Many experts recommend that the best time to walk is right after meals. Personal trainer Sarah Pope at the Life Time Clarendon center (USA) has given specific analyses of the benefits of this habit.
Regulates blood sugar and supports digestion
According to Sarah Pope, one of the top benefits of walking after eating is the ability to regulate blood sugar levels. This is especially important for people with diabetes, helping the body process glucose most effectively immediately after consuming food.
At the same time, gentle exercise helps send a signal to the body that we are ready for the digestive system to perform its function, thereby making the digestive process more smooth.
Increase blood circulation and lower blood pressure
Lack of exercise or sitting for too long after eating increases the risk of blood vessel diseases and high blood pressure. Coach Sarah Pope emphasized that short and moderate movement after meals helps minimize these risks. Walking supports blood filtration and circulation, helping the heart pump blood throughout the body more conveniently, thereby reducing pressure on blood vessel walls and supporting blood pressure reduction - one of the main causes of stroke and heart disease.
Promotes metabolism and reduces belly fat
Exercise after meals speeds up metabolism, helping the body burn more calories. This habit hinders the storage of excess glucose, thereby supporting the reduction of accumulated belly fat. This is a natural way to optimize energy from food that has just been ingested instead of letting it convert into excess fat.
Improve sleep and mental health
Not only beneficial for the body, walking after eating also helps improve sleep quality, helping you fall asleep faster and more comfortably. Mentally, this activity is a substance that enhances overall mood and reduces the risk of depression.
According to Sarah Pope, research shows that about 2 - 2.5 hours of walking per week can reduce the risk of depression in adults by 25%. Just maintaining 15 - 20 minutes of walking per day, about 5 times a week, you can significantly improve your mental health and improve your spirits every day.