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.
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Avoid creamy foods
It's a simple rule that works well because think about it: Creamy dressings and casseroles are packed with more unhealthy fats than their non-creamy counterparts, making them harder to digest and more likely to pack on pounds. So, instead of that ranch dressing, opt for an olive oil-based vinaigrette, and swap the mac 'n cheese or pasta bake for a plate of lean protein and vegetables instead.
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Add more weight to your weight-training workout
It's a myth that women shouldn't lift more than three pounds, says Borden. "The more muscle you have, the higher your metabolism will be," she adds. So, don't be afraid to add weight to your workout -- contrary to popular belief, it's actually hard to add bulky weight. If you can do 15 reps of an exercise easily, add more weight until your last rep is a big effort, she says.
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Opt for natural sweeteners
If you must sweeten your foods or beverages, use only Stevia, says Borden. It is not a chemical and won't cause your insulin levels to spike. And, don't be fooled by agave nectar -- it's "just as bad as high fructose corn syrup," she says.
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Get rolling
If you don't own a foam roller, now's the time to invest in one (try PB Elite Soft Molded Foam Rollers, $24.95). Simply rolling out your back, neck, and leg muscles will open them up, relax them, and boost circulation. The more blood you have flowing though your body, the "faster your metabolism will be," says Borden. Not sure how to "roll out" your body? Download this body rolling tutorial.
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 ...
