Christmas can be a difficult time of year when it comes to maintaining a healthy diet, managing your waistline and maintaining a fitness regimen. With the holidays fast approaching and inevitable family feasts looming large, here is a list of ways you can continue to enjoy your favourite, traditional Christmas delicacies while getting the most nutritional value and minimal calories from each.

1. Stuffing: Make with whole-wheat bread and cook separate to the meat so it doesn’t soak up any fats during cooking. Add onions and celery simmered in vegetable stock plus sage and spices for flavour.

2. Baked Potatoes: Sweet mashed potatoes or baked parsnips are a great alternative to a regular baked potato. If you find yourself limited to a baked potato, try topping it with yogurt or low fat cream cheese rather than butter.

3. Gravy: Instead of gravy mix or canned gravy, use natural …