London, UK. December 2025 – Britain has claimed the title of the most indulgent Christmas dinner, according to new research from health and nutrition app Lifesum. Analysing traditional festive meals across Europe and the United States, the study examined calories, macronutrients, sugar, fibre and micronutrients, revealing how holiday traditions impact both nutrition and wellbeing.

“Festive meals should be joyful but there’s a simple ‘order-eating’ trick most Brits miss,” says Rebeka Bereczy, lead dietitian at Lifesum. “Eat your vegetables and protein first, and you can naturally cut calorie intake by 10–20% while keeping blood sugar steady without changing what’s on your plate. Fill half your plate with veggies, prioritise protein, stay hydrated and savour the richer dishes mindfully. You’ll enjoy all the festive flavours without the crash.”

Healthier festive traditions emerge in the Czech Republic, with plates centred on fish, vegetables and lighter desserts, averaging 2,200 calories, higher fibre and more balanced macronutrients — lean protein from fish and poultry, complex carbs from root vegetables and whole grains and moderate healthy fats from oils and nuts. Poland, Norway and Sweden also favour lighter, nutrient-dense meals, proving it is possible to celebrate without overindulging.

Top 20 Christmas Dinners Nutritional Index

Ranking	Country	Avg Calories	Nutritional Index
1	Czech Republic	2,200	Balanced macros, high fibre, fish & vegetables, light desserts
2	Poland	2,300	Moderate sugar, fibre-rich sides, lean meats
3	Norway	2,400	Lean proteins, high vegetable intake, moderate carbs
4	Sweden	2,450	Fibre-rich grains, balanced dessert, seasonal veg
5	Finland	2,500	Light proteins, high vegetables, low added sugar
6	Denmark	2,550	Moderate sugar, fish-based dishes, balanced macros
7	Portugal	2,600	Lean proteins, seafood-focused, moderate desserts
8	Italy	2,650	Pasta-heavy, moderate sugar in desserts, fibre from vegetables
9	Spain	2,700	Lean meats, vegetables, moderate dessert intake
10	Switzerland	2,750	Cheese-heavy, moderate sugar, fibre from seasonal veg
11	Netherlands	2,800	Meat and potatoes focus, moderate sugar, low fibre
12	Belgium	2,850	Chocolate desserts, rich sauces, moderate vegetables
13	Austria	2,900	Rich meats, creamy sauces, sugar-heavy desserts
14	France	3,200	Butter-rich dishes, pastries, desserts high in sugar
15	Germany	3,400	Sausages, potato sides, sugar-laden desserts
16	Ireland	3,450	Rich meats, gravy-heavy, sugary desserts
17	Southern Spain	3,500	Rich meats, pastries, high sugar intake
18	Hungary	3,550	Meat-heavy, sweet desserts, moderate vegetable intake
19	United States	3,600	High sugar, creamy sauces, low fibre, oversized portions
20	United Kingdom	3,800	High sugar & saturated fat, low fibre & micronutrients, large portions

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Across Europe, lighter, vegetable-forward meals demonstrate that festive feasting can be both delicious and nutritionally balanced. These plates are rich in fibre, vitamins and minerals, provide moderate, high-quality protein and include complex carbohydrates that support steady energy, while keeping added sugar and saturated fat low.

 In contrast, UK and US festive traditions often combine large portions, high sugar desserts, creamy sauces and processed sides, resulting in excess calories, low fibre, poor micronutrient density and high saturated fat, which can lead to energy crashes, digestive stress and challenges in meeting daily nutritional needs. The comparison shows that small adjustments in protein prioritisation, vegetable inclusion and portioning can allow everyone to enjoy traditional flavours without compromising health.

 Behavioural Insights

• UK and US meals also had the highest estimated glycaemic load, meaning sharper blood sugar spikes and more pronounced fatigue after meals.
  
  
• Large portion sizes with plenty of sides and condiments encourages overeating.
  
  
• High sugar and fat combinations stimulate dopamine pathways, promoting indulgence beyond satiety.
  
  
• Nordic and Czech meals include more fermented foods and fibre diversity, which support gut microbiome stability during the high-stress holiday period.

Practical Tips

• The order in which foods are eaten significantly affects fullness and blood sugar. Starting with vegetables and protein can reduce total calorie intake by 10–20% without changing the menu
  
  
• Swap one dessert for fruit or nuts to cut sugar.
  
  
• Divide indulgent items into smaller portions to maintain enjoyment without overload.

 

Media Enquiries

Rebeka Bereczy, lead dietitian at Lifesum, is available for interviews.

Media contact: Harry Cymbler, Hot Cherry PR, harry@hotcherry.co.uk

 

About Lifesum

Used by over 65 million people globally, Lifesum is an AI-powered nutrition platform that helps people make smarter food choices and build sustainable, long-term habits. From improving focus and energy to managing weight and overall wellbeing, Lifesum provides personalized meal plans, recipes, and tracking tools that fit every lifestyle. Learn more at www.lifesum.com