Remaining disciplined with both your fitness & nutrition in this world of temptation and distraction is a difficult task at the best of times.

You will invariable have ups and downs, but take the rough with the smooth and try to think about the bigger picture and longterm goal.

Here are my top tips to help ensure you stay on track with your desired fitness and nutritional plan:

1. Surround yourself with like minded people (people who make you laugh and who help you when you're in need — people who genuinely care).
2. Enlist the help of friends or a workout buddy to help with accountability. The added pressure can be turned into a positive influence.
3. Keep your workouts varied (frequency, intensity and type) so that you do not get bored.
4. Complete a weekly food diary to monitor calories and flag up any problem areas.
5. Enlist the help of a Personal Trainer to help you maintain adequate intensity during your workouts and push you that extra mile.
6. Bin the daily weigh in, which results in a rollercoaster of emotion and in many cases the weight change is actually the result of fluid balance and not actual fat loss.

The "first step" is always the hardest when it comes to starting a new programme, making the decision to eat better or simply deciding that you want to improve your fitness.

For many of us starting a new fitness programme can be very daunting and there are always doubts than can creep in. "I'll start on Monday", "I'll wait until next week", or "it will happen in the New Year". On the flip side it can also be hugely exciting, can provide you with a stress outlet, an opportunity to meet new people and help you to feel good about yourself.

Setting small tangible goals are key and give you something to work toward each week.

Start with simple achievable goals and then progress to longer term goals and by enlisting the help of friends and family, you will have a support network of people around you who want you to succeed and will help you along the way.

Remember to make your goals realistic and achievable otherwise you'll get impatient, frustrated and chances are you'll give up.

If this is your first time back exercising after a sustained period away, then a short-term goal might be to walk 10 minutes five days a week. An intermediate goal might be to walk 30 minutes five times a week.

A long-term goal might be to complete a 5K walk. You are already a SUCCESS by taking that first step. Where you go from here is up to you. The possibilities are endless!