Will you avoid weight gain this Christmas?

If your mouth is already watering at the thought of that huge turkey dinner that's going to be on the table this Christmas, chances are that you're already resigned to the fact that you'll overindulge where food and drink is concerned. It is, after all, far too easy to eat too much (especially when it's cold outside). But over the Christmas period we gain an average 2kg (5lb) in weight. And the problem is that losing it is never as easy – or as much fun – as putting it on.

Piling on the pounds over the festive season doesn't have to be inevitable though. Here's some expert advice on how to enjoy yourself without having to resort to drastic diet measures in the New Year…

Angela McComb, Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Manager, for the PHA, gives some simple suggestions for a happy and healthy Christmas.

Serve turkey without skin to keep it low in fat, and instead of sausage meat stuffing use one flavoured with fruits or herbs such as apricots, sage, parsley and thyme, says Angela McComb, Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Manager at the Public Health Agency (PHA). And to keep the gravy low in fat too, cool the meat juices in the fridge and skim off the fat.

You can also save on fat by roasting whole potatoes instead of potatoes cut into small chunks. And when it comes to pudding, serve with a low-fat crème fraiche instead of brandy butter or fresh cream.

Meanwhile, Fiona Kirk, author of the diet book 2 Weeks in the Fast Lane (http://www.fatbustforever.com) has some useful suggestions for how to cope with party food.

Always have a light snack a few hours before arriving at a party, she says – that way, you won't overindulge when faced with a mountain of food at the buffet table.

Choose your nibbles carefully, says Fiona, if you want to keep your Christmas halo firmly in place. Avoid pastry items such as sausage rolls, quiche, vol-au-vents, spring rolls and flans. And steer clear of anything that’s been deep-fried, such as crispy wontons or battered prawns. Skipping the garlic bread, crisps and peanuts will save loads of calories – as will avoiding anything that comes with mayo or soured cream such as coleslaw, potato salad and creamy dips.

Instead, opt for lean beef, chicken, turkey, ham, smoked salmon, fresh prawns, salads without mayo, French bread (without the butter), crudités, breadsticks, salsa, tzatziki and small slices of pizza.

Where alcohol is concerned, Fiona suggests avoiding 'lite' beers, alcopops, ready-mixed spirit-based cocktails and fizzy mixers – all of which are loaded with sugar, she says.

Instead go for good quality wine or champagne, spirits on the rocks or spirits with natural unsweetened fruit juice. If you have a hankering for a cocktail, stick to Breezes, Martinis, Sours, Manhattans or Screwdrivers. And it may be a favourite trick, but mixing white wine with soda water will make it last twice as long and has half the calories.

Are you going to be good this Christmas? Or do you think there's no harm in having a blow-out once a year?