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Is it worthwhile to walk after eating? |
Walking after meals, especially after dinner, is a time-honored tradition that may offer many health benefits, including aiding digestion, building muscle, and enhancing circulation. It may even improve your mental well-being. |
Now, a new review of research provides further support for this tradition. |
The researchers found that exercising shortly after eating can lower postmeal blood sugar levels. Elevated blood sugar is linked to metabolic syndrome, which is thought to affect more than one-third of Americans. Here are some more key takeaways from this review: |
| • | Exercising within 30 minutes after a meal was found to be the most beneficial (and more effective than exercising before eating). | |
| • | Multiple short bouts of exercise after eating may be more effective than one long session. | |
| • | In addition to burning calories, postmeal movement can shift your body's energy source toward using up glucose supplied by a meal. | |
✅ More benefits of postmeal exercise: |
| • | The study found a beneficial effect in people with type 2 diabetes, though it was not as strong as in people without the condition. However, another study found that a 2-minute walk after meals can help lower type 2 diabetes risk. | |
| • | Regular postmeal activity may potentially reduce the risk of inflammation and cardiovascular disease in the long term. | |
Next step: After your next meal, consider lacing up your boots (or sneakers) and going for a stroll that's at least 20 minutes long. It's a simple, inexpensive, and effective way to energize your digestion and boost your overall health. As the authors of this review conclude, "After dinner walk a while, after supper walk again." |
Tell us: Do you like to go for a walk after eating? Is it something you do all the time, now and then, or never? Let us know at nutritionedition@healthline.com. (Please note that we may use your name and response in an upcoming newsletter!) |
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What we're using |
Walking after eating is most likely good for your health, digestion, and even long-term well-being. But what if the weather is bad or your neighborhood leaves you feeling all walked out? The Air Walk Trainer brings exercise inside, and just 20 minutes of sustained use can help you lose weight or maintain your weight. And it need not dominate the room once you're done using it — our reviewers recently rated it the best foldable elliptical trainer. |
Every product we recommend has gone through Healthline's vetting process. If you buy through links on this page, we may receive a small commission or other tangible benefit. Healthline has sole editorial control over this newsletter. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. Healthline is owned by RVO Health. |
| | Sunny Health & Fitness Air Walk Trainer Elliptical Machine | | | 4.2 | 10,350 ratings | | Details: Nonslip pedals and LCD monitor | | | |
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Is trail mix actually good for you? |
Trail mix is a convenient snack usually packed with granola, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit. It can also contain candy, spices, and other seasonings. Hikers love it for its portability, convenience, and energy boost. 💪 What makes a good mix: |
| • | Protein powerhouse: The nuts and seeds in trail mix make it a rich source of protein, which is vital for muscle growth and repair and immune system health. It also helps fill you up and ward off hunger. | |
| • | Heart-healthy fats: Those same nuts and seeds contain poly- and monounsaturated fatty acids, which can lower bad cholesterol levels and reduce inflammation, protecting your heart. | |
⚠️ Possible downsides: |
| • | Not all trail mix is as healthy as it could be. Too much sugar and salt from added candies, chocolate, and seasonings can make it more of an indulgence than it needs to be! | |
| • | Because trail mix is so snackable and moreish, it can be difficult to manage portion sizes. | |
🥣 Pro tip: Make your own so you can decide what's in it. It's easy! Go for nutrient-dense ingredients like almonds, pumpkin seeds, dried fruits, and the darkest chocolate you can tolerate. Spice it up with a little cinnamon and nutmeg. |
Want to learn more? Hike over to "Is trail mix healthy?" right now. |
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What we're digesting |
🍇 Raisins vs sultanas vs currants. They're all different types of dried grapes, but there's still confusion regarding these tasty treats. |
💊 Probiotics may prevent and treat fatty liver disease. About 24% of U.S. adults have nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Could probiotics be the answer? |
🌏 10 healthy eating habits from around the world. Many countries have lower rates of obesity and chronic disease than the United States. So how do these cultures eat? |
🫖 Can tea ease the symptoms of ADHD? An amino acid found in green and black tea may improve concentration and attention span. |
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Thank you for reading! I hope this email has given you something to think about the next time you're walking off a healthy but filling lunch. Ginger will be back with another tasty kitchen creation in Sunday's Nutrition Edition. |
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Until next time, | | Take care of yourself, and we'll see you again soon! | | | | |
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