We all over-indulge during the festive season, but don't feel guilty - Christmas and New Year can actually be good for your health

The Christmas and New Year period is not a time we traditionally associate with healthy living. Most people eat too much, drink too much and then lounge around in front of the television and, to add to our woes, psychotherapists have warned that a disappointing December 25 and New Year's Eve can lead to lasting feelings of sadness and guilt.

But we discovered that the festive period can actually be a physically and emotionally healthy time.

Consultant dietician Lyndel Costain says: "Lots of the basic Christmas dinner is, in fact, very nutritious. You have lean, protein-rich turkey and researchers have found that this is the day when children are most likely to eat the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables.

"You might have a satsuma in your stocking and lots of vegetables are usually served with Christmas dinner."

On the veg front, Costain says peas are a good source of iron, protein and B vitamins.

The orange colour of carrots comes from beta-carotene - an antioxidant which can reduce long-term risks of suffering heart disease and cancer.

A portion of nine small sprouts meets your daily Vitamin C requirements. Potatoes are good for potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure.

Other parts of the Christmas meal are not unhealthy - so long as they are eaten in moderation. These include chipolatas (one won't harm you, six is not good).

Christmas pudding, in limited quantities, also has its plus points. For example, it contains dried fruits, which provide potassium and iron.

Costain suggests serving the pud with calcium-rich custard, which is much lower in fat than double cream.

Another tip is to eat a healthy breakfast, which will stop you grazing on fattening snacks during the morning. A bagel with smoked salmon and low-fat cream cheese would be a good choice.

And when it comes to alcohol, try not to go wild. Sipping soft drinks in between the harder stuff will moderate any hangover on Boxing Day and New Year's Day, and serving water alongside the wine with meals also makes sense.

For an extra healthy holiday time you might also like to go for a walk after your meals. If nothing else, this will temporarily take you away from the temptations of food and wine.