Avoid piling on festive pounds

CHRISTMAS revellers can end up gaining up to four-and-a-half pounds in weight over the four-week festive period — the equivalent of two bags of sugar, the Nutrition and Health Foundation (NHF) has warned.

The weight gain works out at an extra 550kcals a day — and can arise from just a few handfuls of crisps, a mini sausage roll and a couple of glasses of wine.

So it is no surprise that losing weight ends up at the top of a lot of people’s New Year resolution list.

NHF manager Dr Muireann Cullen said people need to realise what actually piles on the pounds over the festive period — over-indulgence and lack of physical activity.

But all is not lost — or gained — because the NHF has put together their “top tips” for staying healthy over the festive season:

* Cosy up by the fire for a few days and watch TV but balance this with some exercise, such as brisk walking or cycling.

* Only choose foods you really like and know your Christmas weight maintenance goal.

* Avoid eating absent-mindedly when out visiting friends and relatives. nGo for low-fat snacks-treats as alternatives.

* Christmas foods such as satsumas, brussels sprouts, purple cabbage and cranberries all increase your fibre intake and keep you fuller for longer.

* Limit alcohol consumption.

* Break up drinking alcohol by switching to a calorie free soft drink or water.

* Eat what you truly want but in smaller portions.

The NHF is part of the business lobby group, IBEC, and one of its aims is to implement the recommendations from the National Taskforce on Obesity Report.