Published: Friday, 15th January, 2010 11:58am

January cheer!

By Grainne Flanagan-Rughoobur, Clinical Specialist Community Dietitian, HSE Dublin Mid-Leinster, Community Nutrition and Dietetics Service

T'was the month after Christmas, and all through the house,

nothing would fit me, not even a blouse!

The cookies I'd nibbled, the eggnog I'd taste

at the holiday parties have gone to my waist'

So away with the last of the sour cream dip

Get rid of the fruitcake, every cracker and chip!

Every last bit of food that I like must be banished

'til all the additional ounces have vanished.

It's that time of year again, when we have great ambition to make significant changes in our lives. Of the Top 10 New Years resolutions, losing weight is the most popular.

The other resolutions include: spend more time with family and friends; get fit; quit smoking; enjoy life more; quit drinking; get out of debt; learn something new; help others; and get organised.These are all positive changes - a step closer to living a happier, healthier life. It need not be an enormous task all at once. Focus on taking some small steps initially in changing how you eat. But don't be too miserable, be nice to yourself!

I won't have a cookie, not even a lick.

I'll want only to chew on a long celery stick

I won't have hot biscuits, or cornbread, or pie;

I'll munch on a carrot, and quietly cry!

The Irish Nutrition Dietetic Institute (INDI), in association with safefood, have launched a new website www.weight2live.eu; it provides practical tips for those who want to lose weight or maintain a healthy body weight.

The INDI also have a factsheet with information and tips for weight loss, 'Getting in Shape for the New Year', available at: www.indi.ie

For more information contact Maria at Community Nutrition & Dietetic Service, HSE Dublin Mid-Leinster on Tel 044 9353220 or email community.dietitians@hse.ie.

(Extract from Dr Jill S Welbourne, a patron of the United Kingdom's Eating Disorder Association)