1... Time Flies
Okay, so the good intentions were there, but the reality is slightly different! Don’t worry however if you have planned to include 30 minutes of exercise in your day but find out that you never quite get the time to fit it in. Instead split the 30 minutes into three (i.e three sets of 10 minutes each). Ten minutes when you wake up, another 10 minutes at lunchtime and 10 minutes in the evening will fit much better into your routine - and it’s not as scary, either!

2... Don’t live to work
Strike a healthy balance between work and ‘you’ time. Learn to switch off when you leave the office. If you’re unhappy in your job, it will spill over into your personal life, so try to indentify why you are unhappy and try to resolve any problems, one way or the other. Life is short. Whenever possible, try to laugh. Laughing boosts the blood flow, and researchers say that 15 minutes of laughter a day as well as regular exercise could reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease. Laughing has previously been found to help fight infections, relieve hay fever, ease pain, lower stress levels and control breathing.

3... Get cooking
Ditch those additive-loaded, processed foods and ready meals. Make your own meals from scratch so you know exactly what’s in them. And, you don’t need to be a gourmet chef to create healthy, delicious balanced meals. Start with some key, basic dishes, and the world of ingredients will be your oyster. Always grill foods when possible and try to keep away from the dreaded deep-fat fryer. If you can also, keep it local. Be aware of food miles - the distance your food has travelled before it reaches your plate. They can add up to thousands for a simple salad or sandwich. Look out for farmers’ markets in your area for fresh local produce and visit your local butcher instead of buying from the meat counter in the supermarket.

4... BMI basics
BMI (body mass index) compares your height to your weight and is a simple way of assessing
whether you need to lose weight. To calculate your BMI, take your height in metres and multiply it by itself. Then divide your weight in kilograms by this figure. Less than 18.5 = underweight. 18.5 - 24.9 = normal weight. 25 - 29.9 = overweight. Over 30 = obese. The higher your BMI is over 30, the greater the risks to your health.
Losing weight is not just about enhancing your physical appearance, it’s about improving your overall health and well-being.

5... Water, water everywhere
Your body is made up of approximately 70 per cent water, so it is important to keep this level topped up. The average person loses around 2 litres (3 1/2 pints) of water each day just by breathing, perspiring and going to the loo, so you need to try to drink at least an equivalent amount every day to replace the water that is lost. Try to keep a check on any kind of diuretic that you may be consuming as they encourage the loss of water and overwork your kidneys. Tea, coffee and some soft drinks contain caffeine, which is a common diuretic; alcohol is an even stronger diuretic.

6... Weigh up the alternatives
Complementary therapies can offer a fresh approach to good health. Aromatherapy uses a range of essential plant oils to relax you, restore your emotional well-being, increase your energy levels and reduce stress. Or perhaps treat yourself to a seaweed bath. It’s great for detoxing and will hydrate and moisturise your skin - so it is especially good after a holiday in the sun. Seaweed baths can also relieve conditions like acne, eczema, back pain and arthritis, as well as helping speed up wound healing.

7... Complimentary confidence
Receiving compliments on how well you look from other people can be very motivating. Learn to accept compliments graciously, which is something many of us find hard to do. Instead of protesting, smile and say ‘thank you’. Each time you receive a compliment, your confidence will soar.

8... Naturally Sweet
Honey has long been recognised as a natural remedy and has been used as a medicine for thousands of years. Honey’s antioxidant and anti-bacterial properties can help improve your digestive system and help you stay healthy. Honey has a healthy Glycemic Index (GI), meaning that its sugars can be gradually absorbed into the bloodstream which leads to better digestion. Honey contains natural minerals and vitamins - the vitamins present in honey include B6, thiamin, niacin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid and certain amino acids. The minerals found in honey include calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, sodium and zinc. And if that wasn’t enough, this natural sweetener is fat free, cholesterol free, and sodium free!