Sherri Shepherd's 'Plan D' Weight Loss Tips

Sherri Shepherd looks like a new woman these days thanks to a more than 40-pound weight loss that has transformed her body and her life.

Sherri Shepherd Talks How Her Son Motivated her to Lose Weight

"The View" host began her weight loss journey after she was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, the same disease that took her mother.

Shepherd, mom to an 8-year-old son, Jeffrey, vowed to get healthy and did it through diet and exercise, something she wrote about in her book, " Plan D: How to Lose Weight and Beat Diabetes (Even If You Don't Have It)."

Watch: Sherri Shepherd Talks Overcoming Her Fears

Shepherd, 46, appeared on " Good Morning America" today to share how she lost the weight and is keeping it off.

Read below for Shepherd's pantry staples and her weight loss tip for every day of the week, as excerpted from "Plan D."

Weekday Tip for Monday: Cook Ahead

My meal prep for the workweek actually starts on the weekend. On Sunday afternoons, I like to cook a few basic dishes that I know will get eaten during the week.

Weekday Tip for Tuesday: Veggies for Breakfast

When you're planning your meals, think about ways you can include some vegetables in breakfast once or twice a week. Having vegetables in the morning is one way to ensure your breakfast is a healthy one, and it also gives you a head start on meeting your veggie servings for the day.

Weekday Tip for Wednesday: Take Your Weights Home

You don't have to belong to a gym to get all the benefits of strength training. Invest in a set of light hand weights for upper body strength training. Or make your own with stuff around the house: grab a couple of food cans, use a pair of unopened water bottles.

Weekday Tip for Thursday: Get Your Family Involved

As I've worked to develop these new eating habits, Sal and Jeffrey have been right there with me - trying new foods, cooking and helping in the kitchen, getting out for exercise. I want my family to eat and exercise this way, for their own good health.

Weekday Tip for Friday: Sprinkle on Some Cinnamon

Not only is cinnamon a great flavor booster, spicy and aromatic, it also has health benefits. I sprinkle cinnamon everywhere - on my cereal, my smoothies, and my yogurt.

Weekday Tip for Saturday: Make Your Indulgences Count

It's important to learn how to say no to rich, sweet and fatty foods. It's also important to learn how to say yes, occasionally. Pick your time and place - and your food too!

Weekday Tip for Sunday: Be Thankful For the Gifts in Your Life

Practicing gratitude feels good, and it helps to keep you healthy.

Sherri Shepherd's Pantry Staples:

Beans

Eggs

Yogurt

Healthy whole grains

Garlic and onions

Canned tomatoes

Frozen fruit and vegetables

Nuts and nut butter

Leafy greens

Apples

Citrus fruit

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