COLUMN: Opt for a few healthy treats this Christmas

However, if you want to enjoy Christmas but still make it just a tiny bit healthier, then here are some simple tips to keep you on the right track.

If you’re heading to a restaurant for your Christmas party take a look at the Heart of Derbyshire scheme for places that offer smaller portions and other healthier options. Find out more at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/heartofderbyshire.

Other ways of making parties less stodgy and more social include: Try to share starters or desserts with a willing friend, eat regular meals and snacks before heading out – that way you won’t arrive starving and you’re less likely to overindulge. Also, focus on socialising. Move the conversation away from the food table so you’re less likely to nibble, and alternate alcoholic drinks with water or a low calorie soft drink – this reduces your calorie intake.

When the big day arrives, it will be a frenzy of food, drink and nibbles. But if you’d like to make the main event a little more virtuous here’s a few ideas that don’t scrimp on taste: Serve plenty of vegetables – cut potatoes and parsnips into large pieces for roasting as they’ll absorb less fat.

Brussel sprouts contain more vitamin C than oranges. Lightly steaming them will preserve and give a sweeter taste. Before you cook your turkey or goose, prick the skin to allow the fat to drain out. Removing the skin once cooked will also cut down considerably on fat.

Don’t forget to try and make time to get active too. A walk on Christmas day or Boxing day helps prevent the post lunch slump and will give you a much needed boost of energy.

To find out more about healthy eating visit: www.livelifebetterderbyshire.org.uk.