FIVE RULES FOR SUCCESS

1 SHOP SMART We all buy too much food at Christmas, but while on this plan it’s best to shop for a whole week’s meals in advance. This means you won’t ever go home to an empty fridge when you’re tired and hungry and have to resort to takeaways – or raid the treat cupboard.

2 EAT LESS AT LUNCH If you know you’re eating out during the evening, make sure you have one of the lighter lunch options such as soup or sushi and skip your treat that day.

3 HAVE A PRE-PARTY SNACK Heading to a party straight from work? Fill up on something healthy first to avoid breaking the plan. Unless you eat beforehand, it’s hard to resist those canapes. So choose something light and healthy from the lunch or breakfast menu before you go – such as a poached egg on toast or a granary sandwich.

4 GET MENU SAVVY FOR MEALS OUT Many Christmas parties ask you to select your meal in advance so there’s every opportunity to choose sensible options that will help you stick to your diet. Look for lighter choices such as soup and fish or ask for your roast without all the trimmings.

5 SKIP THE FESTIVE LATTE Those tempting Christmas coffees in seasonal flavours such as eggnog and gingerbread can clock up close to 500 calories a time – that’s a whole meal in a few gulps. Stick to a skinny flat white or Americano for the next two weeks.