Avoid the gym this January by beating the Christmas bulge before it appears - that's the message from NHS Yorkshire and the Humber's top public health doctor.

Dr Paul Johnstone, regional director of public health for NHS Yorkshire and the Humber, is giving all of us some useful tips to stop the seasonal binge getting out of hand.

He said: "Having a healthy Christmas doesn't mean you can't enjoy yourself. You just have to remember to eat everything in moderation.

"Don't eat double your normal quantities just because it's Christmas then in January you won't have the yearly struggle to shed excess weight.

"People get out of their normal routines and weight creeps on, but obesity puts the heart under lots of strain and can cause serious illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease.

"Something as easy as a walk is a great way to keep the pounds from piling on as one mile can use up to 100 calories."

Fewer people in Yorkshire and the Humber take part in regular physical activity than in any other region in the country and recent figures have shown that people in the area are getting fatter, quicker, compared to people in other parts of the country.

Top tips for a trim time: Don't overdo it at parties - drink alcohol in moderation. It dehydrates you and contains lots of calories.

Keep active - take a walk after big meals.

Favour unsalted nuts and avoid fatty foods.

Give healthy alternatives to chocolate as presents.

Avoid the temptation to go back for second helpings.

Don't skip breakfast to leave more room for turkey as your body will store more fat the next time you eat.

Don't miss out the vegetables.