Weight loss: How to keep the pounds off at Christmas - food swaps to try

CHRISTMAS is a time where many enjoy indulgent foods including big festive dinners with all the trimmings. Health experts have shared top tips on how to keep the weight off at Christmas including making healthier food swaps.

However for those wanting to keep the weight off and still enjoy Christmas, there are certain healthier swaps that can be made.

New Nordic explained that removing skin off of the turkey can save 50 calories, while turkey sausages are only 122 calories per serving - far less than pigs in blankets.

Swapping roast potatoes for new potatoes in a rich garlic butter is a healthier alternative and filling up a Prosecco glass with ice before pouring the alcohol in can also help keep the weight off.

Stuffing is also an essential part to many people’s roast but gluten free stuffing, is considerably healthier and also tastes the same.

Filling up on vegetables like Brussel sprouts, carrots and broccoli can also help slimmers eat less of the other foods.

For those who don’t want to give up their festive favourites, expert Karl Kritstian from New Nordic has shared expert tips on how to avoid putting weight on over the Christmas period.

He said: “Have a protein rich Christmas dinner – avoid plates full of carbs and fill up on protein as it’s healthier and keeps you fuller for longer.”

The expert also recommends waiting 20 minutes before heading for a second plate of food.

Karl explained: “Studies show that you need to wait 20 mins before going for seconds, as this is the amount of time it takes for your brain to tell your stomach that it’s full.”

Eating too much is also a huge cause of weight gain, so watching portion control can help Brits still enjoy their Christmas dinner.

The expert said: “You don’t have to build a mountain on your plate. Stick to recommended serving sizes or use a smaller plate.”

As well as this, drinking a lot of water can help dieters stay full and Karl explained that a lot of the time people feel hungry is because they’re dehydrated.

Breakfast is one of the most important meals of the day, and this shouldn’t be skipped on Christmas Day either.

Karl added: “A common mistake is people don’t have breakfast as they know they’re having a big dinner later on but this is counteractive as you will scoff your face when it comes to dinner time.”

Keeping active is extremely important as it can help burn calories as well as keep minds distracted from snacking.

The expert explained: “Don’t just sit watching tv all day. Go on a walk during the day to either walk off your dinner or work up an appetite.”

According to Karl, snacking should also be avoided as much as possible or at least slimmers should be aware of how many snacks they are eating.

Limiting alcohol is also a huge part in helping to keep the weight off according to the health expert.

He said: “Liquid calories are worse than you think. The average Brit glugs 40 percent more alcohol during December, resulting in unwanted weight gain.”