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.
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Read food labels carefully
The No. 1 ingredient to stay away from when you're trying to lose those last 10 pounds? Partially hydrogenated oils or fats. "It is fake and processed and put in food so it lasts longer on the shelves, but it will also stay in your body a long time," says Borden.
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 ...
