LIMIT your portion sizes, roast sweet potatoes instead of plain, and don't open the chocolates too soon – that's the advice from city experts on having a healthier Christmas.
The average person consumes 6,000 calories on Christmas Day and puts on around five pounds over the festive period, according to the British Dietetic Association.
But Jonathan Hyman, owner of the Fruit Basket, in Gordon Road, West Bridgford, says the festive feast can be as healthy as you want it to be.
"When you look at it, what's on the plate is actually quite healthy as there's white meat and lots of fresh, seasonal vegetables," he said.
"It's mostly to do with how you cook it and how much you eat. The healthiest way to cook vegetables is to steam them and if you're roasting, use a one calorie spray.
"It's also a good idea to substitute sweet potato for potatoes, as they contain fewer calories, more fibre and fewer carbohydrates."
Lucy Parker, a Weight Watchers leader, warned Christmas was one of the toughest tests of the year.
Lucy, of Hucknall, said: "It just takes a little forward planning to ensure you are armed with the right knowledge and tools to handle those occasions when there may be the opportunity to slip up."
Her top tip for keeping on track on the day is to pile your plate with vegetables.
She said: "It helps you feel full and satisfied.
"I'd also recommend roasting meat on a metal rack to drain the fat during cooking, parboiling potatoes before roasting, so you'll only need to use a small amount of fat when cooking, and making gravy with vegetable cooking water instead of meat juices."
Health and fitness coach Joanne Henson, of Clifton, said: "Christmas really only lasts for two-and-a-half days – Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Christmas weight gain starts as soon as we consume our first Christmas treat, and that could be several weeks before December 25!
"I believe Christmas is one of those times when you should relax a little and enjoy a few treats but it doesn't need to run from the moment you see an open box of mince pies.
"Don't let that first handful of chocolates mark an abandonment of healthy habits."