At 60 years old, actress Elizabeth Hurley, who stars as ‘The Deceased’ in the new Channel 4 series The Inheritance, attributes her impressive physique to what she describes as NEAT exercise. In her Instagram insights, Hurley emphasizes that she does not subscribe to gym workouts or structured exercise routines, but instead leads an extremely active lifestyle. NEAT, which stands for Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis, refers to the calories burned through everyday activities rather than formal exercising, such as walking or taking the stairs. Dr. Folusha Oluwajana, a GP and trainer, highlights that NEAT can significantly contribute to a person’s total daily energy expenditure.
In addition to her movement habits, Hurley adheres to specific nutritional principles. She often addresses questions about her diet, stating, “My mantra is: don’t eat too much, too fast, too often, or too late.” This translates to smaller meals, thorough chewing, avoiding snacking, and having dinner earlier. She advises incorporating vegetables or fruit to make up half of every meal; for example, when she enjoys a sandwich, she pairs it with an apple.
While Hurley claims to enjoy a variety of foods, she treats junk food as a rare indulgence, categorizing anything containing ingredients not found in her kitchen as such. This notably includes processed items like diet drinks, ready meals, and packaged snacks. Her commitment to home cooking is evident, as she utilizes a bread maker to prepare fresh loaves daily and bakes cakes on weekends.
Aside from her dietary guidelines, Hurley strongly encourages others to increase daily movement. NEAT is distinct from being tidy; it encompasses various movements performed during daily life, including walking the dog, climbing stairs, carrying groceries, gardening, and even simple actions like fidgeting.
Emphasizing the importance of incorporating more NEAT activities, Hurley points to numerous benefits, including enhanced muscle recovery, better mental health, improved cardiovascular health, and reduced risks of chronic diseases. This low-impact form of movement is particularly accessible for beginners, requiring minimal skill and no cost.
While Hurley’s tips present valuable insights into maintaining fitness and health, she also acknowledges the necessity of personalizing any approach to wellness. What works for her may not suit everyone; hence individuals should extract elements from her advice that align with their lifestyles, all while aiming to reduce stress in their health journeys. With a balanced emphasis on activity and nutrition, Hurley embodies a practical approach to achieving well-being at any age.