After overindulging in sweets, dinners and alcohol during the festive season, most people are quick to start the New Year with resolutions of diets and a detox.

Avoid the temptation to buy more Christmas treats just because they are on offer

However, the resolutions are soon forgotten and old eating habits are quickly picked up again, leaving extra pounds gained over the week in place.

Nutritionist and occupational therapist Daniela Cassola has come up with a few suggestions to get you back on track after the festive period – with exercising at the top of the list to burn off some calories.

“Make plans to get yourself and your family active. Try something you can enjoy together such as walking, hiking and biking or try something new such as Pilates, a dance class or yoga. Aim to be active for at least 30 minutes for five days a week,” she said.

Ms Cassola emphasised the importance of steering clear of any “fad or celebrity diets as a magical quick-fix or you’ll be missing out on key nutrients”.

Last November, the British Dietetic Association announced its annual Top Worst Celebrity Diets to avoid in the New Year and criticised the Dukan Diet, supposedly supported by celebrities Carole Middleton and Jennifer Lopez, which work on restricting food and calories and controlling portions.

“The Dukan, which topped the list, is backed by little solid science and is associated with problems such as lack of energy, constipation and bad breath,” Ms Cassola said.

Instead, people should increase their fruit and vegetable intake at every meal. “Why not start your meal with soup?” she suggested.

Small changes help, such as using low-fat milk instead of whole or wholewheat bread not white.

“Before going to the supermarket make a list and stick to it and be wary of any special offers and avoid the temptation to buy more Christmas treats just because they are on offer,” Ms Cassola said.

Similarly, Charmaine Gauci, director of the Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Directorate, suggested slowly reducing portion size, a change being promoted in the recently launched national anti-obesity campaign.

“It’s really important not to skip meals and to have a good breakfast, lunch and dinner with a snack in between. People who skip breakfast will not be saving on calories; they actually tend to overeat,” Dr Gauci said.

She also suggested freezing leftovers, including unopened boxes of chocolates, to limit overeating

“Like that you won’t be obliged to eat them just because they are there,” she said.

Also, people should exercise for at least 30 minutes daily – or up to an hour if they wanted to lose weight. The health promotion directorate offers free weight management classes for overweight and obese people and aerobic classes. For more information call 2326 6000.