YOU’VE woken up on New Year’s Day with a stinking hangover.

It’s a week on from Christmas Day and you’re desperate to try and shift some of those pounds.

But a New Year’s resolution to keep fit or stop smoking can prove hard to keep.

Follow these tips, however, and you could be on the fast track to a healthier 2018.

How to get fit

Zoe Paines, owner of Old Town gym Anytime Fitness, says the key to keeping fit is to start slow.

“Our advice would always be to try and make small changes,” she said.

“If you haven’t done anything for a long time, don’t go to the gym every day. Make a small change, come a couple of times a week and start by walking and doing some light resistance exercises. There’s something for everyone.

“Start slowly – don’t try and do everything at once.”

Over January the gym is offering new deals this week. Everyone who joins this week will get a month’s free membership, she said.

For more, visit the gym’s Facebook page.

How to eat healthily

Ditch the microwave to keep the goodness in your veg, says Kris Talikowski, owner of juice bar The Core.

"Nothing that ever comes out of a microwave is nutritionally valuable for you, it kills all goodness," he said. 

Instead, replace it with a juicer or smoothie maker. He added: "When making juices or smoothies always use at least 50 per cent veg.  We need the vitamins from veggies too, so adding in things like carrots or cucumbers to your juices boosts the level of nutrients." 

Upping your vegetable intake could help tackle colds and flu, Kris said.

For more about The Core, visit: www.thecoreswindon.com.

How to stop smoking

More than 55,000 people were admitted to hospital with a smoking-related illness in the South West in 2015/16.

In Swindon alone, 886 people died that year of causes attributed to smoking.

Government quango Public Health England has urged people to make 2018 the year they give up cigarettes.

Backing the group’s campaign, family doctor Dr Dawn Harper said: “I see the damaging effects of smoking in my surgery almost every day. Tar from cigarettes causes damage to major organs, the bones and increases your risk of a range of cancers and diseases.

“But the good news is that no matter how long you’ve smoked, quitting can reduce your chances of developing cancer, heart and lung disease and other serious smoking related illnesses.

“Some of the benefits are almost immediate, with improved energy and breathing within a matter of days.”

For help giving up smoking, visit Swindon Borough Council’s stop smoking website.

How to save a life

Health chiefs have called on more people to make giving blood their 2018 resolution.

The NHS is especially short of blood donations from black and Asian communities – although they need donors from all blood groups and backgrounds.

Mike Stredder, director of blood donation at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “This year we are asking people in Wiltshire to focus on giving and to register to give blood. It’s easy to sign up and book your first appointment online or via our mobile phone app

“By donating blood you will save or improve the lives of up to three people. Do something amazing in 2018. Give blood.”

In general, donors must be fit and healthy, weigh over 7st 12lbs (50kg) and are aged between 17 and 66 (up to 70 if you have given blood before). Anyone over 70 must have given blood in the last two years to continue donating.

To register, visit www.blood.co.uk or call 0300 123 23 23.