SMART PARTY SEASON SWAPS

SWAP: Pigs in blankets FOR: Parma ham and asparagus

These festive trimmings contain 19.3g fat and 289 calories per 100g. Opt instead for Parma ham wrapped around asparagus. The fibre content of the asparagus helps improve digestion and 100g only contains 13 calories. Add four slices of

Parma ham and you are still under 10g of fat and around 136 calories.

SWAP: Eggnog FOR: Mulled wine

With all that cream, it’s not surprising that eggnog contains a whopping 350 calories and 9g of sugar per serving. Equally festive mulled wine – if made with sweetener and spices (no added sugar) – contains just 100 or so calories.

SWAP: Sausage rolls FOR: Chicken skewers

Chicken is a lower fat choice than pork, so look for non-breaded or battered party snacks such as chicken satay or marinated chicken that will give you a protein hit. If you can’t resist, go for a cocktail sausage on its own rather than one covered in buttery pastry. You’ll make an instant saving of around 40 calories.

SWAP: Sour cream FOR: Salsa or chutney

Tomato-based dips pack in far less fat – salsa has around 60 calories less per tablespoon than sour cream. If you miss that creamy texture, try reduced-fat houmous or a low-fat yogurt dip instead. And eat dips with vegetable crudites instead of crisps to save more calories too.

SWAP: Baileys FOR: A slimline gin and tonic

Baileys may be a classic Christmas tipple, but a modest 50ml measure contains 162 calories and 8g fat, while a refreshing G&T made with slimline tonic contains just 64 calories and zero fat.

SWAP: Dry roasted peanuts FOR: Olives

A festive drink often comes with free nibbles – but dry roasted peanuts are full of calories. Choose olives instead which are lower in calories and contain heart healthy vitamin E. A portion of 10 olives contains around 50 calories, while a small handful of nuts contains closer to 200.