They always say the third week in January is when your new-found determination will start to crack. You’re tired, you’re craving anything sugary or sweet, and you’re surprised why every time you lift your t-shirt you aren’t greeted with a six-pack in the mirror. Yes I'm busy in work, and yes I'm tired, but I'm still managing to fit this challenge into a hectic week. There’s no massive drain on my time. I make the most of my time and try to work around the same barriers we all have. Working shifts, celebrating birthdays and trying to find the time to work on myself when the winter weather is tempting me to stay in under the duvet. This week, I’ve found time running away with me. I was chasing my tail, trying to cook healthy meals and squeeze in some training… but I’m getting there. I’m still going strong on this fitness challenge, which I can’t believe is now three weeks in. What I enjoyed this week was that I had a bit more freedom with my exercises. I kept up the planned exercises, but I also went for a jog and a power walk, which helped me catch up with friends on dry January while working on fitness. It also meant I could dodge the cookies with the coffee which usually plague me at the counter in Starbucks. When my enthusiasm did start to wane, I decided to ask for some advice from a friend of mine. I didn’t want any extra gym sessions, or tips to lose weight. I just wanted some alternative goals and measurements to mark off against my challenge. Sitting down across from her, she started by telling me my skin looked really clear. (I hadn’t even told her why I wanted to meet.) She then followed up by saying she’d spotted me walking down the coast road the other day – and was surprised when I turned down a slice of coffee cake with my tea. Then she pointed out the thing that had changed the most since I started the challenge. I was just making naturally better choices, and living a healthier, fitter lifestyle without trying. Which, to be honest, felt pretty amazing to realise I was forming habits. Small changes to my diet, with the help of Lidl's healthy tips and tricks has played a part in this change. Also, now that I'm in week three of the challenge I'm finally getting the hang of foam rolling - which granted, was painful to start but is definitely helping ease the muscle tension. Not sure how to work it to your advantage? Here's a quick demo to keep you on track: And when I found myself getting tired of those tried and tested recipes, I went online to the Lidl website and stalked their 'on-the-go' recipes for a rejuvenated approach to the challenge. If you haven't started the challenge yet, it's not too late to get involved! Grab a friend, print off the challenge, and get exercising to make 2016 your healthiest and fittest yet. Trust me, you won't regret it! 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 this 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.