We all know that we tend to binge during the Christmas holidays, but do you realise how much we over do it? If you want to avoid festive food ruining your waist-line there are some things you should keep in mind...

• The average calorie intake on Christmas day is 8,000 calories! – that is more than four times your daily calorie allowance. If you're conscious about the lasting effects of X-mas feasting, try and keep some sort of calorie-tally in your head (don't obsess over it – after all it is the holidays).

• Between December to New Year’s Day, women average an increase of between 5 and 10lbs and for the majority, this weight will stay with them well into the new year. You don't have to miss out on treats in the run-up to the 25th, just make sure you pick the right ones.

• Research finds that on average, we eat our first Christmas chocolate at 8:30am! Along with a extravagant breakfast, turkey dinner, cheese and other snacks throughout the day soon adds those calories up. Try to avoid continuously nibbling (even if the kids are). The traditional Christmas dinner itself doesn't have to be bad for you - turkey and veg are all healthy. Just limit your Yorkshire puds and roast potatoes, because that's where the calories will soon make a difference. Sausages wrapped in bacon and sausage stuffing will do the most damage – so try and resist (if you can).

• We all like a beverage at Christmas but drinking does unfortunately add hugely to your calorie intake. Avoid ‘creamy’ drinks like Irish cream whiskey which can hold 180 cals per glass and choose diet mixers if you're having spirits.

• Something as simple as positioning could really help you throughout the day. At lunch, sit next to someone you know isn't going to gorge. If that's your kids and they tend to be fussy eaters, beware of the pitfall of finishing off the things they turn their noses up at! Pass Yorkshire Puddings and potatoes down the table once you've put a couple on your plate. The same goes for later on, leave the confectionary chocs next to the kids, so you can't eat 20 before you realise you're doing it. If you're having traditional cheese and crackers, put a couple on a plate and leave the cheese in the kitchen.

If you can make any of these little tweaks, they should help you minimise the negative effect on your waistline, but the most important thing is to have a good day!

So, if you end up eating your weight in tree chocs, our diet plans will help you get back to your old self for the new year!