STAYING motivated when you are trying to make positive changes to your diet and lifestyle can be tough.

You know what you should be eating and what you should be doing but sometimes you'd prefer to be eating something else, skipping the gym or having a glass of wine.

Bad habits sneak back in much quicker than good habits start.

So how can we stay motivated to keep making good choices and decisions?

Here are a few tips.

  • Try to surround yourself with positive people, people who can encourage you or give you that little extra push when you may need it.
  • Friends and family may not always have the same goals as you, but if you explain your goals and why you want to make positive changes then that extra support can really help.
  • Include others in your goals — having training partners or even changing your eating habits with work colleagues can give you both competition and encouragement.

I've found my clients find changing their eating habits a much easier challenge when they do it together with a partner or in a group.

Some people are motivated by helping others, some are motivated by seeing others succeed and some people just like a bit of competition!

Whichever you prefer, most people can get that motivation from being part of a group.

Keep track of your progress.

Take photographs of yourself every few weeks to see the changes.

You may not realise how much you've changed until you see it in front of you.

Set small and large goals, then reward yourself when you reach them.

Try not to reward yourself with food or drink though, as this will create another bad habit!

Buy yourself a piece of clothing (in a smaller size!), get your hair done, have a massage, do something that you enjoy.

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