Sound impossible? I do not think so. You’ll find plenty of opportunities to fit these simple weight loss tips into your routine and watch the numbers drop on the scale. If you’ve already started losing weight, these tips will maximize your efforts and speed up your results. The bottom line is that one pound equals 3,500 calories. Whether you make slight changes to your diet or increase your exercise levels, a 500-calorie-a-day deficit will see you lose about a pound a week for yourself without really trying. Here are some tips you can try:

o Chew a piece of gum. Researchers recently found that chewing sugar-free gum throughout the day increases metabolic rate by about 20 percent. It speeds up the digestive system, burns more calories, and sometimes stops cravings. This method alone could help you burn more than 10 pounds a year.

o Packet lunch. Going out to dinner a lot (5 or more times a week) can make you eat more than if you dine out less often.

o Sprinkle flaxseed over your cereal. High-fiber ground flaxseed can help curb your appetite and also cut calories. You can add it to yogurt, a muffin or your oatmeal. It is available in health food stores or online.

o Brush your teeth. Brushing your teeth after a meal seems to send a signal to your body that you’re done eating, and it freshens your breath without relying on chewing gum and mints made with sugar that can make you crave something sweet. You can also brush your teeth instead of eating when you feel the urge to eat something you know you shouldn’t.

o Get rid of remote controls and other labor-saving devices. You could easily burn a lot of extra calories a day if you stop using TV/VCR remotes, garage door openers, electric can openers, lawn mowers, and other things made to reduce manual labor.

o Smell your food. When you really do have a craving for something like a freshly baked cookie, try this little trick to satisfy yourself: Enjoy the smell for 30 seconds, then place a small bite on the tip of your tongue for another 30 seconds. Savoring the smell and taste can help you stay in control of food.

o Post inspiring posts. To stay up-to-date and motivated, put quotes in strategic places where you might need some motivation: on the refrigerator, the TV, the dashboard of your car, or your computer. Some suggestions: “Eat to live, don’t live to eat” and “Nothing tastes as good as feeling thin”.

o Eat more soup. Start your lunch or dinner with soup and it can help you eat less during your main meal. Soup helps curb your appetite and also forces you to eat more slowly. He is more likely to pay attention to what you are. Eat soups that are low in fat and calories, such as broth-based soups. Avoid creamy soups like clam chowder or cheese and bacon. Choose vegetables to work in some extra nutrients.

Drink a lot of water. Drinking about eight glasses of water every day slightly increases your metabolism and allows your body to avoid extra fluid retention. Drink a glass of water before and during each meal and before and after workouts.

o Don’t skip meals. Eating small, frequent meals helps balance your calorie intake throughout the day and also keeps your blood sugar balanced. Instead of eating 3 large meals, try to eat 5 or 6 smaller meals throughout the day. This way you will not overeat at meals because you will be less hungry. Skipping meals hurts your dieting efforts because it causes your body to retain stored food instead of burning it.

o Stop avoiding exercise. Think about how you can fit more activity into your life. Why not park your car further from the door of your work or the mall? Take the steps to your apartment or office instead of the elevator. Walk over to someone’s desk in another department to ask a question instead of sending them an email. You can even wear a pedometer and set a goal of walking a certain number of miles each day.

o Reduce caffeine intake. Reduce your caffeine intake to lose weight faster. Caffeine leads to a surge of insulin in your body which stops the burning of stored fat. This is a simple chemical reaction in your body that you can easily change by eliminating caffeine.

o Plan your diet. Eat a snack, such as fruit, an hour before going to a planned party or dinner. This way you will feel full and you will be less likely to overeat.

Keep driving to reach your weight loss goals. The little changes we make every day will make a big difference in the long run!