EAT v NEAT

No, it’s not just being smart about what we consume.

EAT refers to Exercise Activity Thermogenesis - the energy we burn when we train.

NEAT refers to Non Exercise Activity Thermogenesis - energy used through all other activities not related to training, eating, or sleeping.

Which is more important when it comes to weight loss?

Many may think the most important is EAT. Truth be told, this equates to a very small percentage of our day, and in the grand scheme of things, a fairly small energy expenditure; especially for those within the beginner category.

So, when it comes to EAT, this has to be supportive of our NEAT.

Pushing yourself too hard too soon so that you can’t walk for 2 days has a disastrous effect upon our NEAT. We find ourselves sofa bound, unwilling to move, comfort eating to reward ourselves for a hard session. Therefore energy we would have burned by walking around, doing housework, playing with the kids, or going about our daily tasks, now sits dormant.

The most important thing is to keep our activity levels high. Look for ways to actively increase your NEAT.

Walk instead of drive. Take the stairs rather than the elevator. Get the gardening done. Walk the dog. Enjoy the fresh air. Summers on its way, get outside. Take some time each day to stretch, squat, hang; make movements which are varied and unusual to your regular lifestyle.

By increasing our NEAT along with a moderate calorie deficit, we find weight loss a natural by product, and one you don’t have to actively hunt for.

As for the EAT part, if you get this right it will AMPLIFY the effects of the NEAT. More about this another time.