With groaning waistbands and a slightly jaded feeling after the excesses of Christmas, it is easy to understand why health and weight loss features on many resident’s New Year resolution lists.

However, a Goodmayes doctor is recommending ditching self-made January promises for 2018.

Nurul Ahad, clinical lead and orthopaedic surgeon at the North East London NHS Treatment Centre, Barley Lane, said while it is a great time to start thinking about health, he is sceptical about the benefits of New Year’s resolutions.

“It is cold, it can be miserable and then we give up everything and feel bad when we fail,” he said.

“Too often we find ourselves reaching for the cookie jar as we have fallen off the wagon and feel bad about ourselves.

“How many of us have paid out for gym memberships we don’t use, or have watched loved ones and friends read yet another fad diet book in the forlorn hope they will once again be a size 10?

“We hear tales of unfit people who have taken to pounding the streets only to injure themselves and who have then given up exercise for another year.”

Dr Ahad said it is time to stop “this madness” and pick up five habits of good health instead.

From walking for 30 minutes five times a week to listening to your body, simple steps can have a huge positive impact on your life.

“Forget fad diets and get to know the grocery aisle instead,” he added.

“Ensuring half of your plate is full of non-starchy vegetables helps you to pack in health-giving antioxidants, fibre and vitamins.

“It cuts back naturally and without effort.

“Try to shop for local seasonal produce at its freshest- not only will you help the environment and your local farmers, but also the produce is at its health-giving best.”

The clinician is encouraging residents to eat chocolate.

“This may seem like odd advice from a doctor, but I am referring to the good stuff – 70 per cent and higher cocoa content. “Chocolate contains iron, magnesium, manganese and potassium, and vitamins A, B1, C, D, and E. and some studies have shown increase in blood flow.