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No-one can resist the temptation to make New Year’s resolutions, not even the most cynical or nonconforming.

Not that this is a bad thing! But most of the time, our resolutions are too ambitious, and we soon give them up, ending up even less motivated than we were last year.

Especially when the resolutions regard weight.

And so a number of fitness experts, including Mandy Ingber, Jennifer Aniston’s yoga teacher, have come up with some good advice to help and encourage you when you're ready to give up.


1. WRITE IT ALL DOWN
A bit like Bridget Jones. Write a diary of your resolutions, intentions and conquests. And, of course, your weak moments. It will help you visualise your commitment and consider your new lifestyle a normal, everyday thing rather than an exception to the rule.


2. PURE WATER 
In the detox phase, drink two or three litres of water every day to eliminate all the toxins in your body. Especially ionised alkaline water, which purifies the body of acids and reinforces your immune system. A glass of warm water with lemon juice or sage tea in the morning will add an extra boost to any diet.


3. VEGETABLES
There are vegetables that should be added to every meal for their purifying, curative properties. These include squash, carrots, cabbage, asparagus, beetroot, celery and potatoes. Make them more flavourful (and healthier) with ginger and garlic.


4. MEALTIMES
Never have breakfast before nine o’clock in the morning. Don’t eat carbohydrates after five in the afternoon. Eating late will block up your digestive system, and your body needs time to digest complex foods. You may end up feeling weighted down until the next day.


5. DON’T GIVE UP
Fitness is a long-term thing. Many people are tempted to give it up. But it’s better to exercise less, go to the gym one less time a week or change the type of exercise you do. Your motivation is also a muscle that needs to be strengthened.


6. MASSAGES
Reward yourself with a good massage once in a while: a moment of relaxation which will also serve to release deposits of toxins in the tissues and drain the blood, improving your circulation.


7. TAKE IT ONE STEP AT A TIME
Fitting into that skirt at the back of the wardrobe, losing half a kilo every week, looking a little bit better every day: little goals will help motivate you. And overcome your laziness.


8. GET YOUR BEAUTY SLEEP
 Sleep is one of the best beauty creams there is. It smoothes the skin and gets the circulation and the nervous system going. There’s nothing better than a nap to pick yourself up.


9. BATH SALTS
In the evening, enjoy the luxury of a relaxing hot bath. But before you get into the tub, dissolve a handful of Dead Sea Salt in it. Give your body and mind a true break, and get rid of all the toxins accumulated during the day. One of the most effective, easiest remedies there is.


Photo by David LaChapelle, from Beauty IN Vogue, November 2004