Health kicks last only 12 days a study has found!

health,kick,last,12,days

by Wendy Douglas |
Published on

The average health kick lasts less than 12 days, a study has found.

Well, you know how it is. You start a new regime with all the best intentions and even manage to stick it out for over a week, but then it all comes crashing down and we're back to our old habits.

But we're not the only ones. New research has discovered that despite trying to eat healthier, exercise more and cut back on alcohol and cigarettes, the average adult will have quit their health kick within two weeks.

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Two thirds of us who start a healthy regime will give up after 12 days (CREDIT: Getty Images) ©Getty Images

And apparently this pattern is repeated four times a year, with us trying a new regimen every three months.

So what are the reasons we give up so easily?

According to Healthspan, which commissioned the study to mark the launch of new supplement products called YOGO, there are a few main factors that will affect our ability to stick to a new plan.

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The temptation of chocolate is just too strong... (CREDIT: Getty Images) ©Getty Images

Feeling tired is the most common reason for quitting a health kick, followed by a stressful day at work and unsurprisingly chocolate was found to be the ultimate food we all fall off the wagon for.

Then apparently we can also add boredom, a night out or holiday and the lure of takeaway food to the list too. And we have to say it's all sounding rather familiar.

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A night out can cause us to fall off our health wagon (CREDIT: Getty Images) ©Getty Images

Rob Hobson, Healthspan Head of Nutrition, said: “It’s great to see that we are a nation interested in taking better care of our health, but a shame that so many of us are finding it difficult to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

“It’s important that when starting a new health regime you make sure you are getting a balanced and varied diet.

“There is so much more choice these days when deciding on what route to take when improving your health that it’s no wonder Brits are jumping between different health kicks.”

The results of the research, carried out on OnePoll.com, show that two thirds of us will often start a health kick with good intentions but find it hard to stick with it for too long.

And more than half even admit they have embarked on a health kick but given up within 24 hours! Hands up if this is you!

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We all know what we should be doing but find it difficult to stick to our health kicks (CREDIT: Getty Images) ©Getty Images

Despite nearly half of Brits describing themselves as health enthusiasts, millions of us are missing out on daily essentials that will improve our healthy habits such as eating oily fish twice a week, getting five portions of fruit and veg or walking 10,000 steps a day.

Almost a quarter will buy supplements but forget to take them!

Rob Hobson Healthspan Head of Nutrition said: “Despite all the hype and interest around nutrition, information overload has actually made it very confusing.

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Why is sticking to a health kick so tricky? Perhaps the Yogis know the answer! (CREDIT: Getty Images) ©Getty Images

“For one reason or another, despite the information available, many people are still not eating enough of the right foods to support their optimum nutrient intake."

He continued: “Put simply, many of us our not getting enough from our diet and would benefit from supplementation.

“Not everyone wants to take a tablet or capsule supplement so innovative products like Healthspan’s new YoGo range is a great way to top up and support our diets with what we need.”

Top ten things most likely to make you quit a health kick:

1. Feeling tired

2. A stressful day at work

3. Chocolate

4. Boredom

5. A trip away or a holiday

6. A night out

7. Alcohol

8. Bad or cold weather

9. Takeaway food

10. Cake

Have you given up on a health kick before it's even begun? Let us know over on Facebook and Twitter.

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