With the holiday season just around the corner and Brits eagerly retrieving their swimming shorts and bikinis from storage, the mere thought of being seen in holiday clothes can trigger a wave of body-conscious panic. Countless individuals experience decreased confidence and self-assurance, primarily from worrying about their body size.

A recent survey has revealed the UK’s attitude to pre-holiday dieting, highlighting that a shocking three out of five Brits admit to dieting before a holiday, with one in five dieting just a week before they are set to travel and one in 20 (5%) saying they diet between one and three days before their trip.

The survey by the healthy eating recipe box delivery company Green Chef shows a huge generational shift in pre-holiday dieting. 25-34-year-olds are the age bracket most likely to diet before a holiday, with over seven in 10 (72%) admitting to pre-holiday diet habits. By contrast, two-thirds of those aged 65 and over say they don’t diet before a holiday – making them the least likely age group to diet before going away. 

Gen Zs are more likely to opt for shorter diets (one to two weeks before a holiday) than older groups, like those aged between 45–54, who are more likely to diet five to six weeks before a holiday.

Regarding geographical stance on pre-holiday diets, Londoners are most likely to diet before a holiday, with almost 70% of respondents admitting they have done so in the past, closely followed by Birmingham and Newcastle residents. Conversely, Glasgow and Belfast dwellers were much less likely to participate in a pre-holiday diet, perhaps reflecting that they feel less pressure to conform to unhealthy ‘beach body’ norms.

Expert nutritionist’s top pre-holiday tips

• Ditch the crash diet: Although you may see quick results, dieting with the sole purpose of quick results is not sustainable. Making what you eat a way of life will yield much longer-lasting results. You’ll look and feel so much better for it too!
• Consider keto or lower-carb diets: For a standard keto diet, generally, you would consume a low amount of carbs, moderate proteins and a higher amount of fat. These diets have more longevity and will leave you feeling full, nourished and well.
• You can still treat yourself: Adopting a healthy diet such as lower carb will help you look and feel more positive, but don’t forget to treat yourself too.
• Remember, everyone feels body conscious at times: This survey alone has highlighted that most men need to diet before a holiday, so you’re not alone if you experience body consciousness. Realistic diets can help you feel empowered by your body rather than fighting against it.

Head chef and registered nutritionist at Green Chef, Anna Tebbs, RNutr, said: “It is interesting to see that despite the pro-body confidence and wellbeing-focused culture we live in, most Brits are still turning to unsustainable diets. Although you may see quick results, dieting with the sole purpose of rapid weight loss is not sustainable in the longer term.

“Respecting your body by eating healthy, nourishing foods rather than depriving yourself, combined with regular exercise, is a much more sustainable way of looking and feeling your best. We feel it’s important to open the conversation about unhealthy dieting cultures and promote sustainable diet options, encouraging them to become a way of life rather than just a fad diet.

“We also want to dispel the myths that dieting and depriving yourself of certain foods are beneficial and will lead to the perfect ‘beach body’. You can still achieve significant weight loss and improved mental and physical well-being through keto diet or low-carb meal plans, which fuel your body, rather than draining it.”