The festive season is one time of the year when most of us give ourselves permission to indulge. And why not?

Life is for living and tastebuds deserve a good party now and again.

But celebrations needn't start in September and end after Easter. The watchword is balance, otherwise boundaries get blurred, resolutions forgotten and health issues remain unresolved.

Here are a few tips to help you survive pre-, present and post-festivities without feeling deprived:

Remember what a hangover feels like? Alcohol, nicotine and excess protein consumption over a period of days encourages over-acidity of the blood and tissues, leading to cravings, tiredness and poor mental function.

Restore your acid/alkaline balance by eating more alkaline-forming foods during the daytime to offset minor indiscretions at an evening bash. Fruit and vegetables are alkaline-forming, so ensure you pack in at least five a day.

Fresh vegetables contain antioxidants which protect the body from cell-damaging molecules called free radicals.

Exposure to refined sugar, caffeine, alcohol and drugs increases free radical activity in the body, as well as reduces the uptake of nutrients from food.

How clever of Mother Nature to provide us with Brussels sprouts at this time of the year. Cruciferous vegetables such as sprouts, cabbage, broccoli or cauliflower enhance the liver's detox capacities. They contain glucosinolates, natural compounds which help to protect against cancer-forming toxins.

If you can't face sprouts, start juicing vegetables. Rather than throwing out broccoli stalks, feed them into a juicer combined with some carrots and an apple. Not only will you benefit from vitamins and minerals but a large range of cleansing plant chemicals and enzymes, too.

Help yourself to second helpings of cranberries, plums, prunes, raisins and cherries. Fruits with deep blue, red and purple pigments are delicious and contain high levels of powerful antioxidants called anthocyanidins.

Enjoy a juicy fruit salad or whizz up some berries with a banana and some yoghurt for dessert.

Go nuts as often as possible - they really are good for you. Crack walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, brazil nuts and almonds for family and friends instead of eating another mince pie.

Fresh nuts contain quality protein, vital minerals and essential fats. They also contain arginine which can aggravate cold sores so avoid eating too many if you suffer from these.

Keep your glass topped up with water as dehydration worsens the after-effects of alcohol. And you'll never believe this: A new study has found that drinking pure water helps ward off the flu.

It links a water intake of eight glasses per day to fewer respiratory infections, headaches and skin problems (tea, coffee and alcohol don't count).

Be aware that a high intake of sugar and fast carbs (white bread, pastry, pasta, alcohol) suppresses your immune system and hampers your digestion. There are plenty of good wholefood cookbooks, web sites and nutritionists around to recommend tasty alternatives.

Finally, don't let the weather put you off taking fresh air every day. De-stress and enjoy the breezy gusts.

Martina Watts is a qualified Nutritional Therapist at the Crescent Clinic of Complementary Medicine, Brighton (call 01273 202221), and the Dolphin House Clinic, Brighton (call 01273 324790), or visit www.thehealthbank.co.uk