Photo by QUENTIN TOP/Hans Lucas
Here’s What To Do After a Big Holiday Meal, According to Experts
With Thanksgiving right around the corner, many people are gearing up to indulge in holiday favorites — from mashed potatoes to creamy mac and cheese and everything in between.
“Thanksgiving is one of the most iconic holidays, and food is a great thing, but it doesn’t have to be this all-or-nothing mindset,” says Dr. Ian Smith, physician and author of Eat Your Age, speaking to Today.
According to Smith, one of the most beneficial things you can do after a large holiday meal is surprisingly simple, take a short walk. “You’ve got to move if you can,” he adds.
Even just a few minutes can make a difference, and Smith suggests turning it into a group activity to make it even more enjoyable.
Emma Laing, PhD, RDN, a national spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the director of dietetics at the University of Georgia, also highlighted the added benefits of walking after a large meal in an interview with VerywellFit.
“Walking after eating can stimulate blood flow throughout the body and can help the stomach and intestines digest food at a faster rate versus being sedentary,” said Laing.
She added, “When the process of digestion is aided in this way, there is less time for gasses to build up in the presence of undigested food in the GI tract, bowel movements occur more regularly, and there is a reduced risk for conditions like bloating, heartburn, cramping, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, and even colorectal cancer.”
If stepping outside isn’t an option, Smith recommends any light movement to help digestion. Cleaning up the kitchen, doing dishes, or even playing with pets all count as NEAT (non-exercise activity thermogenesis) which refers to physical activity that isn’t structured exercise.
“All of that movement can help,” he explains.
NEAT-friendly activities include:
- Tidying up the table
- Storing leftovers
- Washing dishes
- Walking up and down the stairs
And while these small actions can support your body after a big meal, it’s important to recognize what really matters during the holiday season: enjoying the company of loved ones and soaking in the moments together.
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