Burn more calories...lose more weight.

Over the last several months, I have tried several diets to lose weight, but have had little to no success. Even if I am able to lose some weight, I gain it back with my first "real" meal.

Today I found out that I am only about 8 lbs over my average body weight. I was actually pleasantly surprised because at my height I thought it would be much higher. Since I can't shake the 8 lbs or any other amount of lbs with with MUFAs and Special K, I am going to try another route....exercise. Since, I don't tend to overeat, I thought this might work.

My work and "life" schedule don't allow me a lot of time to excersise, so whatever I do is going to have to be quick. This morning I started with a 15 min walk. According to the 10 ways to burn more calories below from Shape, that is a good start.

If you aren't already walking, join me. We can post our progress and be "walking buddies." God knows I will need the support.

Here are 10 great ways to burn more calories from Shape Magazine.

1. Add 10 minutes in the morning. While you may be religious about going to the gym after work, waking up 10 minutes earlier in the morning and taking a walk around the block (or, alternatively, simply dancing to your morning radio show for 10 minutes) will let you start off your day with a faster-burning metabolism and, most likely, head off to work in a better mood than usual. Calorie-burning boost: 275 calories per week.

2. Do intervals. When you alternate high-intensity cardio work with moderate-intensity recovery periods, you boost your calorie burning and increase your fitness level. This will help you break through plateaus.

Here's how: Warm up for 5 minutes, then increase speed or resistance on the machine for 2-5 minutes. Return to your usual pace for 5 minutes, then continue with short bursts interspersed with a moderate pace for the rest of your workout. Cool down for 5 minutes at a slower pace.
When you're ready to progress, make the work part of the interval longer and decrease the recovery time (but never to less than 30 seconds). For example, you could do 6 minutes at a higher speed and rest for 3 minutes.Calorie-burning boost: 300-450 calories per 45 minutes

3. Work out with a faster partner. Whether it's in the gym or on the neighborhood track, a fit buddy will challenge you to keep up and exercise at a higher intensity. It's the friendliest way to kick your own butt! Plus, workouts go faster accompanied by good conversation.Calorie-burning boost: Simply increasing your walk from 3 mph to 4 mph will burn almost 100 extra calories in 60 minutes.

4. Jump rope on your coffee breaks. Sound silly? It won't after you read the numbers. Slip off your pumps and put on your sneakers, then head off to a corner with a jump-rope. This quick heart-pumping activity is also weight-bearing, so your muscles and bones will benefit. And you'll probably feel completely energized, too.Calorie-burning boost: You can burn 208 calories on two 10-minute breaks each day (that's 1,000 calories a week)!

5. Go longer. If your typical workout is 30 minutes -- no shorter, no longer -- here's an easy way to challenge yourself. Twice a week, try adding 10 or 15 minutes to your cardio. You'll burn more calories and increase your cardiovascular endurance level, making your weekend hikes and bike rides easier. To adapt your workout to your higher fitness level, every two weeks up your intensity level by increasing resistance or incline on the machine or road.Calorie-burning boost: Running 30 extra minutes on the treadmill each week can burn 400 calories.

6. Change equipment or activities. If you always head right for the treadmill, take a step class or get on the elliptical trainer and step up the intensity. This may increase the calorie burn of your workout because our bodies work less efficiently doing new exercises than those we're used to. Periodically shifting activities will also decrease the chance of an overuse injury and keep your workouts fresh and fun.Calorie-burning boost: Step-aerobics vs. walking at 3.5 mph burns 237 vs. 177 calories in 30 minutes.

7. Add another day. Ho-hum ... does week after week only encompass Monday-Wednesday-Friday on the treadmill? Add a Saturday bike ride or Sunday morning indoor cycling class to your week, and your fitness level -- and body shape -- will show it. Make your workout activity-focused and you'll also invigorate your mind and spirit. Calorie-burning boost: A two-hour hilly hike can burn up to 800 calories.

8. Hire a trainer. Nothing gets you out of a fitness rut faster than refining your routine based on the experience of someone who knows exactly how to get results. A good trainer (make sure she's certified) will look at your current program to make sure it's safe and effective. Does this sound too extravagant? Make an appointment with a trainer once a month or once every three months to update your program and get feedback on your form. Calorie-burning boost: If your trainer has you change from a fast walk to a slow jog, you'll burn an extra 100 calories in 30 minutes.

9. Try a mini-triathlon. Instead of trying to force yourself to stay on the recumbent bicycle for 45 minutes each time you work out, here's your new plan: 15 minutes power walking on a steep incline on the treadmill, 15 minutes on a stationary cycle (ideally at a high resistance level), then 15 minutes in the pool (or use the racing program on your gym's rowing machine). Be sure to warm up, cool down and stretch, and don't forget to write down your speeds to keep track of your progress. Reward yourself when you reach the finish line!

For an added bonus, combine this activity with cardio boost #3 -- working out with a partner -- to make this activity even more fun.Calorie-burning boost: One workout = 600 calories

10. End with an invigorating stretch. Stretching is as important after running or walking as it is after weight lifting. A study found that regular stretching can increase your strength by up to 19 percent when interspersed between weight-training exercises. With additional muscle you'll burn more calories throughout the day. To keep your heart rate up while still stretching your whole body, try doing a series of 10-12 Sun Salutations, yoga's most aerobic move (it incorporates poses that flow from one to the next).