Christmas Calories

SantaChristmas. For most that means a time for fun, family, friends... and fattening foods. It doesn't take much for those extra kilograms to accumulate during the holiday season either – just 7700 calories are all that's needed to put on a kilogram of fat. With the excess booze, snacks and festive meals on offer it comes as no surprise that many people have to loosen their belts a couple of notches come the New Year. However losing the holiday weight doesn't come easy, so it's best to avoid too much overindulgence wherever possible.

Here are some tips to help you stay fighting fit this Christmas:

1. Beware of the snack-attack

When you're going to be eating big meals, try to lay off the chips, dips, nuts and chocolates that go along with Christmas time by having chopped fruit and vegetables around instead, so you're less likely to reach for the junk between meals

2. Get your activity on

Instead of lying around after Christmas lunch, try initiating a family walk, trip to the beach, or a cricket game. Getting moving will help burn some of the calories you've consumed

3. Give vegetables a go

Why not try increasing the vegetables on the Christmas table this year? Beware of using too much butter or heavy dressings as they'll increase the calorie content, but otherwise aim to give people several salad and vegetable options to make them less likely to reach for the bread and the meat

4. Don't drink the kilos on

If you're going to be having a few drinks, make sure you don't overdo it. Space drinks with water and stay away from high calorie choices such as premixed alcoholic or soft drinks full of sugar. Try mineral water with some fresh lemon or lime instead, and make sure people keep hydrated by having lots of water close by

This Christmas, pay attention to what you put in your mouth – your New Year jeans will know whether you've been naughty or nice.