Maintaining a calorie deficit is crucial for successful weight loss, but did you know that daily steps play a crucial role in increasing your Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis (NEAT) and thus your overall calorie burn? NEAT refers to the energy expended for all activities that are not considered exercise, such as walking, standing, and fidgeting. NEAT can account for a significant portion of our daily energy expenditure, and increasing it can help to offset the reduction in metabolic rate that occurs during calorie restriction. Obesity is a major health issue that can increase the risk of preventable diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. One of the primary contributors to obesity is a sedentary lifestyle, which is characterized by low levels of physical activity and a high amount of time spent sitting. By increasing daily steps and NEAT, you can combat this sedentary lifestyle and reduce your risk of developing these diseases. In addition to weight loss, increasing daily steps has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity, lower blood pressure, and improve cardiovascular health, all of which are important for reducing the risk of preventable diseases. By taking small steps to increase daily activity, you can make a big impact on your health and well-being. Setting an example for kids is crucial in promoting a culture of movement and physical activity. When looking at family dynamics, children learn by example. If they see their parents prioritizing physical activity and making it a part of their daily routine, they are more likely to adopt healthy habits themselves. Promoting movement and physical activity can also have a positive impact on family bonding and socialization. By engaging in physical activities together, families can strengthen their relationships and create lasting memories. By prioritizing movement and setting an example for the next generation, we can create a healthier and more active community.
But how do you go about increasing your daily steps? Here are some tips:
Set a daily step goal: Aim to gradually increase your daily step count by setting a goal for yourself. Start with a small goal, such as 5000 steps per day, and gradually increase it over time.
Take frequent breaks: Make a conscious effort to take frequent breaks throughout the day to stand up and move around. Set a reminder on your phone or computer to get up and stretch your legs every hour.
Use a fitness tracker: Using a fitness tracker, such as a Fitbit or Apple Watch, can help you keep track of your daily steps and motivate you to increase your activity level. These devices can track not only your steps but also other metrics like heart rate, calories burned, and distance traveled. You can set goals and monitor your progress, which can be a great motivator to keep moving throughout the day. Additionally, many fitness trackers offer reminders to get up and move if you have been sitting for too long, making it easier to stay active throughout the day.
Walk more: Look for opportunities to walk more throughout the day. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, park farther away from your destination, and go for a walk during your lunch break.
In conclusion, daily steps are an essential component of increasing NEAT and overall calorie burn while in a calorie deficit. By gradually increasing your daily step count and incorporating more physical activity into your daily routine, you can achieve your weight loss goals and improve your overall health and well-being. My plan is to bring together both factual and helpful insight as well as my own personal experience in these topics/posts moving forward. I will be writing about my own weight loss journey and the effects it had on my mental health in my next post.
Thank you for taking the time to read, we either invest in our health now or pay for it later!
-💚Trev, a former fat guy who decided he wanted to see what cool shit his body could do.
TL;DR for those who want to go straight to the point.
Daily steps play a crucial role in increasing NEAT (Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis) and overall calorie burn, which is important for successful weight loss. Increasing daily steps can be easily achieved by setting a step goal, taking frequent breaks, using a fitness tracker, and looking for opportunities to walk more throughout the day. Fitness trackers like Fitbit and Apple Watch can be particularly useful for tracking progress and staying motivated. By gradually increasing your daily step count, you can achieve your weight loss goals and improve your overall health and well-being. Let's set the example for the kids and next generation.