Burn Fat without exercise

Ever have those days where you just don't feel like working out? (See: Netflix auto-play and bad weather.) Of course you do. You're human. But when you're on a mission to lose weight, shedding those extra pounds requires some serious gym time, right? Wrong. We turned to the experts for ways to lose weight without breaking a sweat on the treadmill, so you can maintain your sanity—and your beloved Netflix dates. You're welcome.

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Pack in the protein. "Protein requires 25 percent more energy to digest than carbs, so it's possible to cut your calorie intake without eating less food, " says California-based personal trainer Jamie Sullivan. Your body has to work harder to digest a salmon filet than it does a bowl of pasta, meaning you can get away with a few extra bites of that perfectly cooked fish while the noodles could do a number on your waistline. Eating protein also causes your body to release a hormone called leptin, which makes you feel fuller so you eat less later. Check out some of our healthy protein recipes and get cookin'.

Stay hydrated—with salt water. When it comes to H20, salt is not the enemy. "Water needs electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and chloride to be best absorbed, " says Jenny Westerkamp, an R.D. in Chicago, which explains why they're added to popular sports drinks. She recommends adding a pinch of Celtic sea salt or real salt (unrefined and unbleached) to your water before chugging. "The electrolytes in the salt will push water into the cells where they need to be, rather than letting the water get flushed out, causing you to go to the bathroom every other minute." You'll notice a spike in energy after staying hydrated, too, and you'll be less likely to give in to cravings which are even harder to avoid when you're running on empty.