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Advice from the Champneys health experts on counting the calories this Christmas without giving up the festive food fiesta

Food provides nourishment not only for the body but also the mind and spirit and it is a great source of preventative and therapeutic medicine. There are many philosophies on what constitutes 'good' nutrition, although a shift away from eating processed foods towards more fresh foods is a common theme.

At Christmas time it can be hard to keep up the good intentions with such tempting treats on offer but taking a few tips from the health experts at the Champneys Health Resorts can keep you on the super-food superhighway. Knowing what you ought to be putting into your body will help to make you a more energetic, positive, healthy person which is perhaps the greatest gift you can give yourself this year and the results will show well into 2009 meaning no need for empty New Year's resolutions!

We all know that we should eat more fruit and vegetables, eat protein in moderation and eat less-refined sugars and cooked fats. Simple measures such as changing our cooking methods including steaming, grilling and dry frying, can also go a long way to reducing our calorie intake plus a health hero will try to avoid eating packaged foods. Food should be alive with colour, fresh and organic where possible to maximize vitamin and nourishment intake and minimize stimulants and toxins and your Christmas meal is no exception!

For most of us, Christmas simply wouldn't be Christmas without a turkey. This is good news though, as turkey contains more protein and much less fat than goose, duck and other traditional meats. It is high in iron, zinc, phosphorus, potassium and B vitamins and if you avoid eating the skin then the fat content you consume will be even less. And what about the roast potato? A vital part of the Christmas meal. Potatoes are a starchy food containing carbohydrate, which give us energy, as well as fibre and other important vitamins and minerals. So pile them high! And if you cut them into larger chunks they will absorb less fat or of course considering serving them boiled or mashed.

At this time of year there are lots of wonderful root vegetables in season. These can add lots of colour and taste to your plate, not to mention vitamins. Carrots for example, are the richest vegetable in carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A. It is also an excellent source of vitamins B and C as well as calcium pectate, a pectin fibre that has been found to have cholesterol-lowering properties. If you can brave the brussel sprouts then you'll feel all the better for it, crammed with vitamin A, vitamin C, folic acid and dietary fibre they are a green essential to your plate. And last but not least, there's the cranberry sauce. Packed full of flavour, colour and nutrients, it is the perfect accompaniment to your festive meal.

If you fancy adding a touch of nourishing fiesta to your Christmas then take a leaf out of the Spanish cook book - instead of a turkey how about lavishing your plate with fresh lobster? Lobster will help you top up on selenium, phosphorous, vitamin B12 and zinc whilst being low in saturated fats and cholesterol. Pork is a staple in Spain but instead of our British 'pigs in blankets' how about simply serving a selection of cured Spanish meats, Serrano ham for example? Serrano ham is unprocessed and rich in protein and vitamins B1 and B3 and without the need for frying it is a trimmer option.

Champneys Health Resorts in the UK and the recently launched Champneys Marbella, Spain, employ qualified nutritionists who take out all the hard work from making your meals healthy and nutritious. Champneys Chefs serve innovative dishes with only the freshest ingredients that prove healthy food can be both delicious and satisfying.

Qualified nutritionists are also available to ensure that guests receive advice and information on the most up-to-date scientific research. They can consult on Weight Management, Osteoporosis, Nutrition and exercise, Ulcerative colitis, Cholesterol lowering, Nutrition in pregnancy, Irritable bowel syndrome, Healthy eating, Diabetes, Cancer prevention, Crohn's disease and Food allergy/intolerance.

"The Champneys Marbella Resort will appeal to those who like to dine al fresco, even in the winter months, but they'll have to wait until 2010 when this off-plan development will open its doors to spa and health lovers for the first time," enthuses Drew Reynolds, Sales Director for the project. Champneys Marbella is offering an exclusive opportunity to own a part of this famous health and wellness brand from only 696,358/ 552,492, something that that isn't possible in the UK. Apartments and penthouses are available in the luxury resort combining the Champneys spa lifestyle and stunning climate of the Mediterranean. So whether you are hungry for that all-embracing Champneys lifestyle in Spain, looking to buy a property, or just get away for a relaxing Spanish Christmas, then all of your needs are catered for in this one resort.