The 1 Simple Hack for Faster Weight-Loss… That ANYONE Can do!
Back before youth sports dominated family schedules, and before netflix allowed you to re-watch The Office on demand, an evening walk was commonplace. I remember growing up, and seeing my neighborhood full of couples or families taking their dogs out for an evening walk or just spending quality time together.
Which brings me to the point of this post, which is the simple exercise that is one of the best exercises you can do for weight loss!
I’m not going to dive into the relationship building aspects of partner or family walks, although there are plenty. This post is meant to show you the weight loss and fitness benefits of a short walk after each meal.
Studies have shown that as little as 10minutes of low intensity walking after dinner can help:
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Improve digestion, which pushes more nutrients to your muscles and body
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burns calories which will help you lose weight
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regulate blood sugar levels, which will give you more energy
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increase satiety, which will make sure you don’t get hungry again later!
Physiologically we are the worst at regulating our blood sugar in the late afternoon/early evening. Combine that with sitting (as most people do after dinner) and we’re teeing up our bodies for a fight to control our blood glucose levels.
What happens when we combine our largest meal (dinner) with our least physically taxing period of the day?
Whatever calories not “used” to replenish our energy reserves or “burned” are then stored. This stored glucose begins to accumulate as fat tissue.
I know what you’re thinking…”So if I walk 30minutes or 45minutes after dinner that’s even better, right?”
Wrong.
When it comes to weight loss, research has continually shown that more is NOT better when it comes to post meal activity. 10-20 minutes of low intensity walking or biking seem to be the sweet spot. Aim to move your body within 60 minutes of your largest meal.
Additional movement options
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Stretching, Mobility Flows, Yoga
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Body Weight Strength Movements: Squats, Lunges, Push Ups, etc.
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Gardening, Yardwork, Household chores
The added benefits of improved digestion and increased satiety ensure that you’re absorbing all the nutrients you consumed in your meal, and you’re eliminating evening cravings.
So the next time you drop your son or daughter off at their sports practice, instead of getting right back in the car…go for a short 10min walk.
Before you jump back into whatever show you’re currently binging, do 10 minutes of light stretching and movement.
Burning a few extra calories everyday adds up fast!
PS. the best part about this tip, is that it encourages you to explore the Beauty of Chester County and West Chester, PA while working on your weight loss and fitness goals!
