The festive season naturally means delicious party treats but a number of our favourite party foods are sneaky when it comes to their calorie content.
If your goal is to watch your calorie intake this silly season, try and avoid anything fried. Instead look for fresh ingredients including vegetables, salad and fruit.
And, if you must indulge (don't we all?) look for small, portioned-controlled options of your favourite party foods.
Here are some of the most common party foods ranked from lowest to the highest calorie indulgences.
Consider this your handy guide to making thoughtful choices as you enjoy your summer parties.
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To get yourself off to a good start this Christmas by not arriving at your Christmas lunch ravenous.
You will demolish everything and anything that is in sight.
Rather, take the edge off by simply grabbing a protein rich snack an hour or two before you head out such as some cheese and crackers, a protein or nut bar or some Greek yoghurt.
This way you will be more in control of your food choices.
Love something sweet after your meal or to offer when entertaining? You can't go past the trusty after dinner mint thin.
One after dinner mint = 98kJ / 23 calories / <1g fat
Rich in protein and key nutrients including iodine and zinc, shellfish and grilled seafood are some of the healthiest party foods with minimal fat and calories.
One large king prawn = 190kJ / 45 calories / <1g fat
Dumplings are one of the best options when it comes to appetizers, the prawn and vegetable varieties that are steamed are the best pick.
One steamed dumpling = 210kJ / 52 calories / 2g fat
There is not a lot of positive nutritional properties in pastry-based canapes so the less you consume, the better.
One party pie = 515kJ / 123 calories / 7g fat
The smaller the better when it comes to enjoying a mince pie.
Small mince pie = 658kJ / 157 calories / 6g fat
Not all nuts are healthy, and when it is difficult to stop at a few there are much better options for your healthy party platter.
20 honey roasted cashew nuts (30g) = 790kJ / 188 calories / 17g fat
The mix of butter, sugar and white flour means even a couple of shortbread biscuits translates into almost a meal's worth of calories.
Two shortbread fingers = 826kJ / 196 calories / 11g fat
A popular addition to grazing platters, salami packs a significant fat punch per serve.
Five thin slices salami (50g) = 850kJ / 202 calories / 19g fat
There are loads of dips to choose from but even though the brightly-coloured chunky dips may look healthy, the mix of oil, nuts and pesto creates a chunky dip that is packed full of fat and calories.
2 tbsp chunky pesto dip = 880kJ / 210 calories / 18g fat
There is nothing wrong with enjoying chocolate, but let's be honest – who stops at just one?
Five Cadbury Favourites = 990kJ / 236 calories / 12g fat
The issue with chocolate-coated nuts is they are so easy to overeat.
10 chocolate covered almonds (50g) = 1155kJ / 275 calories / 18g fat
Be warned, most fried treats are likely fried in processed vegetable oil.
Three fried chicken wings = 1260kJ / 300 calories / 21g fat
A Christmas pudding is a hearty, fibre-rich cake, thanks to the heavy load of dried fruit – though a single serve is a meal in itself.
100g serve = 1379kJ / 328 calories / 11g fat
The festive season should not be seen as an excuse to forget your personal limits with your alcohol intake.
Try and have two alcohol-free days each week to give your liver a break, drink plenty of water and be aware of high calorie mixers such as juice, and soft drink.
When it comes to making the best choices, as a general rule of thumb, vodka, lime and soda and champagne contain the fewest calories.