How does walking fit in as a nutrition strategy? Most of us associate walking with exercise and movement, not necessarily nutrition. However, walking can be a integral part of your nutrition strategy as well.
When I work with nutrition clients, we focus a lot on habits and routines. This is a great way to make sure the changes someone makes is something they will likely continue long term. Oftentimes those habits are not necessarily food related, but impact their nutrition success.
For example, if you are well rested and managing your stress, you are more likely to make better decisions about your nutrition.
If you are constantly in a sleep deficit, have low energy and high stress, you are more likely to make “quick/easy” choices like takeout or comfort foods that are not in line with your goals.
For some people getting into the habit of going to bed earlier has a trickle down effect to other areas of their life, like nutrition.
OK, I got it. Habits and routines affect nutrition, even if they are not food related.
How does walking fit in?
Many people struggle with their nutrition habits in the evening. They stick to their strategy and plan all day long. Yet at the end of the day they are tired and ready to relax. Whether it is a few more beers than they intended or extra foods to “treat” themselves, the habit to indulge prevails.
One of the best ways to stop a negative habit is to change your environment. Your regular environment can be full of triggers and associations to your current behaviors. For example, if your routine is to sit on the couch with a beer and watch some shows, you associate sitting on the couch or your favorite show with drinking a beer.
In that example, in order to stop the habit of drinking beer or having a treat, it will help to temporarily get away from the habit of sitting on the couch and watching a show.
This is where walking comes in. It’s that great time of year when the days are longer and the weather is nicer. Try going for a walk after dinner instead.
You can get some fresh air and experience a different way to “decompress” after a long day which will lower your stress levels.
While walking, you can mentally recommit to your health goals and plan what you will do when you return to the house.
Changing up your routine can make it easier to stop older, conflicting behaviors.
You will get some quality movement without taxing your system even more.
You can go alone or with family (or friends) allowing you either some quiet time or a chance to connect with people who are important to you.
If you have a dog, it will love you even more!
You will likely sleep better.
The list of benefits goes on.
Try going for a walk after dinner. It might just be the change you need to reinforce your positive nutrition habits.