What's The Deal With NEAT?
NEAT stands for Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis, aka the energy you burn from moving outside of planned exercise like training.
NEAT is a huge part of total daily energy expenditure. It referees to energy expenditure associated with unstructured physical activity like general movement, walking around, standing up, fidgeting, and performing daily tasks like cooking or cleaning.
NEAT varies widely in a populating. The difference between the lowest NEATer and the highest NEATer of the same size could be up to 2000 kcal per day! It's a big part of why some people find it easier to stay lean and active compared to others." - Luke Tulloch
Counting your steps is one way to keep track of physical activity (7-10k is a good number to aim for), but don't forget that engaging in any kind of physical activity counts too!
Don't underestimate the power of going for a walk outside! You get some time to yourself. Time to listen to podcasts, books, music or even chat with a friend or partner. It's also a good opportunity to leave your device at home and get away from media all together. Walking is a great way to destress, break up the day and get some natural light and vitamin D!
Below are some great NEAT ideas !
What's The Deal With Protein?
Protein is one of the most important nutrients to the human body. In fact, the word comes from proteos, which means of primary importance. Every single cell in your body is made of protein." - Robert Yang
Benefits of Protein:
- Increases fullness
- Increases your focus and concentration
- Repairs tissue
- Increases energy
- Optimizing your hormones
- Boosts metabolism
- It helps you maintain and build lean body mass
What happens when you don't eat enough protein?
- Feel hungry within an hour after eating
- Crave sweets
- Loss of focus and concentration
- Feeling tired after eating a meal
- Overeating at night
- Suffering chronic muscle soreness for several days after workouts
- Sore and achy joints
- Developing slight headaches throughout the day
Good Sources of Protein:
You have soooo many to choose from; just find what works best for you and your taste. Greek yogurt, goat milk yogurt, and cottage cheese are not on the list below, but those are definitely good options.
One more thing....
Nuts, nut butters, and seeds are often referred to as protein sources, but their protein is not complete. Rely on them as sources of fat instead.