With many Americans spending 8+ hours a day at a desk and rushing home to care for their children, loved ones and pets, it can be tough to find time for the gym. Now there is a way to lose weight without even leaving your office. Enter the treadmill desk.

Invented by Dr. James Levine of the Mayo Clinic, the treadmill desk is designed to build in exercise around your workspace. The combination treadmill + desk is set up so that workers can take phone calls, use their computers and go about a normal work day. Dr. Levine’s research revealed that walking at 1 mile per hour can burn an extra 100 calories per hour, which could lead to a weight loss of about 57 lbs. per year. Learn more here.

Would you want to work in an office that has treadmill desks?

It’s hard enough to stay on a diet without having to try and calculate proper portion sizes, learn how to read labels, count calories and learn to cook in a healthy way. Portion control and eating healthy are often two of the biggest challenges dieters face. But, believe it or not, the addition of a few inexpensive kitchen appliances can make a huge difference. Take a look at what I think are the two most important kitchen appliances to maintain healthy eating habits and stick to your diet.

1. Food Scale

A food scale is a great way help control portion size while educating yourself on what a serving really means. You will likely be surprised to find out how small a serving of chicken or pasta looks when measured on to a scale. Food scales are inexpensive (typically costing between $15 and $25), easy to use and can be stashed in a drawer between meals.

2. Countertop Grill

A countertop grill is a great way to cook up flavorful meat and vegetables, without all the fat. These grills are typically designed to sit on your counter at an angle, allowing any excess fat to drip off into a tray. They are also a great way for kitchen novices to cook up a quick chicken breast or steak. Countertop grills come in a variety of styles and can range in price anywhere from $20 for the most basic George Foreman Grill to over $150 for a large high-end model.