Benefits of Walking after a Meal

Did you know that specifically walking after a meal has health benefits? In fact, Italians actually have a specific word for an after-dinner stroll, la passeggiata.

Some benefits include:

• Improved digestion

• Less bloating

• Food moves faster through the intestines

• Improved blood sugar

And even better sleep since walking increases the hormone serotonin which promotes a deeper sleep. (Serotonin also regulates appetite and improves memory.)

To get the most benefit from walking after a meal, walk at a pace where you can still have a conversation, not a crushing pace. If you walk too fast, circulation is pulled away from digestion towards the working muscles which could delay digestion and have a negative effect.

Since walking can have a calming effect on the body, it it helpful in reducing stress. For many more benefits of walking, check out https://www.realsimple.com/health/fitness-exercise/benefits-walking.