HAPPY new year everyone!

We are now into a fresh new year and I expect many of you may be experiencing the 'cold turkey' effect of cutting down on all the treats that you've over indulged on over the festive period.

We tend to consume thousands of extra calories over the festive period, so it is no surprise that many of us choose to make New Year’s resolutions to either lose weight or get fit at this time.

Clothes start feeling a little tighter, we get cravings for sugary or junk food, energy levels are low, we get that lethargic feeling.

It's fixable, don't panic! New Year’s resolutions need not be painful or drastic.

If you have already made a resolution or plan on doing so, then here's a few helpful tips to help set you off.

Firstly, make a resolution for yourself, something that's personal to you.

Think about what you'd like to achieve or what you envisage for yourself or your life this year.

Then, be positive. If weight loss or fitness is your goal, stop telling yourself 'I've put weight on' or, 'I eat too much' or 'I'm so unfit'.

Focus on the positives — if you've eaten well today, be proud of yourself.

Enjoy how good you feel when you eat and drink healthy and nutritious foods.

If you worry about going to the gym or a class, try going with someone, or meet a fitness trainer there so you're not on your own.

If you feel embarrassed about not keeping up with others in a class, don't be, be proud of yourself for being there and set small achievable goals to see your fitness improve week by week, because it really will.

Plus, think about all the calories you're burnt off whilst you were there!

Try to look for the positives in everything you do.

If you worry too much about the negatives, it will be a hard and miserable slog.

Being fit and healthy is something to enjoy, something to be thankful for, the journey along the way is very rewarding, seeing your fitness improve, looking in the mirror and liking what you see and having a measurable result.

Make a positive change in your life and enjoy the journey as well as the results.

To get in touch with Claire, follow her on Twitter @CLKpt or email ckopicki@me.com