US and UK top list of countries with the most calorific Christmas dinners

Countries with traditional meals focusing on fish and vegetables were far healthier, analysis found

(Rex Features)

Christmas dinner in the UK and Ireland is the second-most calorific in the world, according to new research.

A phenomenal 3,289 calories is typically consumed through a prawn cocktail starter, roast with all the trimmings, Christmas pudding and mince pies washed down with wine and beer.

The NHS recommends a daily intake of 2,000 calories for an average adult, although individual needs vary according to age, gender and physical activity.

(Analysis by Treated.com)

The US won the dubious title of most calorific Christmas meal by a mere two calories, while France, Germany, Brazil and Croatia also made the top 10.

Lithuania was crowned the healthiest European country by Treated.com, which analysed the typical Christmas feasts eaten in 28 countries.

Its 12-dish Christmas Eve supper may sound extravagant but as a religious meal, it traditionally contains no meat, dairy or alcohol, tending towards fish and vegetables instead.

(Analysis by Treated.com)

Japan took the overall title for consuming the least calories on average, although the modern tradition of eating a KFC box meal can hardly be described as healthy.

Other traditions include Christmas fish soup in the Czech Republic, barbequed prawns in Australia, mussel soup in Italy and saffron buns in Norway.

For anyone wanting to cut the calories in their meal, Treated.com recommends using olive oil instead of goose fat for the roast potatoes and cutting out the pigs in blankets.

For those not willing to sacrifice the trimmings, the site recommends filling your plate with vegetables first so you consume less of the meat, carbohydrates and condiments.