Pilbara Health

With an abundance of festive fun and feasting during December, it's easy to fall into the trap of over-indulging.

But Nutrition Australia has come up with some handy hints to avoid unwanted Christmas kilos, allowing you to eat, drink and be merry in a more balanced manner:

• Just aim to maintain your weight – don't make yourself feel deprived by trying to avoid all the Christmas "goodies".
• Have a healthy snack at home before heading off to a party. This lessens the chance of eating too much of the wrong thing.
• Avoid standing next to the food at a party.
• Balance any extra party food with exercise, such as walking, swimming or cycling.
• If entertaining at home, try offering alternatives lower in fat including rice crackers, pretzels, salsa, vegetable sticks and fruit platters.
• Alcohol can add a lot of kilojoules, so try mixing wine with soda and spirits with diet soft drinks.
• For Christmas dinner, serve super-lean ham, fresh salads and fresh or barbecued seafood.
• Encourage guests to take any leftovers home or, if suitable, freeze them.
• Plan some low-key but fun activities – family cricket, bocci or going for a stroll.

If you really overdo it, Nutrition Australia recommends simply starting afresh with a "good health day" filled with lots of healthy foods, water and some exercise.