Eat, drink & STAY SLIM

These tips for keeping calories in check will let you party without piling on the weight

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It's officially the season of overindulgence. And while it's nice to give in to temptation from time to time, we've got some easy ways to make sure you'll still have a slim silhouette once the New Year bells chime. There might be a few more celebrations than usual, but where many people run into trouble is daily excess,' says nutritionist Kim Pearson.

The following nifty tricks will make stepping on the scales less daunting in January, without you missing out on any fun...

1 DON'T ARRIVE HUNGRY

Have a snack, such as an apple and a handful of nuts, if you've not eaten for a few hours before you arrive at a party. That means you won't overindulge. If you turn up with a rumbling tummy, drink plenty of water - not alcohol-before eating.

2 STAND UP STRAIGHT

Correct posture can 'lose' you pounds. Keep shoulders back and core tight. You'll also look more confident, which can help with social jitters - a win-win.

3 BURN A VANILLA CANDLE

Swap orange, cinnamon and clove festive candles for a vanilla one. The scent of it after dinner has been shown to help suppress your appetite, so you're less likely to want sweets*.

4 KNOW YOUR MEASURES