One of the easiest ways to stay healthy and control your weight is walking. However, when you go for a walk can really have an impact on your weight and blood sugar levels. It appears that going for a walk straight after eating can have some added benefits.

A study published in the International Journal of General Medicine found that going for a walk straight after a meal could help with weight management and controlling blood sugars. Starting a walk straight after lunch and dinner.

Walking After Meals Can Help With Weight Loss

Going for a walk shortly after eating seemed to help with reducing weight more than waiting an hour to go for a walk.

The study had two women who went for a brisk or slow walk after their lunch and dinner. After one month they had lost around 3kg and 1.5kg.

However this study was a small pilot study with just two individuals meaning more studies need to be carried out to see if going for a walk straight after a meal leads to greater weight loss over time.

How Does Walking After Meals Help?

• Once you have eaten your blood sugar levels will increase as your body will be digesting and absorbing carbohydrates. Exercise will help your muscles take in glucose from your blood to provide energy.
• If you go for a walk shortly after eating then your body can take in some glucose.
• This can be helpful for those wanting to improve their metabolic health.

When Is The Best Time To Go For A Walk?

Research shows that starting light exercise as soon as you can after eating can help control your blood sugars after eating.

Start with a gentle walk and increase the amount you walk depending on your fitness.

A simple routine could include:

• A short walk after breakfast.
• A gentle walk after lunch.
• A 10-20 minute walk after dinner.
• Increase the amount you walk as your fitness improves.
• Don’t feel like you have to do intense exercise. Be consistent and make sure you’re comfortable.

Benefits Of Going For A Walk After Dinner

Going for a walk after dinner can be particularly useful as your blood sugars can increase after an evening meal. Research has shown that doing some exercise after eating can help reduce your blood glucose.

Doing regular walks in the evenings can help you become more active throughout the day, improve your cardiovascular fitness and keep you living a healthy lifestyle.

Key Points

Whilst there are many potential health benefits to going for a Walk After Eating it shouldn’t be seen as a sure fire way to lose weight. Maintaining a balanced diet, portion control, getting enough sleep and exercising regularly will also be important to keep you healthy.

If you feel any stomach discomfort, dizziness or unusual tiredness stop exercising. If you have any medical conditions speak to your healthcare professionals before making any big changes to your exercise.