Many of us think that losing weight means sweating it out in the gym for hours or sticking to tough crash diets that leave us hungry and tired. But honestly, that’s not the only way. Sometimes, it’s the small, simple things that make the biggest difference. Like taking a walk after dinner. It sounds easy, and that’s exactly why it works. Evening walks aren’t just relaxing, they actually help in maintaining your overall health. Must be wondering how, right? We got in touch with an expert who shares insights.
How walking after meals helps your body
Dr. Deepika Tavade, Senior Physiotherapist at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Navi Mumbai, says, “Walking briskly after eating helps your digestion and controls blood sugar levels. This can stop those sudden sugar spikes and crashes that make you crave unhealthy snacks.” When you avoid these cravings, you naturally eat less, which helps in losing weight without the stress of dieting.
Burning calories the easy way
A 30-minute brisk walk in the evening burns around 150 calories. Along with a balanced diet, this can help you lose weight over time. Creating this calorie deficit is key to losing weight. Plus, walking is gentle on your body and easy to stick with compared to tough gym sessions.
Better sleep means better weight control
Evening walks also improve sleep quality, which is very important for weight management. Dr. Tavade explains, “Good sleep helps your metabolism and hormone balance stay healthy, which affects your body weight.” Walking also helps reduce stress after a busy day. Since stress often leads to emotional eating, lowering it can prevent extra snacking.
A 2017 study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that light to moderate activity after meals helps control blood sugar and reduces fat storage. Another 2022 study in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health showed that people who walked after dinner burned more fat overnight than those who stayed inactive.
One of the best things about evening walks is how simple they are to include in your routine. You don’t need special equipment, and they don’t take much time. Whether you walk alone, with a friend, or listen to music or a podcast, it can be a peaceful way to end your day.
Losing weight doesn’t always mean hard workouts or strict diets. Sometimes, small habits like an evening walk can bring big changes. So, after your next meal, try putting on your shoes and going for an evening walk. It might just be the easiest way to get healthier and lose those extra pounds.
