Latest news with #Zoe
The Guardian
16 hours ago
- Health
- The Guardian
Healthy chocolate, low-hangover wine and nutritious breakfast cereal: 10 guilty pleasures … without the guilt
We all know we should be snacking on blueberries and eating more leafy greens. But what should you do when you're stuck at a motorway service station with a choice between crisps and more crisps? If you can't resist a glass (or two) of wine, what's the healthiest option? And is it possible to hit the kebab shop at 1am without being struck down by the spectre of Gwyneth Paltrow? Not all junk food is created equal. Top nutritionists suggest the treats, booze and ultra-processed foods that pose the smallest risk to our health – and the ones even they eat from time to time. Although nobody would count crisps as one of their five a day (a shame, because they are made from potatoes), if you swerve the flavoured options, some packets aren't too bad as far as snacks go. 'Look for an ingredients list that contains just potatoes and ideally extra-virgin olive oil and maybe sea salt,' says Dr Federica Amati, the author of Everybody Should Know This and the head nutritionist at the health science company Zoe. 'You want them to be lightly salted, not very salted.' Contrary to what you may think, those chickpea and lentil crisp alternatives might not be better for you, Amati says: 'Read the back of the packet carefully as they might contain lots of additives, flavour enhancers and emulsifiers to make them taste good. You're often better off having a simple, traditional crisp and not eating too many. Think Kettle Lightly Salted, or even Walkers Ready Salted, rather than Doritos Flamin' Hot.' Lots of gummies now claim to be 'sugar-free' or 'natural' and come in healthy-looking packaging, but is a saintly sweet an oxymoron? 'Traditional gummy sweets and chewy candies are textbook UPFs and normally loaded with glucose syrup, artificial colours, flavourings and gelatine,' says nutritionist Rob Hobson, author of Unprocess Your Life. 'Plain liquorice is a better option, but check the label as the proper stuff should only contain minimal ingredients such as molasses, flour and aniseed extract.' For Amati, 'a sweet is always a sweet, but opt for brands that don't contain palm oil, which has a high saturated fat content. Candy Kittens and Biona are good examples. If you consume sweets in moderation and practise good dental health afterwards, they're not too bad.' 'Dark chocolate typically contains less sugar than milk or white,' says the nutritionist Rhiannon Lambert, author of The Unprocessed Plate. 'Opting for varieties with 75% cocoa or higher not only reduces the sugar content, it can also support a more diverse and flourishing gut microbiome. Dark chocolate is rich in polyphenols and antioxidants that may support heart health by improving blood flow and reducing inflammation.' For bonus points, choose a dark chocolate with nuts in it. 'Almonds or hazelnuts provide healthy fats, fibre and micronutrients such as magnesium and vitamin E,' says Lambert. But what if you're not a fan of dark chocolate? 'Choosing a milk chocolate bar that includes whole nuts can still be a more balanced option.' Amati says you should still check the label on your dark and milk chocolate: 'Look for cocoa butter or cocoa mass on the ingredients list, as some brands replace it with cheaper, more saturated fats. And avoid any additives, emulsifiers and sweeteners.' Vegetable or palm fats, lecithin, monoglycerides, and diglycerides of fatty acids are all red flags. We all know that fizzy drinks are full of sugar, artificial sweeteners and other additives, but sometimes nothing hits the spot like a cold can of pop. 'There are now lots of probiotic soft drinks on the market,' says Amati. 'The jury's still out on how effective they are for gut health, but many of them are low in sugar and have no artificial sweeteners or added sugar, making them a good option.' Hobson says swapping standard fizzy drinks for kombucha (fermented tea) is a smart move: 'Opt for varieties with live cultures, that are unpasteurised and with no added sugars.' He favours Momo Kombucha ('It's raw unfiltered and brewed in small batches with organic ingredients'), and Remedy Kombucha ('It's fermented to the point where sugar is virtually eliminated'). Other kombucha brands with low sugar content include No 1 Living, Holos and Jarr. They don't call it the 'beer belly' for nothing, but is it possible to sip a pint without derailing a diet? 'Lagers that have 'light' in their name, or low-alcohol beers, are generally your best bet,' says Lambert. 'That's because the majority of calories in beer come from its alcohol content – the higher the alcohol by volume (ABV), the more calories it tends to contain. For example, a standard lager contains about 150–200 calories per pint, while a low-alcohol or light lager can come in closer to 80–100 calories. These options still offer the refreshing lager taste, just with fewer calories and often less impact on hydration, and sleep too. If you're watching your intake, always check the ABV and aim for beers that are around 3% or lower.' Small Beer makes a lager that's 2.1% and only 73 calories a can. It was bad news for the 'everything in moderation' brigade when a 2022 study found that even a small amount of alcohol has negative health outcomes. But if you are going to have a glass of wine, is there a grape that's less grim than the others? 'Hangovers are usually the result of a toxin called acetaldehyde (the byproduct of alcohol breakdown), dehydration and compounds called congeners, which are more prevalent in darker and cheaper wines,' says Hobson. 'It's for this reason that white wine gives you less of a hangover than red. Sulphites often get the blame, but unless you're genuinely sulphite-sensitive, they're unlikely to be the problem.' Sign up to Inside Saturday The only way to get a look behind the scenes of the Saturday magazine. Sign up to get the inside story from our top writers as well as all the must-read articles and columns, delivered to your inbox every weekend. after newsletter promotion However, organic or biodynamic wine does tend to have fewer additives overall, and often lower levels of sulphites and residual sugar, so they can be a better choice. Wines from cooler-climate regions such as the Loire valley or parts of Germany are usually lower in alcohol (11-12%), and you can now buy specially made low-alcohol wines that can make a difference to your hangover. It's also a good idea to go for dry wines rather than sweet ones, as less sugar can mean less of a headache the next day.' But, ultimately, it's about pacing yourself, not drinking on an empty stomach and drinking water alongside alcohol. 'Even the cleanest, most 'natural' wine won't save you from a hangover if you drink too much,' says Hobson. Beware the bubbles – fizz has been proved to cause worse hangovers than any other kind of wine. But if you want to raise a toast, which is the best for you? 'The fizzy wines labelled Brut Nature or Extra Brut contain the lowest levels of residual sugar – typically under 6g per litre,' says Lambert. 'Whether it's prosecco, champagne or cava, choosing one of these dry varieties is your best bet. Avoid styles such as demi-sec or doux, which have a much higher sugar content.' Breakfast cereals get a bad rep on the UPF front, but some are much healthier than others. 'Yes, Weetabix is technically a processed food, but it's low in fat, high in fibre, affordable and delicious,' says Amati. 'About 90% of adults in the UK are fibre-deficient and breakfast cereal is an easy way to up your intake.' Amati also favours Dorset Cereals and jumbo steel-cut porridge oats. 'Making it in the microwave is fine,' she says. 'Just avoid quick-cook oats (as these have been more processed and so make your blood sugar spike) or flavours or sweeteners.' And beware of that healthy-looking granola – it may not be as good for you as you think. 'Many are heavily processed and contain high levels of added sugar, emulsifiers and refined grains,' says Lambert. 'Opt for ones with a low sugar content – ideally less than 5g of free sugars per 100g – and made from whole ingredients such as oats, nuts, seeds, maple syrup or honey, and dried fruit.' Bio&Me Granola has just 4.2g of sugar per 100g, compared with 15g in the same amount of Jordans Simply Granola. Not all takeaways have to come with a side order of guilt. 'In general, avoid deep-fried food,' says Amati. 'Some places cook in saturated fats and keep reusing the same oil.' Instead, head towards your local Thai, Vietnamese or Indian restaurant. 'Choose the veggie option, such as a chickpea, paneer or spinach curry. These are all fibre-rich, whole foods.' And don't order the rice. 'It's much better – and cheaper – to make rice at home using packets of parboiled rice you can buy in the supermarket. When you reheat cooked rice the starch is more resistant, which is better for blood sugar control and improved gut health.' Hobson favours a Turkish takeaway. 'I would go for a grilled chicken shawarma wrap with salad, hummus and a wholemeal flatbread,' he says. 'This option is balanced with lean protein, fibre and healthy fats. These kind of places often offer fresh vegetable and grain-based salads such as tabbouleh, bulgur salads or ezme, which are rich in fibre and other key nutrients.' Those chilly, limp pre-made sandwiches are never the most satisfying, but if you have to grab one, which is the lesser of the UPF evils? 'Look for those made with wholegrain or seeded bread, as they provide more fibre and keep you fuller for longer than white bread,' says Lambert. 'For the filling, lean protein such as falafel, hummus, chicken, egg or tuna are all good options, especially when paired with salad or crunchy vegetables. Creamy sauces, excessive mayonnaise or cheese-heavy fillings can push up the saturated fat and salt content up quite significantly, so it's worth being selective.' If in doubt, focus on fibre. 'The nutrient most of us are probably deficient in is fibre, so if you're checking the nutrition label, check the fibre content, and try to pick one that gets you as close as possible to 3g of fibre per 100g. It's a helpful benchmark for knowing you're getting a more satisfying, gut-friendly choice.'
The Guardian
16 hours ago
- Health
- The Guardian
Healthy chocolate, low-hangover wine and nutritious breakfast cereal: 10 guilty pleasures … without the guilt
We all know we should be snacking on blueberries and eating more leafy greens. But what should you do when you're stuck at a motorway service station with a choice between crisps and more crisps? If you can't resist a glass (or two) of wine, what's the healthiest option? And is it possible to hit the kebab shop at 1am without being struck down by the spectre of Gwyneth Paltrow? Not all junk food is created equal. Top nutritionists suggest the treats, booze and ultra-processed foods that pose the smallest risk to our health – and the ones even they eat from time to time. Although nobody would count crisps as one of their five a day (a shame, because they are made from potatoes), if you swerve the flavoured options, some packets aren't too bad as far as snacks go. 'Look for an ingredients list that contains just potatoes and ideally extra-virgin olive oil and maybe sea salt,' says Dr Federica Amati, the author of Everybody Should Know This and the head nutritionist at the health science company Zoe. 'You want them to be lightly salted, not very salted.' Contrary to what you may think, those chickpea and lentil crisp alternatives might not be better for you, Amati says: 'Read the back of the packet carefully as they might contain lots of additives, flavour enhancers and emulsifiers to make them taste good. You're often better off having a simple, traditional crisp and not eating too many. Think Kettle Lightly Salted, or even Walkers Ready Salted, rather than Doritos Flamin' Hot.' Lots of gummies now claim to be 'sugar-free' or 'natural' and come in healthy-looking packaging, but is a saintly sweet an oxymoron? 'Traditional gummy sweets and chewy candies are textbook UPFs and normally loaded with glucose syrup, artificial colours, flavourings and gelatine,' says nutritionist Rob Hobson, author of Unprocess Your Life. 'Plain liquorice is a better option, but check the label as the proper stuff should only contain minimal ingredients such as molasses, flour and aniseed extract.' For Amati, 'a sweet is always a sweet, but opt for brands that don't contain palm oil, which has a high saturated fat content. Candy Kittens and Biona are good examples. If you consume sweets in moderation and practise good dental health afterwards, they're not too bad.' 'Dark chocolate typically contains less sugar than milk or white,' says the nutritionist Rhiannon Lambert, author of The Unprocessed Plate. 'Opting for varieties with 75% cocoa or higher not only reduces the sugar content, it can also support a more diverse and flourishing gut microbiome. Dark chocolate is rich in polyphenols and antioxidants that may support heart health by improving blood flow and reducing inflammation.' For bonus points, choose a dark chocolate with nuts in it. 'Almonds or hazelnuts provide healthy fats, fibre and micronutrients such as magnesium and vitamin E,' says Lambert. But what if you're not a fan of dark chocolate? 'Choosing a milk chocolate bar that includes whole nuts can still be a more balanced option.' Amati says you should still check the label on your dark and milk chocolate: 'Look for cocoa butter or cocoa mass on the ingredients list, as some brands replace it with cheaper, more saturated fats. And avoid any additives, emulsifiers and sweeteners.' Vegetable or palm fats, lecithin, monoglycerides, and diglycerides of fatty acids are all red flags. We all know that fizzy drinks are full of sugar, artificial sweeteners and other additives, but sometimes nothing hits the spot like a cold can of pop. 'There are now lots of probiotic soft drinks on the market,' says Amati. 'The jury's still out on how effective they are for gut health, but many of them are low in sugar and have no artificial sweeteners or added sugar, making them a good option.' Hobson says swapping standard fizzy drinks for kombucha (fermented tea) is a smart move: 'Opt for varieties with live cultures, that are unpasteurised and with no added sugars.' He favours Momo Kombucha ('It's raw unfiltered and brewed in small batches with organic ingredients'), and Remedy Kombucha ('It's fermented to the point where sugar is virtually eliminated'). Other kombucha brands with low sugar content include No 1 Living, Holos and Jarr. They don't call it the 'beer belly' for nothing, but is it possible to sip a pint without derailing a diet? 'Lagers that have 'light' in their name, or low-alcohol beers, are generally your best bet,' says Lambert. 'That's because the majority of calories in beer come from its alcohol content – the higher the alcohol by volume (ABV), the more calories it tends to contain. For example, a standard lager contains about 150–200 calories per pint, while a low-alcohol or light lager can come in closer to 80–100 calories. These options still offer the refreshing lager taste, just with fewer calories and often less impact on hydration, and sleep too. If you're watching your intake, always check the ABV and aim for beers that are around 3% or lower.' Small Beer makes a lager that's 2.1% and only 73 calories a can. It was bad news for the 'everything in moderation' brigade when a 2022 study found that even a small amount of alcohol has negative health outcomes. But if you are going to have a glass of wine, is there a grape that's less grim than the others? 'Hangovers are usually the result of a toxin called acetaldehyde (the byproduct of alcohol breakdown), dehydration and compounds called congeners, which are more prevalent in darker and cheaper wines,' says Hobson. 'It's for this reason that white wine gives you less of a hangover than red. Sulphites often get the blame, but unless you're genuinely sulphite-sensitive, they're unlikely to be the problem.' Sign up to Inside Saturday The only way to get a look behind the scenes of the Saturday magazine. Sign up to get the inside story from our top writers as well as all the must-read articles and columns, delivered to your inbox every weekend. after newsletter promotion However, organic or biodynamic wine does tend to have fewer additives overall, and often lower levels of sulphites and residual sugar, so they can be a better choice. Wines from cooler-climate regions such as the Loire valley or parts of Germany are usually lower in alcohol (11-12%), and you can now buy specially made low-alcohol wines that can make a difference to your hangover. It's also a good idea to go for dry wines rather than sweet ones, as less sugar can mean less of a headache the next day.' But, ultimately, it's about pacing yourself, not drinking on an empty stomach and drinking water alongside alcohol. 'Even the cleanest, most 'natural' wine won't save you from a hangover if you drink too much,' says Hobson. Beware the bubbles – fizz has been proved to cause worse hangovers than any other kind of wine. But if you want to raise a toast, which is the best for you? 'The fizzy wines labelled Brut Nature or Extra Brut contain the lowest levels of residual sugar – typically under 6g per litre,' says Lambert. 'Whether it's prosecco, champagne or cava, choosing one of these dry varieties is your best bet. Avoid styles such as demi-sec or doux, which have a much higher sugar content.' Breakfast cereals get a bad rep on the UPF front, but some are much healthier than others. 'Yes, Weetabix is technically a processed food, but it's low in fat, high in fibre, affordable and delicious,' says Amati. 'About 90% of adults in the UK are fibre-deficient and breakfast cereal is an easy way to up your intake.' Amati also favours Dorset Cereals and jumbo steel-cut porridge oats. 'Making it in the microwave is fine,' she says. 'Just avoid quick-cook oats (as these have been more processed and so make your blood sugar spike) or flavours or sweeteners.' And beware of that healthy-looking granola – it may not be as good for you as you think. 'Many are heavily processed and contain high levels of added sugar, emulsifiers and refined grains,' says Lambert. 'Opt for ones with a low sugar content – ideally less than 5g of free sugars per 100g – and made from whole ingredients such as oats, nuts, seeds, maple syrup or honey, and dried fruit.' Bio&Me Granola has just 4.2g of sugar per 100g, compared with 15g in the same amount of Jordans Simply Granola. Not all takeaways have to come with a side order of guilt. 'In general, avoid deep-fried food,' says Amati. 'Some places cook in saturated fats and keep reusing the same oil.' Instead, head towards your local Thai, Vietnamese or Indian restaurant. 'Choose the veggie option, such as a chickpea, paneer or spinach curry. These are all fibre-rich, whole foods.' And don't order the rice. 'It's much better – and cheaper – to make rice at home using packets of parboiled rice you can buy in the supermarket. When you reheat cooked rice the starch is more resistant, which is better for blood sugar control and improved gut health.' Hobson favours a Turkish takeaway. 'I would go for a grilled chicken shawarma wrap with salad, hummus and a wholemeal flatbread,' he says. 'This option is balanced with lean protein, fibre and healthy fats. These kind of places often offer fresh vegetable and grain-based salads such as tabbouleh, bulgur salads or ezme, which are rich in fibre and other key nutrients.' Those chilly, limp pre-made sandwiches are never the most satisfying, but if you have to grab one, which is the lesser of the UPF evils? 'Look for those made with wholegrain or seeded bread, as they provide more fibre and keep you fuller for longer than white bread,' says Lambert. 'For the filling, lean protein such as falafel, hummus, chicken, egg or tuna are all good options, especially when paired with salad or crunchy vegetables. Creamy sauces, excessive mayonnaise or cheese-heavy fillings can push up the saturated fat and salt content up quite significantly, so it's worth being selective.' If in doubt, focus on fibre. 'The nutrient most of us are probably deficient in is fibre, so if you're checking the nutrition label, check the fibre content, and try to pick one that gets you as close as possible to 3g of fibre per 100g. It's a helpful benchmark for knowing you're getting a more satisfying, gut-friendly choice.'
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
People are only just realising who does the voice over for viral Jet2 advert – and it's a famous Channel 4 actress
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) PEOPLE have just realised who does the voice over for the viral Jet2 advert - and it's a famous Channel 4 actress. The jingle has become part and parcel of any Jet2 flight and has gone viral on social media site TikTok. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 3 Actress and writer, Zoe Lister has revealed she's the voiceover artist for the Jet2 advert Credit: SWNS 3 People could hardly believe it was her voice Credit: SWNS 3 Zoe played Zoe Carpenter in Hollyoaks from 2006 until 2017 Credit: Channel 4 TV fans might recognise Zoe Lister from her time spent on the much loved soap Hollyoaks but she's also the voice of the famous advert. Who is Zoe Lister? Zoe, 43, is an English actress and writer who played Zoe Carpenter In Hollyoaks from 2006 to 2010, with a brief return in April 2017. She also served as a writer on the show from 2014 to 2024, penning 56 episodes. As an actress, Zoe has appeared in shows such as Midsomer Murders, Crime Stories and Staff Room. And as a writer, she has contributed scripts to shows such as The Worst Witch, The Dumping Ground and Zero Chill. Zoe also appeared as a guest on Big Brother's Little Brother and also presented at T4 On The Beach. She also toured the UK in the comedy play Teechers and she played Lady Macbeth at the Liverpool Royal Court for which she received critical acclaim. The Jet2 advert Zoe is also a voice over artist and has revealed on TikTok that she is the voice behind the "Nothing beats a Jet2 holiday" campaign. She explained in the video post that it isn't art, she just basically sits in a chair and records the words that somebody else has written. Fans flocked to comment on the revelation and one said: "I just hear your voice now and two old blokes fighting over a sun bed!" Jet2 flight to Cyprus forced to divert due to 'drunk' passenger as hundreds of holidaymakers left stranded Another added: "Honestly thought it was Holly Willoughby's voice!" "Omg wasn't she is hollyoaks?!!" exclaimed another poster. While a fourth added: "Mind blown never knew it was Zoe from Hollyoaks!" Why has the advert gone viral? The jingle has been used as the audio sound to use on holiday videos, often when things go wrong, on TikTok. And it has gone viral all over UK TikTok, with over 100M views and 36,000 posts. The audio also features Jess Glynne's hit song 'Hold My Hand'. This catchphrase and Zoe's narration are often associated with dangerous travel mishaps and weird holiday experiences. There has been a video post of a camel attacking a person while the Nothing Beats a Jet2 Holiday meme audio plays in the background. There have also been memes of people fighting on a plane or people throwing towels off a sun lounger into a swimming pool. TikToker's have also been dramatically lip syncing along to the advert when things go wrong in everyday life. Most of these incidents don't appear to have taken place on Jet2 holidays, and there's no allegations of wrongdoing on Jet2's part. Meanwhile, Jet2 will launch exclusive new flights from the UK to two affordable Spanish cities. And passengers flying with TUI, easyJet, Ryanair or Jet2 this summer are being urged to check the full list of banned food and drinks before heading to the airport. Plus, she has made history as the British female solo artist with the most UK No1s – an impressive total of seven. But even that hasn't been enough to save Jess Glynne's record deal, as she has split from her label after just one album.
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
People are only just realising who does the voice over for viral Jet2 advert – and it's a famous Channel 4 actress
PEOPLE have just realised who does the voice over for the viral Jet2 advert - and it's a famous Channel 4 actress. The jingle has become part and parcel of any Jet2 flight and has gone viral on social media site 3 Actress and writer, Zoe Lister has revealed she's the voiceover artist for the Jet2 advert Credit: SWNS 3 People could hardly believe it was her voice Credit: SWNS 3 Zoe played Zoe Carpenter in Hollyoaks from 2006 until 2017 Credit: Channel 4 TV fans might recognise Zoe Lister from her time spent on the much loved soap the voice of the famous advert. Who is Zoe Lister? Zoe, 43, is an English actress and writer who played Zoe Carpenter In Hollyoaks from 2006 to 2010, with a brief return in April 2017. She also served as a writer on the show from 2014 to 2024, penning 56 episodes. As an actress, Zoe has appeared in shows such as Crime Stories and Staff Room. Voice Overs And as a writer, she has contributed scripts to shows such as The Worst Witch, The Dumping Ground and Zero Chill. Zoe also appeared as a guest on and also presented at T4 On The Beach. She also toured the UK in the comedy play Teechers and she played Lady Macbeth at the Liverpool Royal Court for which she received critical acclaim. The Jet2 advert Zoe is also a voice over artist and has revealed on TikTok that she is the voice behind the "Nothing beats a Jet2 holiday " campaign . Most read in News TV She explained in the video post that it isn't art, she just basically sits in a chair and records the words that somebody else has written. Fans flocked to comment on the revelation and one said: "I just hear your voice now and two old blokes fighting over a sun bed!" Jet2 flight to Cyprus forced to divert due to 'drunk' passenger as hundreds of holidaymakers left stranded Another added: "Honestly thought it was "Omg wasn't she is hollyoaks?!!" exclaimed another poster. While a fourth added: "Mind blown never knew it was Zoe from Hollyoaks!" Why has the advert gone viral? The jingle has been used as the audio sound to use on holiday videos, often when things go wrong, on TikTok. And it has gone viral all over UK TikTok, with over 100M views and 36,000 posts. The audio also features This catchphrase and Zoe's narration are often associated with dangerous travel mishaps and weird holiday experiences. There has been a video post of a camel attacking a person while the Nothing Beats a Jet2 Holiday meme audio plays in the background. There have also been memes of people fighting on a plane or people throwing towels off a sun lounger into a swimming pool . TikToker's have also been dramatically lip syncing along to the advert when things go wrong in everyday life. Most of these incidents don't appear to have taken place on Jet2 holidays , and there's no allegations of wrongdoing on Jet2's part. Meanwhile, Jet2 will launch And passengers flying with TUI, easyJet, Ryanair or Jet2 this summer are being urged to check the full list of Plus, she has made history as the British female solo artist with the most UK No1s – an impressive total of seven. But even that hasn't been enough to save
Metro
2 days ago
- Metro
Why can't Brits resist behaving badly with meltdowns on holiday?
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video We'll say it before you do: Not all Brits. Of course, not every British person will be leaping off balconies into Spanish swimming pools, and then into A&E. Many of us are boring enough to be content with a book on a sunlounger, a sandcastle, and a (singular) Aperol Spritz in a quaint little cafe. But there's a reason we immediately got the blame for a viral video of holidaymakers bashing each other with pool chairs, even if the hotel hasn't commented on what happened yet. So why it is that 'Brits abroad' has become such a well-known phenomenon? Zoe Adjey, a senior lecturer in hospitality and tourism at the University of East London, told Metro that the main culprit is, surprise surprise… alcohol. Most people don't start singing loudly, taking their clothes off, brawling or 'balconing' while sober – but it's not simply a case of more free time to drink on holiday. When we're on holiday, alcohol is often much cheaper, especially in Spain and Greece, because there's less tax on it, Zoe said. 'So getting drunk is an awful lot cheaper, and then you have all inclusive holidays, and packages into bars. You can buy a tag for €20 and get three drinks, which we don't have in this country because we're now heavily legislated – we can barely do a two-for-one deal on an alcoholic beverage in the bar these days.' Have you ever lived up to the sterotype? Resorts such as Torremolinos, Magaluf, and Mykonos are popular party destinations, but the Brit Abroad can be found anywhere there's a stag or hen do outside our borders. They can even be seen on the aeroplane before arriving, such as when a British man tried to storm the cockpit on an EasyJet flight to Greece after drinking a bottle of Scotch, or when passengers cheered as a drunken woman was escorted off a flight to Egypt by police. The 'airport pint' is seen as a holiday milestone, even if it's at 6am. Once we arrive, celebrations often continue with the same spirit… though some might switch to vodka. In many areas, there is a culture of encouraging people to drink a lot from bar owners and holiday reps, because it is seen as a sign they are enjoying themselves, Zoe said. In the UK, a drunk person is likely to be told to leave due to restrictions on serving them, but the same may not apply overseas, meaning people continue spending their money on shots and lager until they're ready to become a national stereotype. The consequences of boozy behaviour can be much worse than an altercation by the pool or a lost wallet. 'At weekends in high season, emergency departments can resemble a war zone sometimes,' Zoe said. 'A lot of people having to be rehydrated, vomiting, and with broken bones. Everybody thinks they can climb a bollard or a wall.' She said the extra demand on health services from tourists with heatstroke, alcohol poisoning, or bruises from falling though railings is so severe that some strips where bars and restaurants are clustered have paramedic stations set up in the street. Meanwhile, some health impacts are less immediately obvious, such as coming home with a sexually transmitted infection, or even an unplanned pregnancy. Being abroad doesn't mean you won't get arrested, either. Last year, British tourists on a stag do in Majorca were told to pay £850 if they wanted their passports back after a brawl at a beach club which went viral. The consequences can even be tragic, and there are sadly too many headlines of people dying after falling from balconies, or drowning in the sea. Georgina Sturmer, a BACP-regulated women's counsellor, told Metro there are psychological reasons we may be more eager to let loose away from home. 'Our working lives are so busy and stressful, and they've also become very unbounded,' she said. 'That idea of being able to come home from work and escape just doesn't exist anymore.' We are also constrained in terms of behaviour at work, such as not being able to wear swim shorts or a bikini all day, and generally trying to be professional. Being in a foreign country, with no early alarm warning you off cocktails at 2am, can mean the brakes are off – especially if on holiday with friends, meaning family responsibilities have been left at home as well. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video 'I often talk and write about online disinhibition, which is when we do things and say things online that we wouldn't in real life,' Georgina said. 'There's also something we refer to as situational disinhibition, which is when we are in a different place.' When we leave situations where we feel we 'need to keep it together,' there's sense that we can finally 'let loose', which may not always be pretty. Georgina warned the sense of freedom we feel on holiday can be an illusion, however. 'Gone are the days of 'what happens on holiday, stays on holiday': We might feel we can do whatever we want, but the reality is that everything can be captured, recorded and shared, and that presents a risk.' Ultimately, your post-holiday hangover could not just be about drinking too much, but 'having to cope with the recorded consequences of what we've been up to.' You might even end up in this newspaper. The stereotype of pissed Brits on their hol might soon die out though, according to Georgina, becoming associated more with raucous pensioners than the 18 to 30 crowd. 'Groups of younger people are prioritising wellness, and so I wonder as that generation gets older if that picture will change, when people are going on holiday and they're prioritising things like sleep and exercise and fresh air and cultural experiences.' To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video 'Sunbed wars' is one of the most notorious motives for anger on holiday, even with no alcohol involved. It might sound silly to be so territorial over a lounger, but Georgina can understand why the issue gets people's backs up. 'Claiming your sunbed is like a symbol of your real estate on holiday, isn't it? It's almost like it has that power to make or break each of your precious holiday days,' she said. 'It becomes this symbol of satisfaction – like, 'my day is going to be good, because I've managed to get the fabulous sunbed by the pool'. 'So if if that hasn't worked out for me and I've got up at 5am and they're already taken, then that might have an impact on my mood for the day.' In short, yes, but in places like Spain and Greece where locals live with sunnier weather year round, there's not as much call to cram it all into one week of madness. Germans have historically been most victimised by the sunbed stereotype, and tourism expert Zoe also pointed out that Brits are far from the only nationality to behave badly after boozing overseas. 'I was in Thailand recently and there were Australian students doing similar things. If you go to Florida during Spring Break in in February, it is full of American college students doing the same thing. So it's not just us.' And we also can't entirely blame the drinking culture abroad. If you've ever been on an all-inclusive holiday, you'll know the cocktails are often pretty weak, the beer only comes in half pints, or may even seem suspiciously watered down. Amid widespread protests about overtourism (mainly focused on the loss of housing and resources for locals rather than the tourists themselves), many regions have taken steps to try and reduce the impact of bad behaviour. In Spain, various crackdowns have been introduced, including in Playa de Palma, S'Arenal and Magaluf (all in Mallorca), and the West End of San Antonio, Ibiza. Guests here now have a six-drink limit, with three drinks at lunch, and a further three at dinner, in regions badly affected by disruptive guests. On Magaluf's infamous strip, pub crawls have also been banned. In Gran Canaria, beachgoers could be fined up to £2,500 for a variety of misdemeanours ranging from collecting shells to putting up an umbrella for shade or having public sex (they did not specify whch would result in the biggest fine). And in Malaga, signs have been put up saying 'Dress completely' as part of the city council's campaign to encourage Brits to keep their tops on in public. More Trending Still, whatever rules are put in place, we're always going to be tempted to overindulge on our hard-earned holiday. As Zoe points out: 'You're not wearing the same clothes you would normally wear. You've got less responsibilities… You're staying in a hotel, with somebody coming in and washing your bathroom every day and making your bed. 'Everything's a lot more relaxed, and that, plus meeting new people and wanting to impress your friends, does lead to quite bad behavior.' She said her best way around this was to ask her students which dodgy areas they were booking flights to – and then avoid them. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: A gunman massacred tourists on a beach. Ten years later, people are coming back MORE: Glass roof collapses onto passengers at Majorca's Palma airport MORE: Severe delays on London Underground District and Central lines due to 'faulty train'
