'I'm a weight loss specialist - swap these foods to cut 1,000 calories at Christmas'

It is estimated that the average Briton will tuck into somewhere between 5,000 and 6,000 calories on December 25 alone.

But Professor Joseph, who founded Dr Frank's Weight Loss Clinic, reckons you can still cut back on calories without the need to diet, skip your favourite dishes or feel like you're missing out. The secret lies in making smart ingredient changes rather than eating less.

According to Professor Joseph, most people blame the wrong culprits for their Christmas weight gain.

"People think Christmas weight gain is caused by pudding or mince pies," he said. "In reality, it's the cream, the oil-soaked roasties and the heavy sides doing the real damage."

The real calorie bombs hiding in your festive spread are the cream, oils, butter and those sausage-based side dishes – not the sweet treats everyone worries about.

So what are the magic swaps that can save you around 1,000 calories? First up, ditch the cream.

Professor Joseph says swapping it for thick Greek yoghurt in your sauces, dips, desserts, and mashed potatoes is the single most powerful change you can make.

"Switching to Greek yoghurt keeps the same texture and richness but dramatically reduces calories.

"Most people can't tell the difference once it's seasoned or mixed into a recipe," he explained.

This one swap alone can save you 600 to 800 calories.

Next, try air-frying your potatoes instead of roasting them – you'll still get that gorgeous crispy finish but save 250 to 300 calories per portion.

Finally, swap sausage stuffing for a vegetable version made with mushrooms, onions, herbs and lentils.

Traditional stuffing packed with sausage meat, butter and oil can clock in at over 500 calories per serving – but the veggie alternative delivers all that comforting, savoury taste for a fraction of the calories.

Together, these small changes add up to something signficant. It's not about eating less, it's about eating smarter.

"These small substitutions add up fast," he said. "You still get all the flavour and comfort of Christmas - just without paying for it in January. Smart swaps beat willpower every time.

"When you change the ingredients, not the portions, you can enjoy the entire day guilt-free."