Seasonal Slimming: Guilt-Free Holidays, BBQs & Festivities

Christmas without the guilt

• Enjoy Christmas Day itself — one day won't undo your progress.
• Be more selective with the weeks of mince pies, tins of chocolates and office buffets around it.
• Fill up on turkey (without skin), sprouts, carrots and parsnips; go easy on pigs in blankets and stuffing.
• Keep the tub of chocolates out of sight.
• Go for a walk after lunch — a great family tradition.

New Year: lessons, not resolutions

Instead of drastic resolutions, look back at what worked last year and what didn't. Choose one or two specific habits — such as 'take a packed lunch four days a week' — rather than 'lose three stone'.

Easter treats

A large milk chocolate egg can contain more than 1,000kcal. Choose a smaller egg, share it, or enjoy a hot cross bun (around 180kcal) toasted with a scrape of spread.

Summer barbecues

• Choose chicken breast, fish, prawn or vegetable skewers over sausages and burgers.
• Load up on salads, but go easy on mayonnaise-heavy coleslaw and potato salad.
• Corn on the cob without butter is a great side.
• Fresh fruit makes a refreshing dessert.

Holidays

Explore on foot, enjoy local fresh produce and, at buffets, take a lap first before choosing. Aim to come home within a few pounds of your starting weight.

Autumn comfort

As the evenings draw in, swap salads for hearty soups and stews packed with seasonal vegetables, beans and lentils — warming, filling and low in calories.