In Indian culture, the phrase "pair chhod ke" (resting the feet) is often associated with post-meal relaxation. However, lying down immediately after a heavy winter meal of gajar ka halwa or rich paneer dishes is a recipe for acidity and weight gain. This winter, health experts are reviving the concept of the "Shaat Ghoomna" (slow walk) as a natural digestive hack.
There’s a reason grandmothers suggested having a piece of turmeric or fennel after meals. These spices stimulate the secretion of digestive enzymes. However, movement does the same thing. When you walk, you engage the core muscles gently and promote peristalsis—the wave-like motions that push food through the digestive tract.
"The 15-minute walk is your mechanical enzyme," states fitness coach Rohan Desai. "In winter, our metabolic rate naturally drops. If you eat a high-calorie dinner and immediately sit on the sofa or lie down, that energy gets stored as fat. But a slow, mindful walk for just 15 minutes signals to the body that you are active, increasing the thermic effect of food (TEF). This means you burn a portion of those calories just through digestion."
The hack is to time the walk perfectly. Don't sprint; just amble. If you have eaten a heavy meal, wait 5 minutes to let the initial settling happen, then go for a stroll inside your home or around the block. This prevents the blood sugar spike that follows heavy winter carbs and mimics the carminative effect of natural spices, ensuring you sleep light and wake up fresh.
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