Is it better to take a walk before or after a meal?

Okay, so is a pre-dinner or post-dinner walk better? Honestly? I’m all about that after-dinner stroll. Seriously! It’s like my stomach’s personal reset button. I swear, the difference it makes is crazy. I’m way less puffy and blah feeling – you know that heavy, I-need-a-nap feeling after a big meal? Gone. Poof!

And, let’s be real, who doesn’t like the idea of a little walk helping to keep the weight down? I know I do! It’s such a good incentive, right? Like, I just ate this delicious meal, and now I’m doing something good for myself. Double win!

For example, last weekend, my family had a huge barbecue. Burgers, hot dogs, all the fixings…you know how it is. I was stuffed. But I dragged myself out for a 20-minute walk around the block, and I kid you not, I felt SO much better afterwards. Instead of wanting to collapse on the couch and groan, I actually had energy to play with my niece and nephew. It was amazing. I think – maybe? – I even read somewhere that a short walk after eating can help regulate your blood sugar levels too. Something about improving insulin sensitivity… I don’t remember exactly. But even without all the science-y stuff, I can tell you from my own experience, it just works.

Give it a shot. Seriously. Even just a ten-minute walk. What have you got to lose? (Besides maybe that post-meal sluggishness, ha!) You might just become a convert like me.