How to Cook healthy on Christmas day

Christmas can be a busy time with social activities, extra food and drink, changing meal patterns. It doesn't mean you can't have fun with food. Simply plan ahead and stay in control to avoid the guilt afterwards.

Here are some tips to make your Christmas Dinner healthy and tasty.

1. Part boiled potatoes can be coated with olive oil use a brush and roasted,

2. Boil vegetable or steam cook for a short - time to retain vitamins. Why not have larger portions of Brussel sprouts, green beans and carrots to provide with a good source of vitamins and fibre. These are low in calories, delicious and will satisfy you.

3. Turkey without the skin can be a healthy source of protein. When roasted in the oven can be lower in fat by placing it on grid to drain the fat.

4. Avoid making the gravy with the Turkey fat. Use instant gravy granules instead to make a thin gravy.

5. Chest nut stuffing can be lower in fat.

6. Christmas pudding can be enjoyed with fromage frais or plain ice-cream or low fat/low sugar custard with low fat milk

7. Make a homemade white sauce with low fat milk and less salt. Mint sauce is a great alternative.

8. Great starters could be: homemade lentil or vegetable soups, prawn salad with light dressing, vegetable sticks with low-fat humus or yoghurt dips

9. Have low calorie drinks to begin your meal: low sugar squash, flavoured water with piece of lemon/mint, herbal teas.

10. Remember to watch your alcohol intake and keep to the daily limits

For specialised Diet and Nutrition advice seek the advice of a Professional Dietitian and Nutritionist Tabby kabeer