We all look forward to the festive feast with all the trimmings, but the nutritional content of such a meal can be astounding: up to 1,300 calories and 56g of fat.

In addition, we nibble our way through mounds of snacks and chocolates, and guzzle gallons of alcohol every year.

All this is bad news for the heart, and statistically Christmas is also when people are more likely to experience a heart complaint. But there is hope: many of the Christmas treats we eat also carry health benefits. By choosing wisely, you can make this Christmas a good one for you and your heart.

Christmas dinner can be a balanced and nutritional meal, with low fat turkey, plenty of potatoes and two or three servings of vegetables. The problem lies with the cooking methods we use and the high fat content of those delcious sauces and trimmings.

Make maximum use of fruit and vegetables, as they are full of vitamins, minerals and protective antioxidants.

Different varieties of lettuce, such as Lollo Rosso are widely available throughout the year and contain higher levels of antioxidants than Iceberg lettuce.

Cherry tomoatoes also offer higher vitamin content than their larger counterparts and berries will give you a tasty, low fat and antioxidant-rich pudding to round off your meal. Red wine is also high in antioxidants and one glass a day may be conducive to heart health.

Finally, a long walk before your Christmas dinner may lessen the adverse effects a high-fat dinner can have on your blood vessels. So get those walking boots on after opening your presents.

Be kind to your heart this Christmas: eat smaller and healthier portions, pace your drinking, avoid smokey environments, get your feet moving and feel the rewards for yourself.