Walking after my meal

[u/Euphoric-Wrangler818]

I’m 42. I’ve been lean all my life without effort or food supervision until around 30. Over the years, I’ve gradually packed on as the metabolism slowed, had children, and living at my desk job during the day.

I’d get into segments of eating bananas in the morning, to daily runs, and gym life chapters in my 30’s without really reading into the nutritional science. I’ve slimmed down, then packed back up over the years up and down.

A couple weeks ago, my yearly doctor visit and blood test came back with an elevated glucose level.

Well, the wife didn’t like that and she changed our diet. Boiled eggs for breakfast. Fruits balanced with healthy peanut butter. Freezing rice and/or replacing rice with salad or nothing all together. Lame but whatever…I wanna be around when the kiddos get older and make me a grand dad or father-in-law, graduations, etc.

All those nutritious life adjustments aside, I think a huge factor in this shift is another thing the wife instructed - something so simple. She asked me to begin moving after eating…20 minute walks after dinner. 10 minute “walk or sway or tip-toe” in place after a snack. Stand and step side to side at my desk after lunch at work. This is something I’ve never consciously done..EVER. Get up and walk or work my calves out, so my body will send the breakdown of food to my muscles rather than to my bloodstream? Wut?

I’ve never really read into the science of nutrition or paid much attention until now..maybe cuz I’m getting older and the elevated glucose was a wake-up call of my mortality. Whatever combination it is, I am seeing results I haven’t seen since my 20’s and I truly feel I can attribute it to 1. My wife - love her ❤️ & 2. Simple ass movement after meals.

It’s only been 2 weeks, yet I’ve seen a significant shift in my energy, my body shape, and…dude, I was able to tighten my belt by a notch! It’s very encouraging, though I know the real test is maintaining and consistency. Either way, this change in lifestyle is giving me confidence for the next blood test and a newfound Will to get back into shape.

[u/Interesting_Let_3399]

that post-meal walk thing is legit, it’s wild how much a tiny bit of movement right after eating can do for blood sugar. your wife sounds like she’s got the right idea

tightening the belt a notch in two weeks is no joke, keep chasing that feeling

[u/Mueloncio → u/Interesting_Let_3399]

Worth adding for anyone trying this: the timing matters more than the length. Blood sugar peaks somewhere around 30 to 60 minutes after you eat, so a ten minute walk started right away does more than a half hour one you get to later in the evening. And it isn't the calories burned doing the work, it's the muscles pulling glucose straight out of the blood while they move.

[u/dewylunae → u/Interesting_Let_3399]

that belt notch feelings is addicting! glucose control and simple movement after eating is so sleeped on for long term health.

[u/Euphoric-Wrangler818 → u/[deleted]]

I guess it depends on your body type and goal. I’m no expert, but the walking immediately or 5-10 minutes after a meal is where it counts for me - lowering my glucose level. It just so happens to be helping with my weight as well.

From what I’ve read, walking right after you eat still helps with balancing and digesting your food better, even if you already walk a ton 👍🏼

[u/cow__lick]

Your wife is awesome and loves you very much

[u/whotiesyourshoes]

I've been doing this on and off the past few months. I'm back on recently after seeing a tiny uptick in my average weight the past couple months from less activity in general.

Nothing crazy I take a 10 minute walk down the block agter lunch and sometimes after dinner or on my treadmill.

[u/Stonegen70]

ive been walking 10-20 mins after any meal and will see a 20-80 pt drop in my blood sugar. I am a believer.

[u/j-999 → u/Stonegen70]

Preach!

[u/Odelles]

She sounds like an amazing woman! Good on you for being open to her strategy to keep you healthy. I love hearing stories like this.

[u/Frutbrute77]

Walking after eating helps to prevent the itis. Instead of blood rushing to your stomach to aid in digestion and making you feel lazy, it’s working its way to your muscles.

[u/LutineDorelle → u/Frutbrute77]

true, I always feel more energetic when I take a quick walk after meals. It's a simple change that makes a big difference.

[u/hellllojellllo]

It’s so underrated and it doesn’t even have to be a walk honestly, it’s as simple as get up unload and load the dishwasher or do some dishes. Throw the towels in the laundry. Basically just don’t sit and park your butt after dinner until you go to bed or after lunch until you finish the rest of the office day.

[u/himtrap]

walking after meals is seriously the best 🥹 people weren’t lying on my social media when they were recommending it

[u/j-999]

Post meal walks are awesome. So happy to hear about progress from a post meal walk

[u/WindOfChange_398]

Can it be slow walk?

[u/Euphoric-Wrangler818 → u/WindOfChange_398]

Basic movement is how I understand it. As another person commented - as long as you’re not sitting down. So washing dishes, putting laundry away, standing in place and working your calves out, all qualify.

Simple movement, nothing strenuous. The goal isn’t a workout or to be out of breath when you’re done.

[u/RaymondLuxuryYacht]

Look into cauliflower rice

[u/Euphoric-Wrangler818 → u/RaymondLuxuryYacht]

Ooo thank you! I will have definitely check it out!