What to pick at parties

We've all done it - an over-generous handful of peanuts here, a couple of cheese straws there, the odd glass of wine or two before you know it, that little black dress you'd planned to wear on New Year's Eve is revealing a little more than your cleavage.
The good news is that by making a few simple changes, you can enjoy the festive season without missing out on all the fun. Most buffets offer healthy choices as well as high-fat, high-calorie items, so you just need to follow a few simple rules:

If you're heading to a party straight after work, have a low-GI snack, like a bowl of cereal, a couple of oatcakes spread with reduced-fat cheese or a yogurt before you go. That way you won't arrive hungry.

Make your first drink a large glass of sparkling water. It will help to both fill your stomach and quench your thirst. That way you can pace yourself when you get to the alcohol.

Don't let the buffet table be your downfall - put some food on your plate, then move away Studies show that the greater the choice . of food on offer, the more calories we're likely to eat. So rather than trying a little bit of everything on offer, limit yourself to three or four choices.

Avoid anything with pastry - even filo and steer well clear of anything that's been deep-fried.

If canapés or nibbles are constantly being offered while you re chatting, just say no. It's really difficult to gauge how much you re eating if you re constantly nibbling - much better to wait and have a more balanced snack or meal when you get home.

NEXT: Which foods to avoid and TEN healthy food swaps