NEAT stands for non-exercise activity thermogenesis. This is all the calories you burn as you go about your day, outside of your formal exercise sessions.
This includes things like carrying groceries, walking, taking the stairs, and playing with your kids or pets.
All of these activities bump up how many calories we burn in a day, without even having to exercise.
Importance
We all know that we sit way too much. We weren’t made to sit at desks all day, and then to sit in our cars for an hour, and then sit on our couches for the rest of the evening. Humans evolved to move; to sprint after prey or away from predators, to lift heavy things like carcasses and building materials, and to walk for sometimes days at a time. If we want to be healthy, we need to simulate the lifestyle that we evolved to have. We need to move more.
In fit individuals, NEAT accounts for 50% of the total calories they burn. In more sedentary individuals, it only accounts for about 15% of what they burn. This is a huge difference in calories, simply by walking and standing more frequently.
Implementation
Set an intention to include more of the following into each day this week:
Walking — if you can walk somewhere rather than drive, do so. Park further away from the grocery store entrance. Walk down all the aisles at the grocery store.
Take the stairs — instead of the escalator or elevator.
Chores — do some vacuuming, mopping, sweeping, dusting. They probably need to be done anyway.
Standing — get a standing desk if possible. Stand instead of sit when you are in a waiting room. Stand during the commercial breaks while you watch TV.
Sometimes, the smallest change can be the tipping point in our weight loss journey. Look to incorporate as much low-level movement into your week as you possibly can. It doesn’t have to be complicated. Walk more. Stand more. It’s as simple as that.
Excellent
I loved reading all your suggestions. I’m so excited to read more. I’m turning 60 and never drink water and my exercise program is non existent. But as of now that going to change because of your tips. Thank you 😊