Fidgeting, taking the stairs and shopping can account for shedding between 100 and 800 calories per day, according to research carried out at the University of Bradford.

People should simply keep moving to keep the festive pounds down after any Christmas over-indulgence.

Dr Eleanor Bryant, lecturer in psychology from the School of Social and International Studies at the university, said her research can come in useful at this time of year.

She said: “Over the years, I have come across many ways in which energy can be burned and energy intake reduced, leading to a better weight control.

“The process of weight loss itself is not terribly difficult; the most difficult part is maintain weight loss.

“Weight loss maintenance requires a sustained effort and a permanent lifestyle change, which most people find almost impossible to attain.

“The central concept behind weight control is energy balance, which is making sure that the energy you eat does not outweigh the energy you burn.

“If you do end up in positive energy balance, you will gain weight. Conversely if you enter negative energy balance you will lose weight.

“There are a number of small changes you can make, that on a daily basis can help to control your weight and stay in energy balance.

“In particular, there are a few tricks to help with reducing weight gain over the festive season.”

Ten ways you can keep in shape

  • Fidget! You may raise your energy expenditure up to 40 per cent above resting by fidgeting.
  • Move – go shopping and take the stairs in the shopping centre. Climbing stairs can double or triple the calories you burn off.
  • Be active – showing off dance moves at a party or on a Wii Fit for 15 minutes could be worth up to 125 calories.
  • Be flexible about your intake – allow some indulgences, but control what you eat.
  • Engage in mindful eating – enjoy your food and listen to your body’s hunger and fullness signals.
  • Compensate for over-indulgence – try to maintain energy balance.
  • Make the most of festive fruits and vegetables.
  • Use a smaller plate – research shows you can reduce your food intake by up to 30 per cent this way.
  • Take care with your festive tipple.
  • Slow your eating rate to allow your body to feel full, reducing the amount you eat.