I usually find people - writers or otherwise - take the opportunity to make a New Year's resolution which somehow involves the words 'diet' and 'detox'.
This of course would not be necessary if we were not already overloading on Christmas feasting and, of course, the sensible thing to do would be not to overload in the first place.
But - given the temptations - I suppose we can expect to falter a little.
At this point, writers - like other sedentary folk - need to take care.
Similarly, people undergoing major stress - divorce, separation, serious illness diagnosis, redundancy - whatever - need to avoid the comfort of the chelsea bun.
So what to do? For a start, here are some tips, based on British Dietetic Association guidelines: o Drink sensibly.
Most people aim for 6-8 glasses of fluid, or about 1.
5 - 2 litres per day.
o Keep a weekly diet diary- record everything honestly.
Where could you make a difference? o Small changes that you can stick to (e.
g.
one extra portion of veg or fruit each day) will work best o Plan your meals - a shopping list based on the week's meal plan will also save money and avoid waste o Visit the BDA's website http://www.
bdaweightwise.
com.
Don't forget, what goes in must come out so exercise! The guideline here is do something you enjoy and you'll be motivated to keep going.
I find exercise classes - yoga, tai chi and so on - help with motivation because of the personal commitment to attendance I make - probably unknowingly - to my classmates and my instructor.
But - if you tend to fresh air and walking - dogs are also excellent personal trainers, challenging you on a daily basis.
And, the important thing is persistence.
Just a thought.
Happy New Year! Happier New You! Love Lizzie Gates