Christmas is no excuse to eat badly

I am having a terrible time avoiding that packet of mince pies sitting on the side in the kitchen.They were bought for some visitors who, as it turned out did not like mince pies and so they remain with us.

Did you know just how many calories those Christmas treats have. I got a low down on some of the festive food highlights:

Food/ Weight/ Calories

Mince Pies 2 (110g) = 370
Crisps 1 packet (30g) = 164
Christmas Cake 1 slice (70g) = 249
Mixed Nuts 1 handful (40g) = 256
Christmas Pudding w/ double cream1 portion (100g) = 329
Mulled Wine 1 glass (125ml) = 245
White Wine 2 glasses (250ml) = 185
Bread sticks 4 (28g) = 110
Taramasalata 1 serving (45g) = 227
Assorted Chocs 6 chocolates (60g) = 268
Twiglets 1 serving (100g) = 394
Sausage rolls 2 small (64g) = 254
Pate on French Toast 2 slices (80g) = 216

Grand Total...
3788 Calories !!!!!!

This is a whole couple of days extra food. If you look at this list quite a lot could feasibly be covered in not so long a period if you do not watch out. Christmas is a calorific extravaganza so how do you manage it?

Here are a few ideas:

• Eat your own healthy food before you go to a party - so you can sample some treats but keep it under control.

• Think about portions - no harm in sampling a little of what you like but keep it under control.

• Drink water - keep yourself hydrated so it means you eat because you are hungry not thirsty.

• Bring your own - if you are invited over to dinner or a party ask if you can bring your own healthy snack or treat so you can join in but in a manageable way. I have done this and the host did not mind - in fact they made some more different healthy options for me to try. So everyone benefited.

Above all do not deny yourself joining in with the fun as this is also very self defeating. Deprivation leads to diet failure - for sure.

And about those mince pies... I might have one and then the birds might benefit from a festive treat!