The Hidden Calorie Burner: Why Your Midlife Gym Routine Isn't Enough Without NEAT

Today I am going to dive into a topic that can have a big impact on your health and fitness journey especially if you are in midlife and experiencing menopausal symptoms like extra body fat: NEAT, or Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis. You might be surprised to learn how much the little movements we make throughout the day can add up and contribute to our overall calorie burn and metabolic health.

One way to incorporate more NEAT into your life: opt for a standing desk instead of sitting. I bought this one a few months ago and feel like it was a game changer for me. According to the National Academy of Sports Medicine, a 145-pound person can burn approximately 72 more calories per hour standing rather than sitting. That might not sound like much, but over a year, it can add up to more than 18,000 calories burned, equivalent to around 5 pounds of weight loss.

Another great way to increase your NEAT is by making small changes to your daily routine. For example, when you're out shopping, instead of grabbing a cart, grab a basket. This small change increases your physical activity and can help you burn more calories. Or, take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator whenever possible. I do this whenever I have a doctor's appointment that is on the 2nd or 3rd floor. These little movements can make a big difference over time.

Lastly, another simple yet effective tip is to incorporate more walking into your day. If you have a sedentary job, set a timer to remind yourself to get up and walk around for a few minutes every hour. Taking short, frequent breaks to move around can significantly boost your NEAT and improve your overall health.I like to walk after each meal. Stacking the walk with eating helped me build the habit. You can also use a walking desk while you work if you can. I use mine (this one on Amazon) when I'm attending online meetings and trainings. 

By incorporating more NEAT into your daily life, you can burn more calories, improve your metabolic health, and support your midlife fitness goals. If you're ready to transform your health and take advantage of every opportunity to move, consider joining my coaching program for personalized support and guidance. Email me to learn more and discuss working together ( or click here)!

How to Transform Your Summer in 5 Days

Summer's in full swing, and we want to shape up but the calendar is JAM PACKED, right? That's why I'm so excited for the FASTer Way 5-Day Summer Slim Down!

I look forward to this every year - quick results for the win.

From June 17-21, you'll get:

- Simple meal guides to keep you fueled right 

- Trainer-led workouts to fire up your metabolism 

- Our premium app with bonus tips and trainings 

- Daily motivation from me and our amazing community

Eating the right foods for just 5 days can decrease bloating, inflammation and improve your health! The Summer Slim Down is all about fresh and delicious foods this summer. We keep fitness FUN with brand new workouts every single day. You'll learn how to begin strategies that will kickstart your summer fat loss goals like never before.

In just 5 days, you'll be rocking a tighter, more confident you with crazy amazing energy levels. Summer doesn’t have to be a total loss when it comes to feeling and looking your best. You deserve that jumpstart.

Click here to join the 5 Day Summer Slim Down!!!

Under an Hour a Day: Essential Habits for a Successful Midlife Health Journey

In this week's post, I share with you some powerful habits that can create a successful midlife health journey, all in under an hour a day. Whether you're short on time or looking for efficient ways to improve your health through midlife, these habits are perfect for you.  

But before we dive in, if you're serious about transforming your health and want personalized guidance, consider joining my coaching program. You'll get tailored advice and support to help you reach your midlife goals efficiently. I know you don't want to spend hours on your nutrition and fitness! Reach out to me if you’d like more information!

Let's talk about the first habit: morning movement. Starting your day with even just 15-20 minutes of exercise can boost your energy levels, improve your mood, and set a positive tone for the rest of the day. This could be a quick HIIT session or strength training workout, a brisk walk, or some yoga. Dance around your living room or kitchen if you like, just get moving!

The next habit is meal prepping. Spend 10-20 minutes in the evening planning or preparing your meals for the next day. This not only saves time but also ensures you're making the choices you need to for your goals. Simple tasks like planning what meals you’ll be eating the next day, ordering groceries, looking over a restaurant menu if you'll be eating out, pre-logging your macros if you are tracking, making your lunch and/or snacks can make a big difference. And if you're finding these tips helpful, don't forget to share this post with a friend who might benefit too! 

Lastly, let's talk about mindfulness. Take 5-10 minutes each day for activities like meditation, deep breathing exercises, or journaling…even self care time like your facial cleansing routine, dry brushing or sitting in a sauna is a good time to be thoughtful. This can help reduce stress, improve mental clarity, and support overall well-being so you can prioritize your goals and take care of YOU! I like to take this time when I’m in my sauna blanket. (I got this one on Amazon)

By incorporating these habits into your daily routine, you can create a successful health journey in under an hour a day. If you're ready to take your health to the next level, think about joining my coaching program for personalized support and guidance.

How to lose midlife body fat...According to science!

How we lose body fat in midlife is different than when we’re younger. We can’t do the same things we did and get the same results because WE are not the same.

How to lose midlife body fat...according to science:

Strength training - at least 3x per week to build fat burning muscle: One reason strength training burns body fat during midlife is due to its ability to increase muscle mass. As we age, our metabolism tends to slow down, leading to a decrease in muscle mass and an increase in body fat. Strength training, however, helps counteract this by building lean muscle tissue.

Muscle tissue is more metabolically active than fat tissue, meaning it burns more calories even at rest. So, as you increase your muscle mass through strength training, your body becomes more efficient at burning calories throughout the day, including burning stored body fat for energy. Additionally, strength training can also boost your metabolism in the hours following your workout, further enhancing fat loss during midlife.

Do “some” cardio - 40-60 minutes per week is good and prevents elevated cortisol: cardio exercise has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and metabolic efficiency, which can help regulate blood sugar levels and promote the body's ability to use stored fat as fuel. This improvement in metabolic health can facilitate fat loss, particularly during midlife when hormonal changes and metabolic slowdown may make weight management more challenging.

Eat whole food - prevents inflammation weight gain: the nutrient density of whole foods supports overall metabolic health, which is crucial for efficient fat burning. Adequate intake of vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients from whole foods helps optimize metabolic processes, including those involved in energy metabolism and fat oxidation.

Be in a slight calorie deficit - but not forever to avoid metabolic adaptation: During midlife, metabolic rate may naturally decrease due to factors such as hormonal changes and decreased muscle mass. Therefore, being in a slight caloric deficit can help counteract this metabolic slowdown by ensuring that your body is not taking in more energy than it needs for daily functions and activities.

Aim for consistency - repetition is better than perfection when building healthy habits: consistency builds discipline and mental resilience, which are essential for overcoming obstacles and staying committed to your fat loss goals during midlife and beyond.

Trust the process - progress takes time: trusting the process promotes a positive mindset, reducing stress and emotional eating tendencies that can impede fat loss efforts. This psychological aspect is particularly important during midlife when hormonal fluctuations and life stressors may influence weight management.

What part do you struggle with the most? Maybe I can help!

How much protein should I consume in order to burn fat and build muscle in my 50s?

In your 50s, getting adequate protein is one of the best ways to promote your health and facilitate fat loss. After all, among its superpowers, protein helps build lean muscle, assists in key metabolic processes, creates strong bones, and more!

When your protein goals are not met, your health and fitness suffers and the body cannot function optimally. 

How much protein your body requires each day is dependent on a variety of factors, such as age, and activity level, but by and large, it’s likely you’re consuming insufficient protein! When you work with me, I calculate your individual protein needs in my program.

Here are some ways to get 30 grams of protein:

1.   Chicken breast: About 5-6 ounces cooked.
2.   Salmon: Around 5-6 ounces cooked.
3.   Tofu: Approximately 7-8 ounces.
4.   Greek yogurt: About 1.5 cups.
5.   Lentils: Around 1 cup cooked.
6.   Cottage cheese: Approximately 1.5 cups.
7.   Quinoa: Around 1 cup cooked.
8.   Turkey breast: About 5-6 ounces cooked.
9.   Lean beef: Approximately 5-6 ounces cooked.
10.   Edamame: About 2 cups cooked.

Check out my All About Protein Quick Guide to learn more about the importance of protein. I also share quick tips and recipes that you can start using today to increase your protein intake. Get it by clicking here.

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