Improve Your Health With a Daily “Verdauungsspaziergang” — Why Walking After Meals is So Good for You

The Germans have a wonderful term, “Verdauungsspaziergang,” which translates to “digestion walk.” My wife, who is half German, introduced me to the habit of going for a leisurely stroll after eating, and I’ve stuck with it ever since.

The benefits of a post-meal walk are numerous. Walking helps stimulate the stomach and intestines, aiding digestion. It can also reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol.

Additionally, a brief walk of just 10–15 minutes after eating helps regulate blood sugar levels, preventing dangerous spikes that can lead to insulin resistance over time. Maintaining healthy blood sugar is key for avoiding prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.

Going for regular walks, even short ones after meals, can also promote healthy weight loss and management. The extra movement expends more calories, while helping curb appetite between meals. Walking is an easy way to create a calorie deficit for weight loss.

Finally, an evening stroll after dinner enhances the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. The mild exercise helps regulate circadian rhythms, making it easier to fall and stay asleep. With improved sleep quality, we awaken feeling more refreshed and energized.

While vigorous exercise like jogging right after eating can cause discomfort, a leisurely 10-minute walk is extremely beneficial.

Take a cue from the Germans and incorporate a “Verdauungsspaziergang” into your daily routine. You may be surprised by how much better you feel!

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