It’s a new year and time to give resolutions of slimming down one more go. Holiday capital of South Africa – Hermanus – knows what it feels like to be bikini ready while tempted with tasty treats.  Try the following five local options to ease the guilt and the waist band.

If you believe, like I do, that it is unlucky and rude to say “cheers” with an empty glass Ashbourne’s white blend will be just the wine to try.  This blend of Sauvignon and Chardonnay supports its irresistible label with low-alcohol deliciousness. At 12,5% alcohol it makes for a lighter sip and saves on kilojoules while maintaining a full mouthfeel. Ashbourne is served at many Hermanus restaurants.

Gelato Mania opposite the Old Harbour serves a diabetic hazelnut ice-cream.  Sweetened with stevia – a South American herb 400 times sweeter than sugar – this is guilt-free licking!

In the heart of Hermanus Burgundy Restaurant offers more than uninterrupted Walker Bay views. Their kitchen regularly turns out colourful plates of anti-oxidising vegetables topped with a poached egg or two and optional pesto. Crunchy healthiness to sustain you all day long.

Col’ Cacchio lists a banting pizza that is so popular that it sold out over the season.  A base of cauliflower, psyllium husk, parmesan and egg makes this a very healthy option. Topped with black mushroom, salami, green pepper and garlic the Foresta should help to drop some digits on the scale. There will be more supplies from 7 January and diners can eat in or order out.

To avoid indulgence blame appropriation Just Pure Bistro makes a big effort to offer a variety of choices to their customers . Made from the freshest, local produce their burgers, quiches and breakfasts are served without a carb in sight. Enjoy every bite while considering which smellies to buy from the attached showroom displaying aromatic skin and body products.

Take a walk on the Hermanus coastal path to speed up the metabolism for an improved effect. Let’s make 2015 the year to remember for making that one elusive resolution come true.