We are now well into the second month of 2026, and many people across the UK started the year with ambitious New Year’s resolutions. However, early motivation often fades as old habits resurface, leaving individuals struggling to stay on track.
A survey of 2,000 participants conducted by healthy recipe box service Green Chef found that one in four UK adults who set resolutions—around eight million people—are already finding them difficult to maintain. Among those who made resolutions, 67% focused on eating better, improving fitness, or losing weight, while 39% still intend to eat more healthily than they currently do. Geographically, Manchester emerged as the “resolution quit capital,” with 17% of residents reporting they had abandoned their goals. In contrast, Edinburgh had the lowest rate, with just 4% giving up.
Registered nutritionist and recipe development manager at Green Chef, Lily Keeling, explains why sticking to resolutions is challenging. “Sticking to resolutions can be tricky. Initial momentum can trick us into thinking a change is permanent, and when a setback hits, it can trigger the all-too-human feeling of failure or not feeling good enough. Reflecting on your progress is more helpful than fixating on slip-ups. Weeks of better choices, whether around meals or routines, far outweigh one moment, and once you value that, it becomes easier to keep going.”
Keeling also shared practical strategies to maintain healthy habits, even when plans go off course. Keeling advises seeing an off-day as a learning opportunity: identify the trigger, whether it was a late night, limited fridge options, or being caught off guard, and adjust next time. “Acknowledge it and see your next meal as a fresh start rather than a punishment. One choice doesn’t undo all the good you’ve done,” Keeling says.
Allowing room for flexibility is also important. Occasional indulgences do not ruin the bigger picture. “If you factor in the occasional treat as part of your goals, it won’t throw you off track. Planning for these moments makes it easier to stay consistent,” Keeling notes. Keeling adds that embracing inevitable slip-ups can prevent them from spiraling. Accepting setbacks as part of the process and having a simple way to recover helps maintain progress. “Slip-ups are normal. How you respond matters far more than the stumble itself. Consider what led to it, remind yourself why you started, and focus on your next choice,” Keeling advises.
Bringing curiosity to your plate is another way to stay motivated. Using setbacks as an opportunity to try new flavours or recipes keeps healthy eating fresh and enjoyable. “Eating the same way all the time can get dull. Trying a new ingredient or recipe keeps motivation up,” Keeling says. Keeling also emphasises looking at the bigger picture, rather than obsessing over individual mistakes. Recognizing progress made over weeks, however small, helps shift the mindset from perfection to overall improvement. “It’s easy to get caught up in one day, but seeing the progress you’ve already made helps you stay on track,” Keeling explains.
Broader research on UK New Year’s resolutions highlights similar trends. A YouGov survey in late 2025 found that 19% of Britons intended to make resolutions for 2026, with health-related goals topping the list. Across studies, common themes include health, fitness, and dietary improvements, alongside early challenges in maintaining them.
For nutritionist-approved recipe ideas to support healthy eating goals, visit Green Chef.