Food guilt is a terrible thing …

… it's too late for recriminations - “Why did I eat my way through that giant box of chocolates … I don't even like chocolate!” I'll bet you have a pixie on your shoulder whispering in your ear “you don't want healthy, balanced food you want junk – in whatever form - sugar, salt or both!” The final straw is that your favourite jeans are, shall we say, a little snug?

I'm not a lover of resolutions, they are destined to be broken and done by the middle of January. What I do love is being organised and in a routine where food and meals are concerned. Life is so much easier when you have a plan.

If you must make a resolution to change the way you eat, can I make a suggestion – keep it to yourself – should you “fall off the wagon” for a day, just get back on, there'll be no-one – pixie or work colleague (who is watching you like a hawk, willing you to fail) any the wiser – no pressure.

What makes matters worse at this time of year is the weather – usually wet, cold and miserable - that makes us want to “stoke our boilers” and comfort eat. You can comfort eat, just with the right stuff.

The trick here is to make it easy on yourself and plan.

That's exactly what we're going to do – plan a weeks worth of suppers, with may be the odd lunch thrown in. We'll be doing as much work and prep when we're already in the kitchen, cooking for example a Sunday lunch – you're in there anyway so why not make the most of your time.

You'll be glad you did …