The holidays are just around the corner and it’s time for health experts to recommend that people take a walk after their festivities to promote healthy habits this festive season.
However, that doesn’t mean you have to embark on an extensive walk to enjoy the benefits of walking, as even a short five-minute walk can help prevent post-meal cravings, according to experts. can help many people experience during this time.
According to Nicholas Fisher, a registered dietitian at MedStar Health, walking after a meal can help boost energy levels, improve digestion and help control blood sugar levels. Business Insider Reported
Incorporating this simple tradition into your holiday routine can keep you motivated while indulging in rich foods, especially since the colder, darker months often encourage a sedentary lifestyle.
“You’re pumping blood; you’re giving your body a chance to circulate nutrients,” Fisher said. “If you sit on the couch all day, you’re more likely to be stiff and tired, whereas if you get up, your body is more ready and able to move.”
“People can start with what they can do, a five-minute walk, and they can build on that,” he added.
Research shows that walking an extra 500 steps a day improves heart health and reduces the risk of certain diseases.
Furthermore, there’s no need to think about walking as compensating for joining because that takes all the fun out of it. It should feel good and not feel like work.
“People should enjoy this time, it’s a one-time meal of the whole year,” he said.
Feeling more energized and alert after a walk is a great motivator to keep moving throughout the season, which can make it easier to stick to other healthy habits.
“If people have a consistent routine or habit of walking, they are likely to have other healthy habits that have a compound interest effect,” Fisher said.
Nicholas Fisher, a registered dietitian for MedStar Health, says it takes miles to get the benefits of walking. is not