Xmas Survival Tips to help you from wreaking havoc on your health with Xmas Cheer!

Over-indulging at Christmas can wreak havoc with your health. “It can lead to weight gain, and plenty of “morning after” headaches, and generally feeling a bit tired and bloated,” Ms Natoli, Director of the Food and Nutrition Foundation, said.

Here are her eight top tips to help you survive Christmas:

1. Eat something light before your function: This can help you to resist the temptation to overindulge in the fried foods and the creamy foods that might be going around.

2. Drink plenty of water: Particularly if you are drinking alcohol. Have a couple of glasses before you go out and then alternate your drinks when you are out.

3: Choose healthier party foods eg grilled meat and things on sticks. Vegetable sticks with a salsa dip are all good examples.

4: Recognise when you are full and resist overeating: Stand away from the table. Focus on chatting to people and stop eating when you do feel satisfied

5: Make smart drink choices: If you are drinking alcohol go for things like light beer, wine spritzers, so mix your wine with a bit of soda water and make it go further. Also, try long drinks so that they do last longer.

6: Maintain a healthy eating pattern: Plenty of grains, breads & cereals, fruits & vegetables,etc

7: Prepare a healthy feast for Christmas Day: Try some seafood and salads. They are all really great choices on Christmas Day, to keep the food lighter. Serve plenty of seasonal fruits.

8: Stay active: Make sure you are balancing out all that extra food and drink with a walk in the park, walk along the beach, or go on a bike ride with the kids.

For more tips, visit the Nutrition Australia website