Easy Ways to Burn Extra Calories Throughout the Day!

By StyleCaster

Is staying fit on your list of important New Year's resolutions? Afraid to commit to working out because you're always at work? It can be intimidating to start a routine, especially if you're not regularly accustomed to getting up and going to the gym every morning. With anything new that you start, it's important to pace yourself.

The best way to stay committed is to gradually build up a tolerance. You may not even realize the amount of exercise opportunities that are presented to you daily that you lazily overlook. Instead of thinking that the gym is the only way to whip weight-loss, start taking a look at the easy exercises you could do, without even thinking about it. Here are a few tips on how to start working in a work out into your everyday life, without ever going to the gym:

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Take the stairs

Every day most of us are faced with some form of stairs vs. escalator/elevator challenge. Instead of taking the easy way, start your day off with an old-fashioned stair-master, and climb your way to your cubical. After a week of taking the stairs you'll forget the electronic way even existed.

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Start walking to your favorite sushi spot instead of having it delivered. The walk will let you take in some fresh air which is definitely good for the bod. It may even take less time. Believe it or not, you know you need to get back to your desk in time to finish that project your boss assigned you, so you'll power walk and burn more calories.

Face to face

Instead of emailing a co-worker on the opposite side of the office or different floor, take a walk over and speak in person. This is another way to fit in a walk that will make a difference.

Pump up the volume

Listen to your iPod while your washing the dishes or cooking dinner at home and shake your stuff. Dancing while making dinner is a fun way to stay in shape. Remember to cook a healthy dinner, staying away from fatty foods and desserts.

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Drink water

Take a break from your calorie-filled coffee. Staying hydrated during the day is essential to having a healthy body. Drink at least two glasses of water during the day to keep you feeling fresh.

If you live close enough, take your bike to work or to the store. Biking is fun and is sometimes a lot easier that walking. You'll get to your destination quicker without having to put any gas in your tank or pay a taxi fare. If you don't have a bike, pick up a pair of rollerblades. Blades won't take up as much space and will burn twice the amount of calories as biking.

Low Calorie Recipes

Indulge yourself in low-calorie excellence

When you enjoy good cooking, you often think of all the calories that must be in the dish. After all, you've got to keep an eye on your waistline, right? Well, the fact is, you can have your cake and eat it too! Low calorie recipes, carefully selected, taste every bit as good as the fattening versions. If you want to be trim, follow these tips for a delicious diet without guilt.

When you want to lose weight, the absolute bottom line to success is keeping track of the total number of calories you take in each day.

Let's say you've got a low calorie recipe which consists of a selection of fruits in a cup. Boring dishes make it less likely you'll stick with your menu. That dull fruit cup can be dressed up with a couple of tablespoons of non-dairy whipped topping or plain yogurt. Mix in a sprinkling of shredded dry coconut and you've got happy tastebuds. The additional calories are few, but now you have a low calorie recipe you look forward to eating!

There are an abundance of calorie counter books available. Look through a few and choose one with extensive lists that include brand name products. Should you choose not to cook from scratch, those brand name product lists tell you the calorie count of say, a slice of processed American cheese. A good calorie counter book allows you to modify or substitute ingredients while knowing the exact calorie count of your modified creation.

Browse the cooking section of any magazine rack. You'll find many magazines dedicated to low calorie recipes. Leaf through a few until you find one or two that have recipes that appeal to your personal taste. Pass on those that seem too spartan or stingy to your palate.

Check out ethnic cookbooks. Mediterranean cuisines, especially the Italian and French coastal dishes, are famous for mouthwatering and healthy low calorie recipes. Other tempting examples are found in Middle Eastern and Indian dishes, replete with vegetables and fragrant seasonings that pack a delightful punch of savory goodness.

Low calorie recipes with imaginative seasonings can turn plain green beans into gourmet fare. Take that can of green beans - sorrowfully plain on its own - add a teaspoon of garlic, a 1/2 teaspoon of thyme and a light dousing of pine nuts mixed in before steaming. The result - a flavorful side dish fit for company. As a nutritional bonus, know that garlic lowers cholesterol, while thyme fights infection naturally.

We all know that salt causes water retention. Salting food can have a discouraging effect on your outlook and results. Get a good seasoning book and consult the index for herbal salt substitutes.

So, you can see that low calorie recipes needn't be dull or taste like hospital food! Do count your calories. Make use of seasonings in your menus. Watch the pounds melt away!