New Year is the time when millions of people make their resolutions and 2021 will be no different. While some people will be focusing on some exciting thing they plan to do when the coronavirus pandemic has eased, there will still be many focusing on the traditional themes of diet and fitness.

However, it may not be enough just to proclaim a plan to cut down on bad food and alcohol. There needs to be something good to put in their place and in the case of drinking, increased water consumption may be just what you need.

According to the NHS Eatwell Guide, people should drink between six and eight glasses of fluid a day. For most people, however, few, if any, will consist of a glass of water, let alone ionised water.

Instead, people could consume soft drinks, which will contain sugar and often caffeine. Coffee and most teas contain caffeine too, which acts as a diuretic (removing water from your body) and can disrupt sleep. Alcohol, even when not drunk excessively, can add to the waistline.

Milk is a better choice to an extent as it is relatively low in fat, but if you really want to take the pounds off it is better to use low-fat milk or drink water instead where you can.

As well as removing chemicals like sugar, fat and alcohol that naturally benefit your health, the reduction in caffeine can mean better sleep and thus more energy, which enables you to exercise more.

Of course, this all works best alongside healthier eating, but swapping burgers for salads is the step people usually think of first, rather than going for more water.

And if water alone seems a bit bland, try adding a bit of healthy fruit juice or low-sugar cordial, or even a twist of citrus fruit to it.

You will soon see the benefits of this simple, but effective step on your health and wellbeing.