December is a tricky time for those undergoing weight loss plans. The extra portions, eating out, and additional snacks make it even more difficult to eat healthy throughout the festive period. However, there are alternative foods and recipes to consider which will allow you to enjoy your Christmas as normal without setting you back.

Here we take a look at alternative, healthy Christmas food and drink ideas that you can try this year:

1. Choose a different dip

Chips and dips are a common party snack, and if you don't want to avoid them altogether, be sure to go for tomato dips instead as they contain much less calories.

2. Watch the alcohol calories

Most people forget that a lot of unneccessary calories can be attributed to alcoholic drinks, especially at this time of year. If you don't want to miss out, be sure to consider portion control. For example, why not try a spritzer over a full glass of wine.  Alternatively you could opt out of drinking alcohol altogether. 

3. Stick to light, lean meat

Luckily turkey is considered to be a relatively lean meat and rich in protein, which is good news for those of us enjoying a turkey at the dinner table this Christmas. However, be mindful of the skin on a turkey - this is where most of the fat lives. Also, opt for turkey breast, the meat is lighter and holds less calories than the darker meat.

4. Use less pastry

If you are hosting this Christmas and don't want miss out on the mince pies, cut down the fat content easily by making open top mince pies. This means you use less pastry and consume less fat!

5. Go for something different

Crisps, chocolates, mixed nuts - these are all culprits that appear constantly throughout the festive season. They are generally high in saturated fat and are not a good option when you are looking to maintain a healthy diet. Popcorn is a good alternative to consider as a healthy snack, while satsumas are a popular Christmas favourite as well as being a great source of Vitamin C.

6. Ditch the oils

Roast potatoes are usually a must for most when it comes to Christmas meals. They can be made and eaten guilt-free if you bake them, rather than covering them with oil and roasting them.

Oxford Online Pharmacy offers a wide range of weight loss services, including Alli, if previous weight loss plans and dieting haven't worked. Find out more here.