It's peak diet season and Brits are on the national detox, but not snacking or avoiding food for long periods in between meal times can cause more harm than good. Research of 1,000 adults from Special K Mini Breaks reveals that Hunger Rage - when tempers boil as hunger strikes - is most likely to hit famished Brits at 4:01pm.
In a battle of the sexes, it's women who suffer worst from Hunger Rage. Almost two thirds of UK females (59%) admit to losing their rag when they're hungry compared to just 41% of men. However, men have less patience and are more likely to lose control of their temper before women - fellas flare up at 3:41pm and ladies lose it at 4:27pm. When hunger comes knocking, the best way to avoid a temper tantrum is to look after your body and mind by taking regular ‘mini breaks' throughout the day.
Food for thought: according to the research 86% of Brits are more likely to think about food during the day than anything else, including life's bigger priorities such as funds (81%) and family and friends (72%). However, while the statistics show that we're a nation of food lovers, we appear to be a nation of food lovers in denial as only 58% of Brits take less than five minutes a day to break and re-energise physically and mentally.
Trouble in the workplace: as well as causing outbursts in the office, by not stopping to refuel regularly we could be stunting our chances of getting ahead at work too. January's the time when many people set themselves new promotion targets but these aren't likely to be reached as two thirds of women (66%) admit to a lack of concentration and 45% to feelings of lethargy when hungry. Their male counterparts tallied 54% and 32% respectively. As food provides the fuel to enhance productivity and effectiveness at work it is best served at regular intervals to avoid energy slumps and angry bosses!
Good intentions and guilty pleasures: by not taking the time to satisfy hunger pangs regularly, Brits are more likely to reach for indulgent snacks - like crisps and chocolate - as a last resort when hunger turns to rage. About 60% of women in the UK actively watch what they eat and are likely to avoid eating between meals. However, over half of women (54%) end up spoiling themselves with an indulgent snack for emotional relief compared with only a third of men (33%).
But no snacking or indulgent snacking is not the answer to hunger rage. Stevie Reid, nutritionist for Special K Mini Breaks comments, "The study suggests that denying yourself snacks can lead to angry outbursts and mood swings. Additionally, while you might think you're looking after your waistline by not eating between meals, if you don't take time for sensible snacks during the day you may end up reaching for a more indulgent choice to keep you going anyway, or over eat when meal times finally come around! By taking regular mini breaks between meals and avoiding Hunger Rage, the study indicates you'll probably be more popular too!"
Below are Stevie Reid's top three tips to a healthy body and mind:
1/. Prepare properly: Prepare a snack pack before you leave the house in the morning
2/. Stick to the plan: It's easy to get side-tracked at work when you're busy. Schedule mini-breaks into your day - and stick to them!
3/. Make your snacks count! Think about your own body and give it what it needs. Different foods contain different nutrients so pick out those that help you fulfil your daily needs!
For further nutritional information visit http://www.kelloggs.co.uk/
ENDS
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