Count calories not goals this World Cup says Council

Warwickshire County Council has issued health advice for the World Cup Credit: ITV News Central

While most people will be counting the points in the group stages, one Midlands council is warning people to keep an eye on their calories during the World Cup too.

Warwickshire County Council has issued advice on how to stay healthy, and enjoy the football.

With many games kicking off late in the evening, Public Health Warwickshire are warning fans to eat well & think about their drink.

Cllr Bob Stevens, Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Health, said:

Chicken burgers could be a healthier option over beef burgers Credit: PA

The council says a chicken burger without mayonnaise has a fraction of the calories and fat content of a regular burger.

Late night World Cup matches could lead to an unhealthy diet warns Warwickshire County Council Credit: PA

Or even if a pizza is the only option, the choice of which pizza can make a huge different with a simple cheese and tomato pizza on the high street ranging from around 1,500 calories and 50g of fat to about 600 calories and 22g of fat, depending on where you eat.

Beer consumption can also increase the calories intake, for example a pint of bitter has about 235 calories while a pint of premium lager has 260 calories – more than 1,000 calories for four pints.

Cllr Maggie O’Rourke, the county council’s Chairman of the Adult, Social Care and Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee, said:

The average pint of premium lager contains 260 calories Credit: PA

The British Nutrition Foundation has offered the following tips on not gaining weight from drinking alcohol:

  • Stick to your daily recommended units – men should not regularly drink more than 3-4 units of alcohol a day; women should not regularly drink more than 2-3 units a day. As an indication, a pint of lager (ABV 5.2%) and a 250ml glass of wine (ABV 12%) both contain 3 units of alcohol.

  • Alternate an alcoholic drink with a glass of water – this will help to prevent you becoming dehydrated.

  • Don’t drink on an empty stomach. If you do reach for snacks while drinking, opt for a healthier option – choose a sandwich instead of crisps or chips, or choose a chicken burger without mayonnaise instead of a kebab with garlic sauce.

  • Drinking in rounds can mean you end up drinking more than you intended. Opt out and drink at your own pace.

  • Try cutting down with a friend, as you’ll be more likely to stick to it with moral support.

  • Eat a healthier dinner before you start drinking. Order or cook before you start drinking so you’re not tempted to go for the less healthy options.

  • Pace yourself by taking small sips.

  • Avoid ‘binge drinking’ – some people are under the misapprehension that they can ‘save up’ their units to splurge at the weekend.

  • If you’re drinking white wine, why not add a splash of soda water to help the same number of units last longer?

England flags will be flying from this Saturday Credit: PA

Here are England's pool stage fixtures:

  • England v Italy at 11pm on Saturday, June 14

  • Uruguay v England at 8pm on Thursday, June 19

  • Costa Rica v England at 5pm on Tuesday, June 24

For more information on how to stay healthy visit the Warwickshire County Council website.

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