FOR the first time, my New Year's resolutions include thrashing myself at the gym, nibbling lettuce leaves and regularly flushing myself out with water.

I'd like to say my five-month-old nipper is responsible for my spare tyre but admit the vast quantities of lager, soft cheese and liver pate I've eaten since being cruelly denied them for nine months hasn't helped.

And it seems the nation is on the same wavelength.

Sales of products linked to a healthier lifestyle have soared since New Year, according to supermarket giants.

Asda recently reported demand for a slimming brand had increased 22 per cent since January 1, while smoking patches rocketed 200 per cent.

Rival Tesco has seen sales of healthy food surge, with pre-packed salads up 62 per cent, grapefruit up 63 per cent and low fat readymade meals up 41 per cent.

Supermarkets also analysed demand across the country to see which shoppers are most enthusiastic about making changes.

Safeway found that Gateshead topped the league for all types of healthy food, with sales up almost 30 per cent compared with the last week in December.

David Hamilton, Asda healthcare buyer, said priorities varied depending on location.

Sales of Slimfast slimming products at Asda stores in south London jumped 158 per cent at the start of the year.

The smallest increase, of 39 per cent, was recorded in central Scotland.

"Now the party's over, it's clear where the nations priorities lie - in the south, a trim tum is top, while in the north, they've decided smoking is a real drag," he said.

I'd like to say I've joined the bandwagon of people opting for clear, fresh lungs but confess my dedication to ditching the fags presently extends to thinking about it while having a smoke.

Many people, however - particularly in the north - are making valiant attempts.

Smokers wanting to kick the habit in south Lancashire bought enough patches to push sales up 125 per cent after New Year.

A spokeswoman for Safeway said Britain was having a mammoth lifestyle change now Christmas was over.

"We saw traditional Christmas treats like ice cream, chocolates, cakes and mince pies soar during the festive period," she said.

"Now the guilt factor has struck, people are filling their trolleys with healthier options."

Steve Murrells, from Tesco, said fresh fruit and vegetables were the main contenders in this year's battle of the bulge.

"New Year is always a traditional time for diets, but we've never seen anything on this scale before," he said.

So you've made the effort to shop healthier.

What about your method of cooking?

Health grills are being billed as the latest way to cook food with the minimum of fat.

As ever, there are hundreds to choose from, but according to a study, there are six that stand out.

Here's what the experts say.

n Get Grilling -- George Foreman GR20 £39.99.

Banish your ballast with this compact cooker from the George Foreman range.

We aren't sure if using one of these machines will mean you can take on a title fight but it will certainly help you on to that next belt hole.

n George Foreman GR10 £29.95.

Small, and very effective, is this baby griller from the boxer's range.

Large enough to grill a couple of burgers at once, the drip tray unit helps take away all of that excess fat to a handy collection tray, well away from your waistline.

A Worcester fan said this griller stopped her frying things for convenience.

"It cooks quicker, from below and above, and gets rid of any fat in your food, making it taste nicer," she said.

n Breville HG3 £39.99.

With its almost space age design, this machine would look great in any kitchen.

All the bits and pieces are dishwasher-safe for ease of cleaning and it also features a floating hinge, which adjusts to the thickness of your food.

Bigger burgers, excellent.

n Kenwood HG230 £49.95, above left.

You can really tease your taste buds with this healthy griller from Kenwood.

A tempered glass lid lets you cook your food and stare with lips drooling as it makes your dinner.

It also has a variable temperature control so you can cook even more of your favourite foods.

n DeLonghi CGS153 £54.50.

If you think you might just get a little fed up of healthy grilled food every night then this might be the solution.

A clever little built-in wine and water reservoir lets you add flavour to the food while it is cooking.

You could fool just about anyone that you had been slaving over a hot stove.

n Tefal 1356 £64.50, left.

Big enough to feed a few hungry mouths is the Tefal health grill plus.

With a three-setting thermostat and two large removable grilling plates you will be able to cook up a figure-hugging feast in no time at all.