January is the time of self-reflection. Where you are, what you’re up to and where you want to be. For me, it’s also the time I have to admit to myself that I probably had one too many mince pies and tipples of wine. The thing is, I’m not starting this year with regrets. In the past I’ve beaten myself up over that extra chocolate, bemoaned my glass of prosecco or forced myself on the scales in a pit of despair. This year I decided to embrace the fact that I’d likely put on a few pounds, but I also have the tools to lose it again and it wasn’t just about the numbers resting on a bathroom scales. I was going to work on being fitter. Feeling healthier. Minding my body, my health and clearing my head of any stress of worry. As part of my job writing, which sometimes includes my ventures into food, health and fitness, I sometimes get offered to trial new challenges. A lot of the time, I turn them down. If they’re unrealistic, dangerous, or if they put a body under unrealistic standards or practices, I’ll opt out. I’m looking at you waist trainers and juice diets. I would be the crankiest, worst version of myself if I was trying to pour my love handles into a fishbone body entrapment while supping on green gunk. It’s not my place to decide what’s right for other women, but for me, I know my body needs real food, nutrition and regular exercise to balance my weight, keep me happy, healthy and active. I don’t want to be promised a miracle fad diet that means you’re suffering migraines or heading to the gym five days a week. So when I was asked to take on the Lidl 30 Day Fitness Challenge, I accepted. I’m always willing to push myself, and a New Year is my fresh start. I’m not unhappy with my figure, I’m eating quite well but I know on both levels I could be healthier and I could be more active. So signing up to this plan is my gentle reminder that it’s important to look after myself without adding to the misery of the January blues. I’m also not doing dry January, so this is my health kick while my friends all plan booze free brunches. I just plan to turn up to have my mimosa with a side of sweat after a home circuit’s session. I’ve worked hard to get to a place where I accept my body isn’t perfect, but it’s working hard for me. Now I just need to make sure I’m working just as hard for my body. Which means taking a health MOT. Considering my arms feel the twinges of lifting the bag of popcorn to the microwave after this morning’s workout, I can safely say it’s starting to work. I just hope my good intentions can last two weeks…

Want to take part in the action? Feel free to send us any tips, updates or how your own exercise regime is working out for 2016. You can mail our writer here: liz.mchugh@her.ie, or tweet us @lidl_ireland

All of the products needed will be available in-store from Thursday, (January 7th), so get out, get active and take the #LidlFitness challenge to make this year your healthiest yet!

If you’re looking for some motivation or healthy eating guidelines, check out the Lidl website here.