With Easter over, the May Day holiday just behind us and a second May bank holiday only a few weeks away, we are all perhaps facing a bit of an indulgence challenge.

Perhaps we’ll be at home with family. Or maybe we’ll take the opportunity to get out and enjoy activities with friends.

However, one thing it will almost definitely mean is that you’ll be once faced with the temptation to enjoy all those cocktail hours or sweet treats and chocolates which we are encouraged to indulge in at this time of year!

Chances are, your local supermarket has put its most appealing drinks deals eggs right in your line of sight. Maybe your colleague brought chocolates to work because they were gifted them and didn’t want to plough through the whole pack themselves!

Compounding all this temptation is the fact that you’re in ‘holiday mode’ and it’s so easy to justify letting yourself slide because it was Easter and then May Day and you’ll behave better once the last May holiday is out of the way!

If you’re trying to lose weight, times of the year where we are socially encouraged to consume foods we might not otherwise really want to eat, can be really hard and can lead to slip ups and set backs which we later regret.

While you might enjoy the treat in the short term, it can really upset your long-term achievements in your health and body goals. I discovered that grim fact for myself last week in the gym when my sports bra actually burst open. The most soul destroying part of this tale is that nobody noticed!

Luckily, there are some easy to practice tips which can help you resist temptation by treating yourself in different and more fulfilling ways. Firstly, allow yourself the chance to relax and enjoy yourself, but recognise that this doesn’t have to mean eating junk. Why not honour your body and health by eating the best food possible. Buy some lovely ingredients and spend time cooking for yourself. Dress well. Be good to yourself by focusing on your long-term goals.

If these changes are hard to make, hypnotherapy can be a great choice for someone looking for a little extra nudge towards making wise decisions at this time of year. Working with a therapist on your subconscious mind can help remove the initial desire that you feel and help you make healthier decisions - you simply won’t want chocolate any more.

This is a great way to remove your negative habits at their root and help you strengthen your self-control. Chances are your therapist will also be able to help you with at-home methods which you can do yourself as needed!

And, lastly, remember that your journey to health doesn’t have to be all or nothing. It’s healthy to let ourselves indulge a little bit. Again, the trick lies in quality, not quantity. Find the best dark chocolate and enjoy it with a small glass of wine.

Remember, stressing over your choices isn’t good for you and that a rounded, holistic approach to health is all about moderation. And, of course, a little cocktail or two surely counts as 1 of our 5 a day. Right?

Sandie Sandie Robertson is a respected lifestyle coach and #1 bestselling author of “I Believe I can” An expert on anxiety and stress management she has helped hundreds of clients with problems from weight loss to sports performance, trauma to grief. If want her to help you contact her on www.sandierobertson.com