Eat with chopsticks -- even when you're eating grilled fish and vegetables instead of chicken chow fun. "People who use chopsticks tend to eat way less and get fuller faster because chopsticks slow you down," says Borden. This is one of the biggest rules of thumb when it comes to eating right. If you eat too fast, your body can't register that it's full, so you'll keep eating unnecessary calories.
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Work out at work
No time to exercise before or after work? Burn a few calories while you're on the job. Borden likes the virtual jump rope for this purpose (try Airope Original, 34.95). It's easy to tote (you won't whip any colleagues), and two simple minutes of jumping will get you off your bum and blasting calories. Don't have an office with a door? Head outside for your virtual jump rope sesh.
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Load up on healthy fats
You've heard it before, but it's worth repeating: "Fat is your friend," says Borden. "It satiates you, which in turn quells sugar and white flour cravings." Find good-for-you fats in avocado, olive oil, and fish.
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Jump around
High-impact exercises like running, jumping rope, and rebounding (jumping on a mini trampoline) kick your lymphatic system into gear, says Borden. "These kinds of activities are a great way to boost your metabolism and get rid of toxins and waste," she says, which will go a long way toward helping you lose those last few pounds. Add just 5 to 10 minutes of these high-impact exercises to your regular workout for a calorie-burning boost.
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Sprinkle on the cinnamon
Flavoring your oatmeal, cereal, coffee -- you name it -- with cinnamon may actually control the insulin spikes that often occur after you eat, according to research from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. These spikes often make you feel hungry -- not exactly ideal if you're trying to cut calories.
Wouldn't life be easier if a magic calorie-burning pill did exist? One that has zero side effects and is actually good for you?
Just think about it -- if a pill like this were available, we could enjoy all of the fabulous food our country has to offer minus the extra weight and the hefty serving of guilt that comes with over indulging.
Unfortunately, this pill hasn't been invented -- yet. Which means we actually have to do something -- eat less or workout more -- in order to keep off the pounds.
And while you know you can clock more hours at the gym or cut your serving sizes in half to shed those hardest-to-lose last 10 pounds, there are a few minor tweaks you can make to your current weight loss diet and exercise routine to help you burn a few extra calories.
To come up with these sneaky calorie burning and trimming tips, we spoke to fitness and lifestyle consultant Ashley Borden. She says that in addition to the few "old school" practices of "walking your dog more often, parking further away, and taking the stairs," there are other easy ways to burn more calories in order to lose those last few pounds. Though these weight loss diet and exercise suggestions may seem minor, they add up quickly. So keep reading. After all, bikini season is just around the corner ...
