25 Surefire Tips to Help You Lose Those Last Few Pounds

Leafy green vegetables such as spinach, kale, collards, watercress, and romaine are not only full of nutrients but also very low in calories compared with other foods. "The average one cup of raw leafy greens clocks in under 25 calories with virtually no fat, sodium, or sugar," said Lisa Moskovitz, RD, CDN, at the New York Nutrition Group. "By filling up on plenty of yummy greens, you can keep your belly full on the fewest possible calories not to mention nourish your body with key nutrients including vitamin A, vitamin K, iron, and fiber. You can have more voluminous meals but lose weight at the same time."

Crush through a HIIT workout (like this 20-minute burner) and see the benefits in your waistline. "Interval training is a major key in maximizing your time on the mat," said Bree Branker, NASM CPT and Akin's Army trainer. "Anaerobic training burns more calories after your workout because your body is completing homeostasis, or simply put, working on returning to its regular state."

Sometimes the sensation of hunger comes from dehydration. Make sure that you're drinking a lot of water before you reach for that late-afternoon snack. That calorie-free glass of H2O could do the trick.

Get your Martha Stewart on and put a chalkboard up in the kitchen to jot down your weekly meal plan or one of these inspirational sayings.

Take a chill pill, will ya? Slowing down when you eat your food can lead to less calorie intake overall, according to a University of Rhode Island study.

Always bring snacks on the road to avoid having to hit convenience stores, fast-food chains, or airport food courts.

Finding your flow and hitting some Downward Dog can help you burn up to 550 calories in a 90-minute class. "Find intensity within the practice and each pose to get max benefits," suggested Bethany Lyons, owner of Lyons Den Power Yoga in New York City. "And remember: contracting the muscles to the bones and engaging bandhas (those are your core root locks) is more effective than duration with less intensity."

Instead of going for cream cheese or butter on bread or bagels, spread almond or peanut butter. The healthy fats satiate hunger and can help to decrease belly fat.

Not only are apples totally delicious (try one of these fiber-filled apple recipes), but they're also a natural appetite suppressant.

Ready to get swinging? The average person burns 400 calories doing a 20-minute kettlebell workout.

Getting fresh and clean right after your evening meal will help you avoid consuming more when your meals for the day are done.

Studies show that poor sleep is one of the strongest risk factors for extreme weight gain, linked to a 55 percent increased risk of obesity in adults.

Related:

The Definitive Guide to Getting Better Sleep

Trying new workouts keeps your body guessing and helps maintain a ramped-up metabolism. Start with one of these 10-minute workouts.

Processed foods are a diet no-no because they're packed with empty calories and can be addicting, according to Dr. Fred Bisci, head of the Spartan Nutrition Board and author of Your Healthy Journey. "If people focused on a plant-based lifestyle with a moderate amount of starches and minimal to moderate animal protein, they would lose weight," he said.

You loved downing orange juice at the breakfast table growing up. However, there's a time and a place to sip the sweet stuff. "Fresh pressed juice can be beneficial but not with food," said Joe Holder, performance specialist and Nike master trainer. "Instead of being utilized as quick fuel when you need an extra boost, it just becomes extra calories and more stress on the digestive system." Instead, stick to lower-sugar juice varieties, on an empty stomach, and if your main goal is fat oxidation during workouts, don't have it too close to your sweat, Holder suggests.

Studies show that sipping on green tea can help you slim down. It's been shown to increase metabolism and reduce stress.

Swapping out your grain-based breakfast with eggs will help you eat fewer calories over the next 36 hours and also assist you in dropping pounds and body fat.

Boost your heart health and drop pounds by hitting short, intense bursts of stairs, according to a McMaster University study.

Adding in even a small amount of jogging daily can drastically improve a person's health, according to a study on running speeds and duration published in The Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

Keeping a food journal can help you stay in tune with what you're really eating and reflect on what changes you can make for healthier habits.

Jump rope is not only an amazing cardio workout — a 145-pound person can burn 132 calories in just 10 minutes of jumping at a quick pace — but it's also a simple, convenient workout. Get started at home with this 10-minute jump rope workout.