For many people, dinner is the biggest meal of the day. After a long day behind you and (hopefully) eight hours of sleep ahead of you, feeling satiated is a priority for many of us. However, eating a large meal can also leave us feeling discomfort from fullness that you’d like to curb before hitting the hay; enter the post-dinner walk. “People around the world have been going on walks after dinner for centuries,” explains David Chesworth, certified personal trainer. 

“There’s a Chinese proverb that says ‘If you take 100 steps after each meal, you’ll live to 99,’” he says. “Studies over the years have found that going for a 15-minute walk after dinner can regulate blood sugar levels and improve digestion; it can also improve your mood and boost your energy.” If you find yourself stuffed after dinner but struggle to take action, consider these three benefits of walking post-meal—and why it’s so effective.