The family is together, football is on TV, and there is a bountiful feast in plain sight. After enjoying a carb-centric, calorically-dense meal, most people feel like they want to burst. Exercise is usually the last thing people think about, but that’s not true for everyone. Some people feel like they need to counterbalance the excess calories they consume. People choose to do that leading up to the big feats, while others decide to engage in post-Thanksgiving activity.
Before we recommend some beneficial workouts after Thanksgiving, allow us to highlight the importance of movement. Research indicates that there are many benefits to moving the body after a heavy, large meal. Exercise helps to improve digestion, boost metabolism, and prevent bloating. That is because it gets the muscles in the digestive system working, which helps the body process food more efficiently. Continue reading to learn more about the benefits and then which exercises are best to do after Thanksgiving.
Elevated Mood
Exercise triggers the release of endorphins, which are mood-boosting chemicals in the brain. Engaging in physical activity after a big meal can help combat post-meal fatigue, while simultaneously improving mental clarity and promoting a better sense of well-being.
Reduced Risk Of Chronic Disease
According to research, regular exercise helps reduce the risk of several chronic health conditions, including heart disease, certain cancers, and type 2 diabetes. Exercising after heavy meals can help contribute to an overall healthier lifestyle. Being healthier helps reduce your risk of developing these diseases in the long run. Just remember to listen to the body and choose exercises that are comfortable but slightly challenging. A combination of aerobic and strength is ideal!
Improved Digestion
As stated earlier in this article, exercising after a heavy meal can stimulate digestion by encouraging blood flow to the digestive system. Increasing blood flow aids the absorption and transportation of nutrients, which may help reduce the discomfort of bloating.
Blood Sugar Regulation
After consuming a heavy meal, it is very common for blood sugar levels to rise. Exercise may help regulate blood sugar by increasing insulin sensitivity, which allows the body to use glucose more efficiently. That is especially beneficial for people with insulin resistance or diabetes.
Improved Metabolism
Exercise may temporarily boost the body’s metabolic rate, which means that it burns more calories efficiently. Exercising after a meal may result in a greater calorie burn, which can help prevent excess weight gain.
After indulging in a Thanksgiving feast, consider a few workouts that help alleviate bloating and provide comfort. Gentle movement is essential! Stretching and walking can help relieve gastrointestinal discomfort while burning calories. Two post-Thanksgiving gentle exercises are as follows:
Walking Or Light Jogging
Both walking and light jogging can help burn calories while also allowing people to enjoy fresh air. A post-meal walk not only supports digestion, but it also helps reduce bloating. Aim to walk at a somewhat brisk pace for 30 minutes for the most benefits. Begin at a slower pace to warm up and then increase speed after three to five minutes. Whether walking or light jogging, maintain a comfortable pace and avoid stomping and unnecessary impact on the joints. Keep the body in line and elbows tight to the body. Don’t forget to cool down with some stretching after the walk or jog, which actually brings us to the next point.
Stretching And Yoga
There are various stretches and gentle yoga postures that help encourage optimal digestion. Some research indicates that certain yoga poses can help enhance digestion, relieve bloating, and promote relaxation. Child’s pose has proven to be especially beneficial for the digestive system, and it also stretches the back and abdomen. Forward fold is another gentle stretch that targets the lower back and hamstrings, promoting blood flow to the digestive system in the process. Don’t push the body too much during stretching and avoid inverted poses after a large meal, as that can cause acid reflux or nausea.
