It's the festive season and you are on a weight loss programme? While you don't want to go all out and ruin the hard work you've put in so far, missing out on the yummy food is a big dampener.

Here are a few ways to cut down the calories and yet enjoy all that glorious food.

Tuck in at home

Eat something at home before you leave for a party. Opt for something wholesome and nutritious, like a wholegrain sandwich or idlis or a bowl of fruits tossed with low fat yoghurt and nuts.

Red, red wine

Make red wine your poison. A glass a day is good for your body. Sip on it slowly through the evening.

Snack pack

Snack wisely. Most snacks and pass-arounds are fried. Give them a miss and opt for raw veggies, nuts, steamed and stir fried options instead.

Think before you eat

Take the time to think before filling up your plate in any course. You want to eat foods that are not fried or rich, but light and fresh.

The salad spread

Take a large helping of salad. Start your meal with one good helping of salad. Go easy on the dressing. Add the bare minimum you require.

The main course

Turkey, chicken, fish that is grilled, roasted or stir-fried is perfect for non-vegetarians. Vegetables, pastas and breads are good for vegetarians. These can serve as good accompaniments for non-vegetarians too.

And the gravy...

Skip the gravies Avoid any foods that have rich gravies and sauces. These are low in nutrional value and high in fats.

Take your time

Eat slowly -- chew food properly. This prevents you from overeating and gives you a chance to relish the festive food.

The sweet fruit of patience

You might not want to miss dessert on these special occasions, so go ahead -- serve yourself just ONE portion and eat it ever so slowly.

Enjoy!

Being careful about what you are eating is important if you are in the middle of a 'Watch Your Weight' programme. But don't go overboard and restrict yourself only to salads; you'll miss out on all the delicious foods and flavours.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!