At the moment you’re probably being bombarded with messages and ads to help you shift the dreaded winter weight gain.

If you are looking to get back into shape, it can be a bit overwhelming to know what information to trust and what will actually work for you.

The truth is, not all of these programmes are bad, but I do have a little bit of advice which may help you to make a better decision before you sign up for a new programme and part with your hard-earned cash.

Firstly, if weight loss is your goal, more or less all diets work if you stick to them.

Yes, this is absolutely true. Even the ones that use meal replacement shakes, encourage detoxing and fasting and cut out entire food groups — all of these will very likely deliver results for as long you follow them. However, do I personally like these types of diets? Would I recommend them? Nine times out of ten, the answer is no and the reason for this is they simply aren’t sustainable.

I mean, who can confidently say they can make a low-calorie liquid-based diet a part of their lifestyle for good? More to the point, who would actually want to? (I can’t think of anything more boring, antisocial and restrictive!)

Having said this though, if a detox-style diet plan is what you are going to try this winter, just make sure you have a more solid, balanced nutrition plan to follow afterwards.

This is crucial, or you’ll likely find that as soon as you go back to eating normally, you’ll gain back the weight you lost.

It’s really important to remember that eating healthy, exercising and looking after your body is not a “one-time thing” or something you do for just a few weeks and then drop.

Following an intense, short-term plan can be a good idea if it helps you to reset some bad habits and establish some new, healthier ones in their place, but you should always try to undertake these programmes with the attitude that you’re working towards long-term goals.

My second big piece of advice is to get some support. It’s been proven time and again that if you have some support and accountability, you are much more likely to reach your goals. This can come in many forms, such as support from your family — try getting them on board with your programme and enjoying the same healthy diet as you — or grabbing yourself a workout buddy, investing in a trainer, trying a group fitness class or joining an online fitness community for added motivation.

Finally, I suggest experimenting; there are so many ways to get fit and stay in shape. If you’ve struggled in the past, take the opportunity of the new year to start a clean slate and try a new approach.

Just because one fitness programme or a particular diet didn’t work for you in the past, doesn’t mean you have to accept your current situation for good. Don’t give up just yet; try something else until you find a good fit for you. I truly believe that for each of us, there’s an approach to taking care of your wellness that not only delivers results, but is enjoyable and sustainable in the long-run. So as you start to think about how you’re going to get your fitness groove back on track this winter, bear in mind these few things: pick a plan that isn’t going to be too difficult for you to stick to in the short and long term, get some support to help keep you inspired and focused, and don’t be afraid to try something new or different. Here’s to all your health and fitness success in 2017.

Becky Wright is a qualified personal trainer, nutritional therapist and international bikini fitness champion. She has worked with clients worldwide, including royalty. Contact her at www.beckywrightfitness.com or becky@beckywrightfitness.com