As part of our quest to have a healthy Christmas, we organized a live Twitter Chat with Doctor Hilary Jones. He answered your question on safe and healthy weight loss for the festive period:

• At the Christmas party drink water to dilute the rich foods you would otherwise eat. Take one small plateful and don’t go back for seconds. Talk and dance rather than eat.

• List your priorities in 2012. Deal with issues at the top of the list first. Also, this year take up a new hobby to combat boredom and re-inspire you.

• Only shop for food after you’ve eaten. That way you won’t purchase so many biscuits and sweets.

• Think about your long-term targets and the benefits of the weight loss you can expect. Constant affirmations will keep you on the straight and narrow. Remember that binges ultimately make weight loss harder and hamper your resolve.

• Eat healthy food with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. Sleep and exercise sufficiently and consider Vitamin D, Zinc and Vitamin C supplements, which assist your immunity.

• Try to avoid eating others leftovers even though it is tempting if you don’t like waste – especially just after Christmas. But you are not a dustbin. Don’t feel bad about discarding small bits of food – you don’t need to finish your plate.

• In 2012 ensure at least two nights solid sleep a week to recharge your batteries.

• Don’t bottle up your problems. Share them with family and trusted friends and you can all help each other.

For more tips for a healthy Christmas follow us on our LighterLife Twitter or like our page on Facebook.