A review of studies has revealed being a lark is probably better for our health than being a night owl. Those who prefer late nights were found to have unhealthier diets, consuming more alcohol, sugary and caffeinated drinks and less fruit and veg than larks. Nights owls also have more erratic eating patterns such as missing breakfast, eating later in the day and having fewer but larger meals. The researchers say these differences in eating habits could explain why night owls are more likely to suffer from conditions such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Indeed, one study showed those who stayed up late were 2.5 times more likely to have type 2 diabetes than early risers. So if you’re an owl, pay extra attention to your balanced, healthy diet
This is the average number of calories in a typical restaurant main course. The figure, published in a paper in the BMJ, was calculated by looking at the menus of 21 popular high-street restaurants including Zizzi, Wagamama, Pizza Hut, Nando’s and Harvester. Sadly, many chains were found to have meals that contain well over this figure – a main meal at Hungry Horse, for example, averaged 1,358 calories. No wonder the government is pushing for calories to be shown on menus.