"The party’s over. It’s time to call it a day."

Well, it's time to call it a day; a day to start afresh; take control and start to lose weight.

There is always something refreshing and re-energising about turning over a new leaf and, traditionally, this is the time of year to do it. This is the ideal time to clear up, sort out and start afresh. If after the Christmas festivities and the New Year, your energy is at an all time low or your stress levels are soaring, start now to boost your health, happiness and vitality. Starting afresh means clearing away the past, getting rid of the “junk”, forgetting about what you did yesterday and thinking positively and energetically – and looking forward to this new year. Look forward to a slimmer and healthier you in 2012.

Every January, most of us are determined to improve our eating habits, to lose weight and to follow a healthier lifestyle. Well, we can help you follow these resolutions but, first, we need to ask just three things of you:

1. Decide that you want to lose weight.

2. Believe that you will lose weight.

3. Take action.

We believe that it is possible for everyone to succeed in losing weight, if they need to. However, we also believe in being realistic about all those New Year resolutions. Instead of thinking about foods to avoid, things to give up or habits to restrict, we have come up with some New Year resolutions you really can keep. Unlike the usual dreary list of “thou shalt nots”, they are mostly about foods and a healthy practice you should actually do more of to lose weight and stay healthy.

Resolution 1: "I will eat breakfast every day". A bowl of cereal, a piece of fruit or a slice of toast may not seem that significant, but breakfast really is the most important meal of the day. Research shows that people who don’t bother with breakfast end up missing out on essential vitamins, minerals and fibre and that these nutrients are rarely caught up on in later meals. Going without breakfast is also associated with poor performance. Breakfast is a big feature on your healthy eating plan. It boosts your metabolism and gives you energy to get through the morning.

Resolution 2: "I will eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day". Fruit and vegetables contain vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fibre and many other nutrients, which together can reduce the risk of cancers and heart disease. They taste great and are all low in fat and calories. It is very easy to eat 5-a-day – fruit juice at breakfast, a piece of fruit mid morning, salad for lunch, vegetables for dinner, fruit after dinner, for example.

Resolution 3: "I will eat more fish and chicken in place of processed meats, sausages and red meats". Fish and chicken (without the skin) provide valuable protein and B vitamins without the saturated fat content of some of the fattier red meats. Fish is also a great source of polyunsaturated fatty acids, which help improve heart health.

Resolution 4: "I will eat wholegrain complex carbs with every meal". Far from the old wisdom that starchy food makes you fat, starchy foods such as bread, potatoes, rice and pasta provide energy, B vitamins and are filling without being fattening. If you eat starchy foods at every meal you will find that you will eat less fat and sugar. But remember to go for the wholegrain, not refined or white versions.

Resolution 5: "I will switch from full fat to low fat spreads and dairy products". Swapping from full fat butter or margarine to a low fat spread, and from full-fat milk to low-fat milk can greatly reduce the total amount of fat in your diet and thereby reduce your risk of heart disease and obesity.

Resolution 6: "I will swap sweets and chocolates for healthier snack items such as fruit, raw vegetable sticks or dried fruit (most of the time)". It also means you will lose weight and your nutrient intake will be better.

By following these simple resolutions, you will be able to get healthy and stay healthy this year.