Do You Ever Feel Sluggish After Eating? Here’s How Some Gentle Movement Can Help!

We've all been there: You finish a big, delicious meal only to feel that food coma hit you within 30 minutes. Your body, being nice and full, becomes super sluggish and ready for a nice long nap. Instead of heading straight for the couch, you might consider adding a little post-meal activity to your routine. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by how much better you'll feel!

Here are five reasons to incorporate gentle movement after eating and five easy ideas to get you going:

5 Reasons to Add Post-Meal Movement to Your Routine

1. Improves Digestion

When you move after eating, you help your digestive system do its job more efficiently. Gentle activities like walking or light stretching encourage the muscles in your gastrointestinal tract to work more effectively, helping food move better through your digestive system. This can reduce that uncomfortable bloated feeling and make you feel lighter and more energized.

2. Helps Regulate Your Blood Sugar

Engaging in light exercise after a meal can help stabilize your blood sugar levels. This is especially important for anyone looking to maintain steady energy levels throughout the day. A short walk or a bit of yard work can help your muscles use some of the glucose from your meal, reducing the spike in blood sugar that can happen after eating.

3. Boosts Your Metabolism

By adding some post-meal movement, you can give your metabolism a little boost. Activities that get you moving—even lightly—can increase your metabolic rate and help your body burn calories more effectively. Your waistline will thank you for it.

4. Reduces Bloating and Gas

Let’s face it, no one likes to deal with bloating or nasty smelling gas after a meal. Unless you are my sons. What is it with boys and farting??!!! All kidding aside, moving your body after a meal helps reduce these uncomfortable (and smelly) symptoms by encouraging the digestive process and preventing the buildup of gas in your stomach and intestines and preventing that uncomfortable “stuffed” feeling.

5. Improves Mood

There’s a reason why movement is often recommended as a way to boost mood and energy. Physical activity, even in small doses, releases endorphins—your body’s natural feel-good chemicals. So, after a meal, instead of sinking into the sofa for that long nappy nap, try putting on some music and dancing around your living room. You’ll likely find that your mood lifts and you feel more energized and ready to take on the rest of your day.

5 Easy Ways to Get Moving After a Meal

I’ve mentioned some of these above already, but to give you a list, here are five easy ways to incorporate a little movement after eating:

1. Go for a Walk

A simple walk around the block is one of the easiest ways to aid digestion and get your body moving. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to get some fresh air, connect with neighbors and clear your mind.

2. Go for a Neighborhood Bike Ride

Hop on your bike and take a leisurely ride around your neighborhood. This low-impact exercise is great for your muscles and can be a lot of fun – just like when you were a kid!

3. Do Some Yard Work

Put on your gardening gloves and head outside. Whether you’re pulling weeds, planting flowers, or raking leaves, light yard work is a productive way to get moving and burn off some post-meal energy.

4. Toss a Ball with Your Kids or Dog

Playing a game of catch or tossing a frisbee with your kids or dog can be a fun way to stay active. It’s a simple way to enjoy quality time with your loved ones while also helping your body digest your meal.

5. Put Music On and Dance

Turn up your favorite playlist and have a mini dance party. Dancing is a fantastic way to lift your spirits and get your blood flowing without even realizing you’re exercising. My family loves to put on Latin music or some good 80’s tunes. It gets us all moving, smiling and the kids get a kick out of my husband's terrible dance moves LOL

Final Thoughts

Incorporating gentle movement after you eat doesn’t have to be complicated (or time-consuming). Just choose activities that you enjoy and that easily fit into your already busy routine. When you do this,  you’ll reap the benefits of better digestion, regulated blood sugar, a boosted metabolism, reduced bloating, and an improved mood. So next time you finish a meal, think twice before plopping down on the couch—your body will thank you!

Shine bright today,
Carolina