10-Minute Post-Meal Walks: A Simple Holiday Health Hack
The holidays are a time for joy with friends and family. Sticking to your usual fitness routine can feel impossible between festive feasts, indulgences, shopping, parties, and gatherings. But, there’s an easy, time-efficient solution to keep your health on track during the holidays when you can’t get your workouts in or make it to the gym. All it takes is a 10-minute walk after each meal. This simple 10-minute habit can help mitigate holiday weight gain, improve digestion, and maintain overall well-being during the busy holiday season.
Benefits of a 10-Minute Post-Meal Walk
Holiday meals are often rich and calorically dense, making overeating easy. A brisk 10-minute walk after a meal helps your body in several ways:
Stimulates Digestion
Walking helps your stomach process food more efficiently, reducing bloating and discomfort.
Manages Blood Sugar Levels
A post-meal stroll improves insulin sensitivity, helping to prevent blood sugar spikes.
Burns Calories
Even a short walk can burn extra calories, aiding in weight management, especially if you may be indulging a little more than usual.
Supports Mental Well-being
Walking reduces stress and enhances mood, which is so helpful during the busy holidays.
Encourages Consistent Movement
Regular walks prevent a sedentary lifestyle, even on hectic days. It’s easy to mentally commit to just walking for 10 minutes. Even if you can’t make it to the gym, short, consistent efforts like this can go a long way toward preserving your health over the holidays.
Tips for Getting Started
Make It a Family Affair
Invite your family or friends to join you. It’s a great way to bond and spend quality time with each other while getting fresh air.
Keep It Casual
You don’t need special workout gear; just comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing will do.
Set a Routine
Aim for consistency. Walking after breakfast, lunch, and dinner can easily become a habit and part of your daily schedule.
Explore Holiday Lights
Use your walk as an opportunity to admire holiday decorations in your neighborhood, making it enjoyable and festive.
Track Your Steps
Use a fitness tracker to log your steps. Seeing your progress keeps you motivated and creates a sense of accomplishment.
A 10-minute walk may seem simple, but its benefits are powerful. By integrating this practice into your daily routine this holiday season, you can enjoy the festivities without sacrificing your health and well-being.
Yours in health & fitness,
Sherri McMillan
Sherri McMillan
Sherri McMillan, holds a master's degree in exercise physiology and has been inspiring the world to adopt a fitness lifestyle for more than 33 years. She has received numerous industry awards including 2010 CanFitPro International Presenter of the Year, 2006 IDEA Fitness Director of the Year, 1998 IDEA Personal Trainer of the Year, 1998 CanFitPro Fitness Presenter of the Year and 2005/2006 ACE Fitness Educator of the Year - Runner up. She is a fitness trainer, fitness columnist for various magazines and newspapers, author of five books and manuals including "Go For Fit - the Winning Way to Fat Loss" and "Fit over Forty" and the featured presenter in various fitness DVDs. She has presented hundreds of workshops to thousands of fitness leaders throughout Canada, Australia, Mexico, Jamaica, New Zealand, Germany, England, Spain, South America, Asia and the U.S. She is the owner of Northwest Personal Training in downtown Vancouver, the founder of WHY Racing Events & WHY Community, participates in various community fundraisers and can be found running, biking, or hiking around the community. Find more information at nwpersonaltraining.com.