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Some days work is just too hectic to make proper time for lunch, and the only option is to inhale  a ready-made sandwich at your desk while trying to get other tasks done.

However a new study discovered that eating meals away from home on a regular basis could contribute to weight gain, loss of nutrients and higher cholesterol.

Researchers focused on over 8,000 participants in the UK during the course of five years and discovered that where we eat our meals has just as much impact as what we are actually eating.

"We found participants who ate six or more meals a week away from home had a higher body mass index and lower concentrations of high-density lipoprotein – a molecule that removes excess cholesterol from the blood," said Ashima Kant, the leader of the study. 

She noted that the results did not just relate to those who ate fast food but also those who ate healthy pre-prepared choices.

According to recent figures, almost one third of Irish women are overweight, and over one quarter are obese.

While it can be impossible to eat fresh, homemade food at your kitchen table for every meal, perhaps the key here is to at least try to eat breakfast and dinner at home if nothing else!

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Experts are now saying that calorie counting apps or fitness bands are causing people to actually put on weight, rather than lose it.

Online forum users are saying that despite the apps telling them that they’ve burned a lot of calories, they are weighing more than they should be on the scales. Apparently this is down to the apps not being totally accurate, leading users to believe they’ve burned more calories than they actually have, and so they think they can afford to eat more food.

The problem with the apps is that they don’t take into consideration individual circumstances – such as if they’re on medication, or if they’re pregnant. It also doesn’t consider the kinds of foods they’re eating.

However, they’re not ALL bad. New York based personal trainer Matt Townsend says: “My clients use them as an excuse to walk a few extra blocks, go for a water break, take the stairs instead of the elevator and many other situations where you would often pass on physical exercise.

“The key here is to not over-consume the calories you are working hard to burn off. Fitness bands can help you find a way to sneak in cardio while also lowering stress levels, raising energy and, of course, ensuring your clothes fit the right way.”

Looks like the moral of the story is to use your head, as well as your app!

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After a night out, it’s pretty common to crave salty, fatty and not-so-good-for-you foods. But are you aware of how many calories you could be adding to your diet?

According to a survey of 2,042 by Slimming World, which was commissioned by YouGov, binge drinking can lead to the consumption of an extra 6,300 calories during the following 24 hours.

Nearly half of those surveyed, admitted to cancelling physical activity, preferring to stay in bed, watching telly and going on social media after a night out.

It doesn’t even take that much wine to leave you reaching for the fast food dial – just three large glasses.

The survey revealed that on a night out and the day after, those who took part in the poll, consumed an extra 2,829 calories in food, 1,476 in drink and 2,051 in extra calories the next day.

Head of nutrition and research at Slimming World Dr. Jacquie Lavin, says: “alcohol makes the food even more rewarding. It tastes good and feels even better than it would do normally.”

Maybe it’s time to put the glass of wine down, unless you want to gain 2lb.

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