Healthy Eating Tips for Christmas

If there's one time of year when we all need a few healthy eating tips, it's Christmas, the season of over-indulgence. Surveys show that on average we eat our way through as many as 6,000 calories on Christmas day alone, that is three times what we need in an average day.

The following are some healthy eating tips so that you can still look good and be healthy in January without having to deprive yourself of all the holiday treats.

• Don't be tempted to stock up on too many festive foods before Christmas starts - you'll simply start eating them earlier and then buy more.
• Always have a light snack a few hours before arriving at a party. If you turn up ravenous, you're more likely to become a permanent fixture at the buffet table.
• Choose your nibbles carefully, avoid pastry items such as sausage rolls, quiche, spring rolls and anything that's been deep-fried. Instead, opt for lean meats, smoked salmon, fresh prawns, salads without mayonnaise, French bread (without the butter), salsa, low fat dips, plain popcorn and low fat crisps.
• If canapes or nibbles are constantly being offered to you while you're chatting, avoid the temptation by keeping your hands full. A napkin in one hand and a glass in the other should do the trick. Talk more, eat less.
• Reducing the fat content of your Christmas meal is simple. Turkey is lower in fat and calories than many other meats. Before tucking into your meal, remove the skin from the turkey. Pile your plate high with traditional seasonal vegetables such as red cabbage, carrots, Brussels sprouts, swede and cauliflower. The more colours you have on your plate, the greater the variety of nutrients. You'll retain more vitamins, if you steam vegetables rather than boil them. Finally, don't serve vegetables smothered in butter instead sprinkle with seasonal herbs.
• It's fine to enjoy a drink - just remember to choose sensibly. Mix spirits with low-calorie soft drinks or slimline tonic. Go easy on cocktails, beer, lager and cider as they're loaded with calories. Most importantly remember to keep well hydrated with plenty of water.
• Take nice brisk walks with your loved ones and enjoy their company or use the busy shopping season and burn some extra calories. Every few extra steps that you take count. Just don't reward yourself afterwards with food.

Happy Christmas!