We typically consume three days’ worth of calories and knock back an entire week’s worth of alcohol on 25 December alone. But you can enjoy all the festive pleasures without paying the price. Here’s a simple trick that could help fight off the effects of festive excesses.

Last year, UK scientists discovered that drinking a cup of coffee can stimulate brown fat. That’s good, because brown fat’s main function is to generate body heat by burning calories, as opposed to white fat, which stores it. It produces heat by burning sugar and fat, improving blood sugar control as well as burning extra calories. So if you’re determined to dollop cream on your mince pie and brandy butter on your figgy pudding, a coffee could provide a mini buffer.

To read the full ‘Ultimate guide to Christmas eating’ feature, plus loads more expert nutrition advice, pick up the latest issue of Healthy For Men, on sale now in Holland & Barrett stores and online at hollandandbarrett.com