In today's sedentary world, physical activity often takes a backseat to the demands of modern life. But did you know that every little movement you make helps to burn calories? Enter NEAT—Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis. While it may not involve traditional gym workouts, NEAT encompasses various daily activities that contribute to energy expenditure. In this blog, we'll explore why NEAT matters, how it impacts your health, and practical ways to incorporate more movement into your daily routine. What Is NEAT? NEAT, or Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis, refers to the energy you use for daily activities apart from sleeping, eating, and intentional physical activity. This includes everyday movements like walking, standing, fidgeting, gardening, vacuuming, and even typing. NEAT plays a significant role in how much energy you use each day and differs widely from person to person based on factors like job type, lifestyle, and habits. Boosting your NEAT levels can be beneficial for weight management and improving overall health since it enhances daily calorie burn. Importance of NEAT NEAT makes up approximately 15% of your total daily energy expenditure, which is the total number of calories your body burns in a day.1 The more you move and stay active, the more calorie expenditure (amount of calories a person burns) through NEAT activities. Keeping up an active and healthy lifestyle with NEAT activities can be just as beneficial as following a structured workout routine. This not only reduces the risk of chronic diseases but also supports overall health and can contribute to weight loss. Furthermore, what makes NEAT so appealing is its accessibility. You can boost your daily activity level without a personal trainer or a gym membership. Simply engage in activities that you find enjoyable. Tips for Increasing NEAT Activity Increasing NEAT can be achieved through simple yet effective lifestyle adjustments. Here are some things to try: Incorporate daily stretches into your routine. Tackle household chores like laundry, dishes, and vacuuming. Choose to walk or bike for short errands instead of driving. Park farther away from your destination to add more walking. Engage in gardening and yard work. Spend more time cooking, including shopping, chopping, and kitchen prep. Make it enjoyable, aim to limit sedentary time each day, and set alarms to remind you to move. Additionally, remember that protein can enhance the benefits of any exercise, promoting recovery and maintenance of lean muscle mass.2 Consider making a protein shake after running errands or working in the yard.* By making small changes to increase movement throughout the day, you can increase your NEAT levels and support overall health and fitness goals. Summary Understanding the importance of each movement and adopting simple strategies to boost daily activity can help you burn more calories and reduce the negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle. Whether you're doing household chores, engaging in fun activities, or just being mindful of adding movement to your day, embracing NEAT provides an easy and practical path to improving your health. Let's take a step toward better vitality by maximizing our NEAT starting today! Reference 1. Chung N et al. J Exerc Nutrition Biochem. 2018; 22(2):23–30.2. Kreider RB et al. Phys Sportsmed. 2009;37(2):13-21. *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA). These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This blog is for information and education purposes only. This information is not intended to substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your bariatric surgeon or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions in regard to a medical condition. A qualified healthcare professional can best assist you in deciding whether a dietary supplement is suitable based on your individual needs.