Simple Ways to Burn More Calories

Health and Natural Living. If weight loss is your goal, then burning calories is the name of the game. Actually, it's a combination of eating fewer calories while expending more. With that in mind, here are 3 simple ways that you can start burning more calories and keeping your metabolism revved up throughout your day.

1. Burn Calories in Traffic
If you're driving or taking transit you can easily work your muscles - here's how.

While sitting, contract your muscles isometrically (meaning that there's no movement, just a contraction) and hold for 10-15 seconds. Relax a few seconds and repeat several times.

You'll notice that your body temperature starts to rise and subsequently you'll raise your metabolism. Anything you can to increase the temperature of your body will help you burn more calories. And although throwing on a snow suit in the middle of the summer may not seem logical, static contraction is definitely doable and effective!

2. Squat it Out!
When you get to the office, before sitting down at your desk take a moment and perform 20 squats just off your chair. Repeat this movement several times throughout the day. You can make it more challenging for your body by wearing a weighted knapsack or doing them very slowly to increase the burn.

3. Be a Smarter Snacker
Instead of choosing last minute unhealthy snack options such as cookies, muffins, bagels, opt for fresh vegetables and nuts and seeds. Remember, a healthy weight loss diet is critical to your success. This is where most people totally lose any progress they've made.

An easy way to do this is to take a couple of minutes the night before and cut up some fresh veggies such as bell peppers, celery, cucumbers. These are great sources of fiber, water, and tons of nutrients. Keep them in a ziploc bag or tupperware and you're ready to go.

Also, prepare half a handful of sunflower/pumpkin seeds, almonds, and walnuts (if no allergies are present) and snack on these throughout the day. These are great sources of omega-3 and 6 essential fatty acids and help stabilize your blood sugar. As a result, you won't feel as hungry and will be less likely to search out unhealthy snacks.