by Susan Patterson
Losing weight is not easy.  Read the success stories of any of the hundreds of people who have lost weight, and they will tell you just how hard it is.  If you are serious about losing weight, it is a full-time job, and working out on the weekends only won’t cut it.  While it can be difficult to find time during a hectic work week to exercise, it is crucial to any weight loss program that you work out more than twice a week.  Devoting two days a week to exercise makes it more likely you will hurt yourself because your body is not used to it.  So how does one find time to exercise?  Check out the following suggestions to squeeze a little movement into your day.

Making use of your lunch hour is a simple way to give you time to exercise without making any changes.  If you have a whole hour, bring your lunch instead of eating out and take a walk afterwards.  Carry your walking shoes with you during your morning commute to solidify your commitment.  Walking after eating is not only a good way to start getting in shape, but it also aids digestion and can help avoid that sleepy feeling you get after a big meal.

Skip the elevator to add a little bit of aerobic activity to your day.  If you normally take the elevator, take the stairs, even if you work on the seventh floor.  Stair climbing is a great way to get in shape, and although a couple of minutes isn’t enough for you to experience any kind of quick weight loss, you will find yourself feeling a little more energized each time you do.  Try it several times a day for maximum impact, and if you are somewhere with escalators, don’t just stand there waiting to get to the top.

Ask the boss to bring fruit or other healthy food on donut day.  Everyone loves free food, but eating fatty food in the morning takes its toll on your waistline and your energy for the day.  Instead of munching on donuts in the morning, ask management to bring alternatives for those of you who prefer to eat healthier, or bring your own.  Appetite is the enemy of your weight loss.  If office snacking is a problem for you, consider using a natural appetite supplement like hoodia.  This will keep you in line as you walk by the weekly spread.