Christmas can be the hardest time of year for people wanting to avoid pilling on the pounds.

With tins of Celebrations everywhere, not to mention a surplus of cheese boards and any number of Christmas snacks to tempt us, no wonder this season is a challenge for those who want to eat healthy.

So, Slimming World has team up with Nub News to offer a series of healthy alternative recipies during this festive season.

Read on for Hitchin Slimming World consultant Sarah Lawrence's healthy alternatives.

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When I first went to Slimming World I was dreading having to give up the foods I loved and be hungry all the time – I had no idea slimming could be like this: chips and weight loss! It was amazing.

If you love nothing more than a plateful of dirty fries after a busy day, we've got a special recipe just for you.

Golden and fluffy chips, covered with tender chicken and a tangy tomato sauce, all topped with cheese – that's right, we've put Slimming World dirty fries on the menu!

Although they sound incredibly indulgent, our dirty fries are completely slimming-friendly.

The home-made wedges are oven baked rather than fried, and the topping is made from skinless chicken breast, chopped tomatoes and Worcestershire sauce.

You can easily get creative with your toppings. A member favourite combo is tofu, black beans and tomatoes, finished off with some spicy jalapeños.

You can also try covering your fries with beef chilli or barbecue pulled pork – or make it meat free with jackfruit. Just throw on your favourite ingredients and enjoy!

Dirty fries recipe

Serves four people, ready in one hour

What you need:

1kg floury potatoes, such as Maris Piper or King

Edward, cut into wedges

low-calorie cooking spray

1 onion, finely chopped

400g can chopped tomatoes

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

3 garlic cloves, crushed

2 cooked skinless and boneless chicken breasts, shredded

170g fat-free natural Greek yogurt

small pack fresh parsley, roughly chopped, reserving some to serve

1 tbsp Parmesan, coarsely grated

mixed salad leaves, to serve

What you do:

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C/fan 180°C/gas 6.

1. Put the wedges in a pan of boiling water and cook for four minutes. Drain, then spread the wedges out on a non-stick baking tray. Spray with low-calorie cooking spray and season lightly. Cook for 45 minutes or until cooked through and golden, turning halfway.

1. While the wedges are cooking, put the onion, tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce and 2 crushed garlic cloves in a medium-size non-stick saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 20 minutes, stirring often. Stir the chicken into the sauce, season lightly, then simmer until the chicken is piping hot.

1. To make the garlic dip, mix together the yogurt, parsley and remaining garlic, then put to one side. Spoon the chicken mixture over the wedges, then evenly sprinkle over the reserved parsley and Parmesan.

Divide between four plates and serve with a quarter of the garlic dip per person and some mixed salad leaves.

Delicious!