same food they would at home when they’re on a vacation
● 70% of Brits feel they are likely to come back from holiday feeling like they have put on weight
● Voy ranks 10 popular holiday destinations based on their cuisines alongside top tips for eating like a local and staying on track with goals
Whether you fly and flop, or are more of an active adventurer, new research by weight loss specialist, Voy, has revealed that one in three (33%) UK adults spend over £13 billion on holidays that they don’t actually enjoy every year, because they are worried about what they’re going to eat whilst away. Around two thirds (63%) find it difficult to maintain a routine around food on holiday and don’t eat the same types of food they would at home, which is causing a nation of vacationers to worry about what their diet might look like whilst away.
The research also shows that over one in three Brits (37%) decide on their holiday destination based on the local cuisine. Even when picking healthier choices from the menu, whether that be a Greek salad in the Med, or a Pho further afield, 70% still feel they are likely to return from holiday feeling like they have put on weight, despite trying to be conscious of their meals.
For those in a current fitness/diet regime, one in three (36%) feel they must pause their efforts when travelling abroad, finding it too challenging to keep regular routines up. Almost half (47%) admit to snacking more when away, however, some eating holiday habits improve, with 63% ensuring they don’t skip meals whilst abroad – wanting to enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner alfresco!
For those who drink, interestingly the research shows over one in 10 Brits (12%) claim to consume the same amount of alcohol abroad as they would at home, not tempted by an extra cocktail by the pool bar, or more than a couple of cold beers on the beach. Of those who do consume more alcohol when away from home, 35–44-year-olds (71%) seem to be the biggest drinkers, followed by 25–34-year-olds (66%).
Regionally, Mancunians (45%) are the most likely to pick where to holiday based on cuisine, second to Belfast (46%) whereas those from Sheffield (27%) hold food in lower regard when it comes to scouting for the perfect holiday location.
Weight loss specialist Voy has ranked 10 popular holiday destinations’ cuisines alongside top tips for how to enjoy eating like a local whilst still maintaining their goals:
|
Country |
Typical cuisine and traditional dishes |
Top tip |
|
Italy |
Pizza Margherita Spaghetti Carbonara Risotto alla Milanese Osso Buco Tiramisu |
The Italian culture centres around enjoying food together. Italy prides itself on not only its delicious cuisine, but its attitude towards food. A meal shared, is a meal well done! Every region has its own speciality, reflecting the food that grows locally. Check out the birth place of pizza and head to Naples, to try a traditional pizza made with the best produce, fresh cheeses and herbs! |
|
Spain |
Paella Gazpacho Tortilla Española (Spanish omelette) Jamón ibérico Churros con chocolate |
Spanish cuisine at its core uses quality ingredients, and simple cooking techniques to celebrate the natural flavours of the ingredients in each dish. With different regions having their own speciality, overall Spanish cuisine uses spices, herbs and aromatics such as paprika, parsley and garlic, to create bold, delicious dishes. |
|
Japan |
Sushi Ramen Tempura Sashimi Takoyaki |
Hara hachi bun me – the Japanese saying, translates to ‘eat until you are 80% full’ encompasses the cultures’ mindful approach towards food. If you do find yourself in Japan, try local seafood, dressed in the most wonderful of flavours. Japan has an amazing array of fermented food, from miso (soybean), tsukemono (pickles) to katsuobushi (dried bonito), try it all and see which natural probiotic you like best! |
|
Brazil |
Feijoada (black bean stew with pork) Pão de queijo (cheese bread) Moqueca (seafood stew) Coxinha (deep-fried chicken croquettes) Brigadeiro (chocolate truffles) |
Brazil is a country of continental dimensions. Due to its size, there is a range of different foods eaten across the country. However, overall the one thing that unites Brazilians is their love of simple, well-seasoned food. If you find yourself in Brazil try local dishes of rice, salty beans, beef and french fries! As a snack try Coxinha – which translates to little chicken thigh – and is a shredded chicken dish covered in dough, breaded and fried! Try it and feel the Brazilian spirit! |
|
France |
Coq au Vin Boeuf Bourguignon Ratatouille Escargot Crème brûlée |
French markets are vibrant hubs where locals gather to purchase fresh produce, cheese, meats, and other culinary delights. Strolling through a market, sampling cheeses, olives, and charcuterie, is a sensory experience to be cherished. |
|
Turkey |
Meze (assorted appetisers) Baklava Köfte (meatballs) Gözleme (filled flatbread) |
Turkish cuisine is deeply rooted in family traditions. Meals are often shared with extended family members, with everyone gathering around a table filled with mezze (appetisers), grilled meats, and freshly baked bread. |
|
USA |
Hamburger BBQ ribs Apple pie Macaroni and cheese Fried chicken |
The USA has an incredible range of foods to offer, depending on where in the country you go! On the West coast, the warm climate allows a variety of fruits, vegetables and crops to grow. Check out local markets and try out different varieties of fruits and veg – my favourite is a Pluot (Plum cross Kumquat)! Or head to the East coast for some amazing seafood options and try out some New England clam chowder! |
|
Morocco |
Tagine (slow-cooked stew) Couscous Pastilla (savory pie) Harira (soup) Mint tea |
The tagine, both the dish and the vessel it’s cooked in, is central to Moroccan cuisine. Cooking and serving tagine is a ritual that brings people together, with families and friends gathering to share slow-cooked stews infused with aromatic spices. |
|
Thailand |
Pad Thai Green curry Tom Yum Goong (spicy shrimp soup) Som Tum (green papaya salad) Mango sticky rice |
Embracing a variety of flavours, Thai cuisine balances sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and spicy flavours, often with fresh herbs and citrus. Take time to learn about different fruits and vegetables like Mangosteen and Durian. |
|
Denmark |
Smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches) Frikadeller (meatballs) Stegt flæsk med persillesovs (crispy pork with parsley sauce) Æbleflæsk (apple and bacon stew) Wienerbrød (Danish pastries) |
Traditional Danish food embodies the concept of hygge, offering warmth and togetherness. Smørrebrød, enjoyed with beer and aquavit, symbolises this communal dining experience, fostering connections over good food and company. Most of what you will eat in Denmark will be based in seasonality and honours what the changing seasons have to bring, embrace this local fresh produce while you embrace the social connection that food brings. |
Emily Wood, Coach at Voy, said: “A lot of money, time and effort goes into planning a holiday. Looking forward to experiencing new tastes at your destination is part of the fun, but worrying about your diet shouldn’t dampen your excitement. It’s normal to eat differently while on vacation, but it is no secret that finding a balance between staying true to your health goals and experiencing everything you want to on holiday can be a challenge. Ultimately, holidays are about rejuvenation and exploring new cultures, which includes embracing new foods and enjoying the scenery, in whatever way you choose.
While you’re away, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to savour delicious foods.
“Nearly every cuisine offers balanced options if you know where to look. Plus, trying out different foods from around the world can broaden your culinary horizons, making cooking at home more adventurous and enjoyable when you return.”
Voy’s programme combines breakthrough weight loss medication with tailored programmes and one-to-one coaching from a team of experts and clinicians. The approach is holistic, with lifestyle changes across nutrition, fitness, sleep, mindset and stress all brought together to break the cycle of weight loss and regain. Voy requires visual evidence as well as ID, BMI and past medical history and liaises with customers’ GP’s to ascertain eligibility. Every customer is also reviewed by a clinician individually.
To find out more about Voy, please visit: http://www.joinvoy.com
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