The best ways to start losing weight heading into the new year with 'goals that are realistic and suitable'

The nutritional therapist said: "Before the start of 2025, if you have health and fitness goals, it is important to sit down and plan what you want to achieve for the year.

"Many people will set unrealistic weight loss goals as New Year’s resolutions, but it is important to remember that you cannot lose weight overnight. It takes time, commitment, exercise and sticking to a balanced, healthy, (but totally delicious) diet."

Knowing what processes to put in place to start losing weight is the first step before implementing a diet change or starting an exercise plan.

Kerry said: "First things first, you need to work out how many calories a day you need to eat to maintain your current weight; this is known as Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE).

"Anyone can calculate their individual TDEE, which will then allow them to calculate how much they should reduce their calorie intake.

"For example, if you want to lose about a pound a week, try reducing your daily intake by around 500 calories per day.

"Along with reducing your calorie intake, I recommend consuming fibre-rich foods and avoiding processed and sugary foods and drinks.

"Stay hydrated, exercise regularly with a mix of cardio and strength training."

Retaining consistency and motivation is one of the toughest parts of losing weight. An excellent way of keeping focused is to change your mindset when approaching weight loss.

The expert said: "Do not look at your weight-loss journey as a short-term chore, instead view it as a positive turning point and long-term lifestyle choice that will lead to a new and healthier you.

"The permanent changes you make in this journey will become your future lifestyle foundation, so include creating processes and systems in your life to make things easier.

“If you find it hard to consistently cook healthy, delicious and low-calorie meals I suggest finding some really easy recipes that do not require a lot of preparation or washing up or just meal prep in bulk for the week."

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After setting targets too, a good way of keeping them realistic is to break them down into smaller goals.

The expert said: "Breaking up your bigger goals into smaller, more achievable steps can be the key to success.

"Setting a specific timeline with a finite deadline can also help to spur you on, especially when you are feeling stuck or unmotivated.

"For example, if your goal is to lose 10lbs of fat, I would recommend breaking it down to set a goal to lose about one pound each week by a certain date, to help motivate you.

"If you want to lose a significant amount of weight, it is always advisable to speak to your doctor and a qualified nutrition professional about the best diet for your needs.

"Focusing on other health and fitness goals is also important to maintain a healthy relationship with food and exercise.

"This might include running 5km or hitting a personal best in your deadlift. Try to focus more on the journey, what you can improve upon each day, and always be willing to learn and adapt as you go."