Commit to eating healthy: Dietician

“It can lead to many benefits such as improved mood and concentration, more energy and lowering your risk of many health conditions,” she said.

“Now that the festive season is over, try filling your refrigerator with colourful fruits and vegetables which are high in fibre and water content to keep you feeling satisfied while only contributing a small amount of kilojoule to your daily intake.

“Drink plenty of water and reduce your intake of soft drinks high in sugar content.”

To maintain a healthy diet throughout the year, adopt healthy changes for the whole family, Mrs Crutchett said.

Limit high saturated fat foods and high glycemic index (GI) foods, including take-aways, fruit juices, confectionary, white breads, cereals and highly marbled cuts of meat.

These foods can lead to insulin resistance, diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Food that should be added to your diet on a daily basis include wholemeal bread or cereal, fruit, vegetables and lean meat such as fish, chicken, pork, kangaroo.

Use wholemeal crackers, fruit and vegetable-based dips as healthy snacks.

Foods deemed as “treats” should be consumed in moderation.

Incorporate physical activities that you enjoy such as walking, bike riding, yoga or surfing and make it a regular part of your daily or weekly routine.

Monitor alcohol intake and take note of hunger signals. Eating out of boredom can be the biggest contributor to excess kilojoules.