The majority of us start the New Year resolving to lose weight and kick bad habits from Christmas over-indulgences. Two weeks in and the majority have almost certainly given up by now. Why?

There’s the temptation to eat up the leftovers, a few straggling parties we couldn’t fit in before Christmas, and the stresses of going back to work in the New Year; not to mention lousy weather which makes us reach for the comfort foods. Crash diets and drastic eating plans can also mess up the metabolism and make it harder to stick to a sensible eating routine. Far better to make small sustainable changes which then become part of a new habit rather than raise unrealistic expectations and feel like a failure when they don’t work.

Patience really does pay off! By just cutting 500 calories out of your food choices each day (or burning 500 extra by walking further or moving around more), that’s 1lb a week which could be nearly 2 stone by the time you need to fit into your summer wardrobe. More importantly, pay attention to your sugar intake as well – not just from sweets and chocolate but bread, pasta, potatoes and alcohol; all of which metabolise to sugar which, if we don’t burn off,  we readily store as fat.

By mid January, the mince pies and chocolates will be gone, and normal routines are starting to kick back in again so there’s far more chance of sticking to a new and more nourishing eating programme.

Here are a few tips:

• Serve yourself smaller portions – or use smaller plates for your main meal. Side plates work well if you put the protein (meat, fish or grains) on one and the vegetables or salad on the other.
• Resolve to drink more water to help your digestive system. At least 6 large glasses (2 litres a day) is ideal
• Keep a food diary – you will be amazed what you are eating without thinking. Even better, take a photo of each meal on your smart phone for indisputable photographic evidence.
• Avoid thinking about ‘losing weight’. If we lose something normally the impetus is to find it again…which is why so many ‘diets’ fail!

This month I will be running two free workshops to explore the difference between well known diets to understand the pro’s and con’s of each; and another on the myths are realities behind detoxing, and how to undertake a healthy detox to kick start your new regime and improve your overall health. Click here or on my events link for more information. The are free to attend but please do RSVP so I know you are coming.

• Tweet