This is the miserable variety of years we lose to cooking and washing up

We spend an average of seven years cooking and washing up – but would rather be reading books and romping.

Folk lose about 61,000 hours of their lives preparing grub or scrubbing dishes in the kitchen, which works out to 6.97 years.

While many love to rustle up a slap-up meal, nearly a fifth said they would prefer to be having sex instead.

And around a third would rather read a good book while 42% want to be outside in nature rather than stuck doing chores, the research found.

Zoe McClean, spokesperson for cooker firm Crock-Pot which carried out the poll, said: “Our research shows that Brits spend a substantial amount of time in the kitchen cooking up a storm.

“We all love good food, but not the time it often demands.”

The study also found that Brits spend an average of 319 days cleaning dirty dishes, 277 days chopping veggies and 263 days stirring food.

We will rustle up around 5,068 curries in our lifetime, 4,992 roast dinners and 4,454 fry-ups.

And the average person will also whip up 4,301 beef stews and shepherd pies, 4,147 lasagnes and 7,296 TV dinners.

Four in ten people quizzed said they enjoyed making cuisine but feel drained from the daily grind.

And 39% said they would rather watch a film instead.

Clinical psychologist Dr Emma Hepburn said: “Time is a precious commodity and how we spend our time is critical for our happiness and wellbeing.

“Rest time is needed for our brains and bodies to slow down, recharge and stay healthy.

“Having ‘me-time’, taking time for yourself, to rest and do activities you enjoy, are critical for wellbeing, health and happiness.”