Gals - Five Effortless Ways to Take Off that Holiday Weight

Put on a few extra pounds over the holidays? Who didn't. Here are five tips that are easy enough for anyone to follow to lose those extra pounds (and if you continue following them) trim you down even further. Without joining a gym, buying special food, or going to some weight clinic.

1. Watch what you drink. Lay off the soda. It has so many carbohydrates from all the sugar it contains that it really packs on the pounds (and doesn't even fill you up or quench your thirst). You'd be surprised at how this "liquid candy" adds to your weight. If you drink coffee or tea, eliminate the sugar and milk. It will be bitter at first, but you'll get used to it. I can take off five pounds easily in one week just by eliminating sugar from my coffee in the morning. Of course, the best thing you can possibly drink to quench your thirst and perk you up is tip number two.....

2. Water. Drink plenty of it. We've all heard the "eight glasses a day" rule. It works. Not only does it curb your appetite, it actually raises your energy level. And nothing quenches your thirst like water. Bring a big jug with you and drink it at work instead of the soda. Just make sure there's a bathroom nearby. It also cleanses out your system.