QUICK PICKS

CHOOSE red wine over white as it has substances that help lower cholesterol despite being a few more calories.

SWAP pigs in blankets for “devils on horseback” (prunes wrapped in bacon) – lower in calories and fat, plus they have fibre to fight Christmas constipation.

CHOOSE starters such as smoked salmon with heart healthy omega-3 fatty acids rather than fatty pastry nibbles.

EAT more marzipan than icing on that Christmas cake – it’s made with almonds that contain vitamin E to help protect cells.

GO for low-calorie prosecco, and gin with diet tonic, rather than brandy or whisky.

RATHER than sweets, try to grab a handful of unsalted nuts such as walnuts to slash your overall calories. Three Quality Street are about 130 calories, compared to 85 in three Brazil nuts, which also contain plenty of the mineral selenium.