As a rule of thumb, a careful cull of the 10% of lowest performers can make a firm leaner by removing fat without damaging muscle.

ECONOMIST: Human capital and the crisis

So began our nation's nearly three-decade obsession with removing dietary fat from foods.

WSJ: The Experts: What role should government play in combatting obesity?

One little problem: Removing the fat made many "health foods" taste like cardboard, so manufacturers added sweeteners to make everything palatable.

WSJ: The Experts: What role should government play in combatting obesity?

After removing the obvious fat, prick the goose all over the skin, taking care not to pierce the meat.

NPR: How to Cook Your Goose

Rinse the chicken well, removing any excess fat, and pat it dry.

NPR: Recipes: 'Ten'

The British Heart Foundation says Christmas lunch can provide more calories than are needed in an entire day and has advice on how to reduce fat and calorie consumption, such as removing skin from turkey and eating slowly.

BBC: Top ten Christmas health risks