Staying healthy is now more important than ever.

With the coronavirus pandemic still raging after nearly a year we know obesity is a major risk factor, among others, when it comes to the worst outcomes with Covid.

The good news is we can do something about.

We can't change many of the other factors that put us at risk, such as underlying illnesses - but we can modify our diets and lifestyles.

We now have greater awareness than ever that looking after ourselves, eating well, staying active and keeping a routine helps our physical as well as our mental health.

So, if you're hoping for a happier, healthier 2021 read on for Sarah Lawrence from Hitchin Slimming World as she shares five steps to get healthy - and stay healthy.

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Our Hitchin Slimming World guide will both inspire and support you to small changes everyone can make safely from home.

Most of us were pretty happy to wave goodbye to 2020 and welcome in a brand-new year.

While it's clear there are still challenges ahead, having a positive focus could help to make this year a better one.

We have learnt so much over the past year and now it is time to put those into actions.

Here is how - in five steps, starting today with step one…..

No guilt

It can be really useful to take stock of what you've done in the past but being future focussed without carrying the burden of guilt can be crucial.

Our actions are greatly influenced by our thoughts and we can be our own greatest critic.

Research is showing that the more negative comments we make about our own bodies the less happy we feel about it.

This is far from a harmless habit

It increases body dissatisfaction and low mood, which make us more likely to avoid exercise, more likely to stress eat, and less likely to take care of ourselves by healthy eating.

Letting go of the past, turning down our own critical voices and talking up our best bits can really be the start of change.

By creating a supportive environment, free from judgement or humiliation, Slimming World helps members tackle self-criticism, building confidence and self-esteem, in order to make positive behaviour changes.

Our members are able to take pride in being part of a group that genuinely cares for and helps one other.

It's this pride and sense of belonging that helps members learn to value themselves, quieten their inner critic and turn negative self-talk into more positive feelings.

Group is where they talk about the new challenges they're facing, share their achievements despite the difficult times and work together to develop new strategies to manage their weight and stay on track, whatever life throws their way."

Focus always on the future

I so often hear the critical voices in group, members saying things about themselves they wouldn't dream of saying to someone else.

I was just the same and felt such a failure when I joined. It radiated out to all aspects of my life and I couldn't see anything ever changing.

Looking forwards each week to what I could achieve actually led me to start to believe in myself and gain confidence that I could, with all the lovely support I had, actually slim successfully.

I know what its like to feel like you're the only one struggling. The only one who just can't make changes and stick to them.

So - be ready to draw a line!

It's normal to experience some slip-ups along any journey of change, so it's important to learn not to dwell on them.

There's absolutely no judgement in a Slimming World group. If you haven't had the week that you wanted, we're armed with practical tools and support to help you get back on track.

Whoever you turn to for support make sure the words are encouraging, especially the ones you tell yourself!