Christmas is a season of celebration, not deprivation. But with a platter that's mostly fattening and sugary, it's just so difficult to indulge with abandon. Thankfully, you can still derive loads of wonderful nutrition from holiday foods – if you choose your food wisely. So eat, drink and be merry with these nutritious goodies of traditional Christmas fare.

Snacks

• 1. Nuts
  A handful of lightly salted or unsalted nuts are extremely filling - and healthful. Many of us are wary of the fat content in nuts, but ironically their unique fat, protein and vitamin profile is what makes them especially heart-healthy. (Nuts are rich in omega-3, omega-6 and antioxidant polyphenols which help reduce blood cholesterol and risk of stroke as well as prevent cancer!) Pick the low-salt or unsalted nuts rather than salted variety.
  
  
• 2. Pretzels
  Nibble on pretzels rather than potato chips or shortbreads. Pretzels are relatively low in fat: 10 large twists contain just 2 grams of fat, while 10 chips have around 6 grams and 10 shortbreads as much as 20 grams!