Ten Sneaky Ways to Burn Extra Calories

Perhaps you've heard it before: fitness experts recommend cardio exercise for 30 minutes at least three times a week. Between driving to work, going to the grocery store, and driving the carpool, you may be wondering, "Who has that kind of time?"

Not to worry, though. Our bodies are constantly burning calories for every day living - including breathing and digesting food. Even sleeping burns about 70 calories per hour. That said, if running on a treadmill is out of the question, not to worry - there are plenty of little things you can do each day to amount to the same number of calories burned:

1.) Park in the farthest spot away. If you're in a bit of a hurry this is even better - you'll be forced to pick up the pace.

2.) Take the stairs instead of the elevator. If you get a lunch break, run up and down the stairs in the back stairwell. Don't forget to use the stairs again when you take your lunch back to your office!

3.) Go for regular walks with your dog. If you don't have one, go along with a friend and her dog. If you have kids, bring them along - their high energy levels will force you to keep up - and keep up your heartrate!

4.) Take time out to finally mow the lawn, trim hedges or plant new flowers. If you've been putting off yardwork for sometime, now's the time to kill many birds in one stone. You can cross one more thing off that's been nagging at the back of your mind. Using a pushmower takes just a bit more sweaty effort. Last but not least, you'll be the proud owner of a beautiful yard.

5.) Move around while you watch TV. Don't just sit there! Lift 5-10 pound weights while you watch your favorite shows. Complete 10-rep sets of pushups and crunches during commercial breaks. Amp up any stretching you do with resistance bands.

6.) Chew gum. While chewing itself won't burn a great number of calories, studies have shown that gum-chewers tend to drink more water a day than their non-chewing counterparts. Chewing gum also triggers the digestive process and thus may boost metabolism.

7.) Eat spicy foods. Jalapenos and chili peppers not only improve blood circulation (and burn calories!) but spicy food will also encourage you to drink more water.

8.) Strengthen your core while driving. Stuck in traffic? Slowly crunch your abs in... then out. Focus on controlled movements. You've got nothing better to do, right?

9.) Fuel up before a workout. Drink an iced coffee with a piece of fruit about 30 minutes before a workout. The extra boost will increase endurance.

10.) Go for a 10-minute jog in the A.M. Those who work out early kickstart their metabolism that carries over the rest of the day. If you can't stand the thought of getting up extra early, remember: those who exercise sleep better at night and wake up feeling more rested.