Burn calories without trying

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Losing weight doesn't have to be hard work.

In fact, housewives in the 1950s ate more saturated fat than us but managed to stay slim without doing lots of exercise.

So what was their secret? Doing the housework! Doing chores like washing clothes without the aid of a washing machine meant that they burnt nearly twice the number of calories in their day-to-day routine compared with women now.

And we can do the same. Did you know that watching your favourite soap, playing with the kids for an hour and mopping the floor for 30 mins can burn up to 500 calories? And there are loads of other ways to burn fat without even trying.

See our great guide to burning calories with everyday activities.

Moderate exercise can prevent cancer too. Scientists at the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) say just 45 minutes of moderate exercise a day could stop 5,500 cases of breast cancer developing in Britain annually. And exercising doesn't have to mean sweating away in a gym every day.

Alongside brisk walking, other activities that would count include cycling or swimming at a leisurely pace, dancing, gardening and vacuuming combined with other housework - read on to find out how many calories you burn in everyday activities...