More than half of all women who promise to shun booze or chocolate during Lent abandon the pledge within 12 days, according to new research.
Each year millions of Britons pledge to abstain from drinking alcohol, eating sweets or snacks during the traditional season of abstinence in the 40 days before Easter.
Most women said their reason for giving-up a treat was to diet but the survey found that more than fifty per cent fail before the third week of Lent.
Researchers asked more than 1000 women how long they had resisted eating or drinking their forbidden item, and 52 per cent admitted that they had cracked by Day 11 - this year that was on Sunday.
Respondents to a survey carried-out by the makers of Panda Licorice said they managed to get through the second stressful week at work but by Sunday their resolve had weakened and they gave-in to a treat.
Only eight per cent said they expected to keep their abstinence pledge right through the end of Lent.
The remainder of those surveyed said they expected to lose their resolve between days 21 and 33.
Panda Licorice spokesperson Lisa Gawthorne said: "It's clear that in modern society everyone attempts to give up those things which they deem as unhealthy.
"The survey shows that from day 12 people start to lose enthusiasm, when asked about this lapse the women often pointed to having had a stressful week.
"It seems that fewer people now manage to complete the whole forty days. We live in a fast-paced society and women like to have some way to relax
and reward themselves."
The survey was conducted by Panda as it launched a new fat-free Cherry Licorice. The tasty treat is made from 'all natural' ingredients, including real cherries and offers an mouth-watering alternative to gummy sweets and other sugar-filled snacks.
The licorice also contains a key therapeutic compound, glycyrrhizin, which stimulates the adrenal glands to nourish and balance the body in times of stress.
Lisa Gawthorne added: "We feel that if those who failed in their Lenten promises would stand a better chance of successfully completing the full time if they had a tasty alternative to their normal vice.
"Panda's Cherry Licorice offers this alternative. The fact that it contains 'no nasties' is an added bonus and perhaps you will manage to lose that little bit of weight after all."
Liverpool youth charged over bomb scare
(Tue 07/02)
Trio admit drug racket at Liverpool Crown Court
(Mon 06/02)
Post a comment