Walking After Meals: A Small Habit With Real Benefits

After a meal, your blood sugar rises as food is digested. Gentle movement helps your muscles use some of that sugar, so the rise is smaller and settles sooner. You don't need a workout: an easy 10 to 15 minute walk is enough.

Try it after your largest meal of the day first. Walk at a pace where you can still talk comfortably. If you can't go outside, walking around the house or climbing a few flights of stairs works too.

If you have diabetes, heart disease or take medicines that lower blood sugar, check with your doctor before changing your routine.