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The holiday season is full of temptation to indulge in the celebrations and it's easy to give in and forget about health and fitness until the New Year. Why not get a head start in order to get into that party dress and avoid that uncomfortable time when those around you are touting their New Years Resolutions to 'give up junk food' 'join a gym,' 'lose 10lbs'. Do any of these new years resolutions work?

There is no magic about the first of January each year that will help you actually achieve what you want to, without fading into the failed resolution wasteland of late March. There is only one solution, it is not easy, requires effort and motivation, will give you renewed energy and will definitely make you feel better about yourself throughout the festive season and beyond.

Research has shown us over the years that the only way to permanently see long term changes in your health and fitness is to change your lifestyle. It is not as daunting as you may think, and requires small changes but this is a long term project; it's not a quick fix.

Follow these steps to changing your lifestyle and the whole family will be healthier for it.

* Set yourself a target. Nothing can motivate you more that having a goal to work towards. It could be a holiday or an event/party.

* Take a long hard look at your lifestyle. Are there any changes that you could make that would be healthier, enable you to get more exercise and expend more energy? Small changes can make a difference eg. Walk wherever you can, park a little further from the shops: a 20 -30 minute walk at least 3 times a week is great.

* Schedule some time with a friend and instead of meeting for a coffee, get together and do a workout DVD at home (kids usually find it amusing and can join in!). Baby2body has a great DVD for busy mums- it is divided into 7 sections so you can easily do as much or as little as you want.

* Take the kids swimming and jog on the spot in the water for 15 minutes- you will really feel that!

* Join an online virtual personal trainer. This would help to keep you motivated and get you going with some ideas on how to exercise.

* Put on some music and dance- its fun and can burn lots of calories, plus everyone can join in.

* Invest in a few weights or bands at home so you can schedule a quick workout- even if it's just 20 minutes a day, when the kids are asleep or at school.

* Try a Stroller club- join other mums in a group with a trainer to motivate you.

* While watching TV, do leg exercises and stomach crunches.

* Before you start- take your measurements and check them every 6 weeks, reward yourself with a massage, facial or manicure when you lose some inches.

* Schedule workout time in your diary and don't cancel it for anything.

If you start now you will minimize the effects of that extra turkey sandwich or piece of Christmas cake and who knows you might even be less inclined to indulge!