Beat the Christmas bulge with an after dinner walk

Medicash is urging people to follow in the footsteps of ramblers across the UK and go for a walk on Christmas Day to burn off the calories consumed during the festive feast.

The typical Christmas meal including turkey and pudding equated to at least 1,500 calories - half of a man's recommended daily intake and three-quarters of a woman's.

The government is advising people to take to the streets, fields and beaches and take a stroll after eating.

To promote the 'Christmas walk' a list of top English walks has been drawn up. In Liverpool a 'Christmas Day Mystery Ramble' starts from the historic Mansion House in Calderstones Park. Others around the UK include strolls around famous London landmarks, such as Tower Bridge, a trek in the Peak District and walk on Birmingham's Moseley Bog, which inspired JRR Tolkien's books on hobbits. The Department of Health, which has teamed up with the Ramblers charity to promote Christmas Day walking, said a stroll of just one mile could make a difference.

Sue Weir, chief executive of Medicash says: "It may be the last thing many of us will feel like doing, especially if the weather is bad, but a gentle walk can lift that post meal sluggish feeling and burn a few calories too. Keeping active over the holiday period will also make it easier to continue a fitness regime in the New Year."

Public health minister Gillian Merron said: "Whatever the weather, a traditional festive walk is a great way for families and friends to avoid that sluggish feeling and have a more active Christmas. Being more physically active can make a real difference to your health - taking that extra walk is something we can all enjoy as a family."