IDEA Health & Fitness Association (IDEA), the world's largest membership organisation for fitness professionals, has published a list of dietary tips for exercise professionals to pass on to their clients.

Following the holiday period - and the customary over-eating - many members are looking to redeem themselves by getting more active and watching their diets.

According to IDEA, using just a few of the 10 tips could make the difference between a successful and happy client and failure to keep them motivated.

The tips include:

1. Switching from regular to diet soda, and passing on sugar-laden energy drinks. 2. Never skipping breakfast.

3. Drinking alcohol only on weekends, if at all. 4. Using olive oil instead of butter on bread or when cooking.

5. Chewing food slowly, and always sitting down when eating. 6. Substituting sweet potatoes for white potatoes.

7. Choosing dairy products that are fat free or 1 per cent.

IDEA Health & Fitness Association currently has more than 23,000 members in more 80 countries. Members include personal trainers, group exercise instructors, fitness programme directors, mind-body teachers, health club owners and fitness centre managers.