I expect quite a few of you put weight loss high on your New Year's resolution list.

Some of you may have already fallen by the wayside while others may be doing well. But the diet doubters may still try to throw you off course.

I'm sympathetic because it makes losing weight even more difficult but it's your body, your health and your goals so you must not allow yourself to be influenced by others who probably have their own agendas.

The most straightforward way to cope is by not allowing yourself to get into discussion.

Let's look at the most common things people may say to you:

1 You don't need to lose weight.

2 You'll put it all on again.

3 Start tomorrow and enjoy yourself tonight.

4 I've cooked this food especially for you.

If you can possibly just smile sweetly and not answer, that's likely to be the end of the discussion and you can stay on course.

The trouble is, these messages have a habit of seeping into your subconscious and you start to question yourself and have those awful debates in your head. So let's take a look at what lies behind each one.

Only you know whether you really need to lose weight. Are you satisfied with your clothes? Are you satisfied with your level of fitness?

Make sure your goal is realistic. If you're trying to get back to your 18-year-old figure at the age of 40, you're doomed. Don't even try. You'll land up feeling deprived and you'll put back any weight you may lose.

One of the main ways we discourage ourselves is by believing things never work. Don't go down that road.

This time can be different if you make it so. If you don't do anything ridiculous - no fad diets, no starvation - just eat a little bit less and do a little bit more, this time can be different.

Don't let yourself or anyone else say otherwise. Just smile sweetly. Don't argue.

The "start tomorrow" argument must be banished completely from your thoughts. Whichever way you've chosen to lose weight, you should still be able to enjoy good food when you go out (in small measure and eaten very slowly) so why should you have to go off course at all?

Banish all thoughts of over-eating. Just think about that bloated feeling you used to get when you stuffed yourself with food. It isn't comfortable. Instead, think how proud you'll feel if you savour every bite and go home feeling just right.

Sometimes it's hard to ignore the entreaties of the cook who has worked hard to tempt you. But with firmness and flattery, it can be done.

Don't say you're on a diet. That will never work. Ask for a small portion because you want to taste everything and you'll come back for more. Then take so long eating the first serving no one will offer you more. Ask for the recipe. Ask for a doggy bag but don't ask for more.

Nobody likes a dieter but never ever be convinced by their arguments. Keep quiet and you'll stay on course. You're right and they are wrong but don't try to 'convince them. It doesn't work.

You can get support from Dr Judy Citron and her team of DietCoaches by joining her telephone weight-loss classes, right from your own home. "You lose weight and you're not on a diet. It's amazing." Phone free for more information on 0800 074 0260 or visit the web site at www.thedietcoach.com