It won't be long now before we'll all be packing our suitcases and heading off for the sun. But if the thought of baring your all in a swimsuit or bikini fills you with dread, don't worry. There's still plenty of time to shed those extra pounds that have piled up over the winter months. And don't feel defeated if you've tried to lose weight in the past and always struggled to stick to your diet. This year can be different. Follow our tips to help you keep on track and you'll soon start to see a difference. Always consult your GP before you start if you have any concerns about your health.

1. Before you begin imagine what you'll look like when you're carrying a little less weight. Imagine how good it will feel. Try and use those good feelings as a motivator whenever you feel like giving up.
2. Set yourself a goal. Perhaps it is the big, family holiday or an important anniversary or birthday coming up. Or why not hang a favourite dress outside your wardrobe door to keep as a reminder of what you want to achieve.
3. Get support. If you can find a friend who also wants to lose weight see if she's prepared to do the diet with you. Perhaps you could join a weight-loss class together or even enrol in a gym. If there's no one suitable, approach your GP who may well offer routine weigh-ins with the practice nurse to help motivate you.
4. Start a food diary. List everything you eat for a week including the calories and fat contained in each item. You'll be surprised how the smallest things can add to your daily intake. Look and see where you can cut back.
5. Draw up a menu plan for the week ahead. Until you can break old habits and naturally choose healthy options when you do the weekly shop, it's so much easier if you know in advance what you've got to buy.
6. Make a list of healthy things you enjoy, such as fruit or water or going for a walk. As to you start in increase the healthy things, it's easier to let go of the unhealthy ones.
7. Eat from smaller plates. Reducing your portion sizes may sound obvious, but it's a great habit to get into and can help your calorie intake.
8. Become more active. Why not take up walking. Begin with a 15 minute walk and then gradually increase how far and how fast you walk. Don't use lack of time as an excuse. Walk your children to school or walk to the shops, rather than take the car all the time.
9. Don't be defeated by setbacks. If you feel like a failure you'll lose your motivation. Just decide you had a bad day and start afresh in the morning.
10. Reward yourself. Don't wait until you've reach your goal. Set yourself smaller targets and celebrate each little victory. You'll soon be on your way to a slim new you!