Why today's the day we all feel really guilty

Daily Mail Reporter

Last updated at 12:22 AM on 29th December 2009 

Wishing you hadn't tucked into all those mince pies? Ashamed at how lazy you've been over Christmas?Well today is payback time. December 29 is, apparently, the day when we feel guiltiest about all of our indulgences over the year.

A poll of 2,000 adults asked them to specify a moment of maximum embarrassment over our excesses – including eating, drinking and idleness in front of the TV.

December 29 is the crux day when all our guilty pleasures come to a head

More than 40 per cent of those polled said that the day in the middle of the festive period - four days after Christmas and three days before New Year - was the time they felt worst about themselves.

It is also today that millions of us decide on a New Year's resolution - whether it be giving up cigarettes, alcohol or fatty food or joining a gym and getting fit.

The British Dietetic Association says that we on average put on around 5lbs over the Christmas period and that on Christmas Day alone we normally eat and drink our way through 6,000 calories - more than triple the amount recommended for women and double that for men.

Fitness experts also backed up the poll and highlighted the week between Christmas and New Year as the 'guiltiest' time of the year. Health and nutrition professionals at Fitness TV said this week - and particularly today - was a time when we all felt down about Christmas excess.

They said their calculations are based on when a person last exercised, upcoming New Year's resolutions, the weight gain over the festive period, excessive Christmas spending and partying and too much time spent in front of the TV.

Luan Underwood, a health expert at Fitness TV which conducted the poll, said: ' This year has been a difficult one for many so Christmas has been a real opportunity for people to let their hair down and indulge. 

And with the festive season starting even earlier, the constant invites for post work drinks, parties and treats at home mean exercise routines go out the window. 

'This has left people feeling that they have a mountain to climb to get back in shape in 2010, making December 29 the day we feel most guilty about our indulgences.

'Exercise is the perfect way to ditch those feelings of remorse and feel great again.'

Expert nutritionist Sue Baic said: 'At Christmas we're always surrounded by lots of lovely food and drink and whilst there is no reason to feel guilty about enjoying yourself, it's easy to over-eat. 

'It's important to enjoy yourself over the festive period but taking some simple steps can contribute to a healthy and enjoyable festival period and may even stop you worrying about the post-Christmas crash diet.   

'While many of the traditional foods are actually very low in fat, it's the trimmings and extra nibbles that can add the pounds. 'Try to take some exercise over the festive period such as brisk walking or cycling.'

The research comes as Fitness TV launches a free 6-week fitness programme on 4 January on Sky 282 and is backed by the Government's Change4Life movement. 

The show will be presented by celebrity trainer Elise Lindsay, responsible for getting Coleen Rooney back into shape following the birth of Kai to Manchester United ace Wayne Rooney in November.