10 Jan Whats your style?

What's your style?

When it comes to eating and exercise, what kind of player are you? Learn some strategies to lift your game.

Not in the game – do you pretend everything's OK when it's not? Take a good look at the costs of staying overweight and the benefits of change.

Enthusiastic beginner – you're all gung-ho at this time of the year and have the greatest intentions of getting healthy, but before long you've reverted to old habits. Try setting smaller, more realistic goals. It's better to make a few small, long-lasting changes than many half-baked, bigger ones.

Once bitten, twice shy – you've been there, done that, and it didn't work. Now you can't be bothered. Analyse what went wrong and try a new way. Look to the future, not the past. You didn't 'fail' diets – they failed you.

Bad sport – you're mad at your lack of results, and blame everything and everyone for your weight problem. Realise the responsibility for your health is yours and you're in the driver's seat. The truth can hurt, but it can also inspire change.

Pro – you know all about healthy living and achieve a good balance most of the time. But be aware of changes, such as a new job, having a child or moving house, which might put you off your game. Be vigilant, adaptable and flexible and you'll continue to be a winner.

Retired, hurt – the pain of trying and 'failing' so many times has left you depressed and vulnerable. It might be time to seek help from a psychologist or dietitian to repair the damage with a supportive 'non-dieting' approach that takes the focus away from weight. Choose not to play the weighting game and aim to make friends with food and your body.