Sherri's Helpful Hints

Tips for Losing Weight "On the Go"

For many people, finding an effective way to lose weight can be difficult - almost as difficult as finding a few extra minutes in their jam-packed days.

In a world of exhausting commutes, long workdays and multitudes of daily chores and errands, the task of shedding those extra pounds can often fall to the wayside.

But with the right action plan, losing weight can be simple and easy, even for folks with a limited amount of free time. Larry Turner, diet guru and creator of the Hollywood Cookie Diet, suggests the following tips for making weight loss part of your day, without sacrificing an excessive amount of time:

* Go the extra mile. A few extra blocks here and there can make a big difference in your efforts to lose weight. If you commute to work by subway, consider getting off the train one or two stops early and then walking the extra distance. If commuting by car, park farther away than usual.

* Cut the fat off extra trips. If you're considering joining a gym, find one that's located close to your workplace. It's more enticing and time-efficient to attend a gym that's along the path of your commute, not someplace far outside of it.

* Drink less soda and more water. Soft drinks are loaded with sugar and add empty calories to your diet. Add flavor and variety to your water with slices of lemon, lime, orange or even cucumber.

* Add activity wherever you can. Look for daily opportunities to burn extra calories. For instance, wash your car by hand, work manually in your garden or take your bike while doing errands instead of taking your car. It may be easier than you think to blend chores and exercise.

* Always have a low-calorie meal at your fingertips. To help you avoid the temptation of eating unhealthy fast food when your time is running low, make sure that you have a readily accessible alternative.

Sunset Health Products' Hollywood Cookie Diet, for instance, consists of individually wrapped cookies that are tasty yet low in fat and high in fiber and protein, meaning that they can serve as a healthy and safe meal alternative. The cookies, which are currently popular with such celebrities as Kelly Clarkson and Jennifer Hudson, provide a high level of appetite satisfaction per calorie.