Beat the Christmas calories with fibre-rich foods

As Christmas approaches and the non-stop party season begins, it's traditionally a time when the nation reaches for more indulgent foods higher in sugar and fat - inevitably leading to the pounds piling on. But, just increasing the amount of fibre in your diet can really help towards keeping you feeling fuller for longer, cutting cravings for sneaky indulgent snacks and ensuring you have enough get up and go to see you through to the New Year.

Rimi Obra-Ratwatte, nutritionist for Kellogg's Bran Flakes, says: "Christmas is one of those times when we tend to overindulge in foods and although we eat more calorific meals at this time of year, often it's the impulse snacking on Christmas treats that can really make us pile on the pounds.

"By starting the day with a high fibre breakfast, such as a bowl of Kellogg's Bran Flakes with fresh fruit, and continuing to eat other high-fibre foods throughout the day, you can feel fuller for longer and be able to keep the treats in control."

Numerous studies prove that something as simple as switching a few foods to ones with higher fibre content could help prevent us over-eating and therefore help us avoid unnecessary weight gain.

Rimi goes on to say: "There are many delicious high fibre foods you can easily work into your diet this Christmas which include: wholewheat breads, high fibre breakfast cereals, popcorn, bran muffins, stuffed potato skins and various fruit and vegetables."

Top tips for increasing your fibre intake this Christmas:

1. When tucking into the buffet, choose sandwiches made with wholemeal multigrain or multi seed bread instead of white bread.
2. For healthy party food, stuff sandwiches or pitta breads with salad or have a small bowl of salad with sandwiches.
3. Replace normal pasta with wholemeal varieties.
4. Add chopped fresh or dried fruit to breakfast cereal and a glass of juice or smoothie and you will have a head start on your 5-a-day with two portions of fruit.
5. Switch breakfast cereals to a higher fibre version such as bran fibre based cereals like Kellogg's Bran Flakes.
6. Try to serve at least two different vegetables with your Christmas dinner and other main meals - that way you are likely to eat twice as many.
7. Don't forget to eat the skins of fruit and vegetables (where you can) as this is where most of the fibre is.
8. Try brown rice, it takes longer to cook but has a delicious nutty flavour.
9. Enjoy warming winter food with stew or soup casserole made with beans or lentils 2-3 times a week.
10. When baking, switch to wholemeal flour or use a 50:50 mix.

For more information, log on to Kelloggs.co.uk.