Morning vs evening walk: Which one is best for weight loss? | XpertsReviews.com

Walking has become an essential routine to stay fit and prevent serious health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular diseases. Walking is also considered a relaxing and easy approach to lose weight and improve your mood. Although walking replaces less labor-intensive activities, the age-old debate between morning and evening walks continues to intrigue fitness fanatics. So, in the morning or evening walk debate, here are all the pros and cons to help you decide which one is best for your weight loss goals.

What is a morning walk?

“A morning walk is a simple yet effective way to start your day. It involves taking a stroll outside, usually early in the morning. This daily routine has been enjoyed for generations due to its many health benefits. Morning walks offer a holistic approach to your well-being, boosting energy levels and mood, while also aiding in weight management and stress reduction,” says fitness expert Yash Agarwal.

Is a morning walk good for weight loss?

Morning walks can be a powerful tool in your weight loss journey. Here’s how:

1. Boosts metabolism and energy

Exercising early in the day boosts your metabolism, helping you burn calories more efficiently throughout the day, according to a study published in the Journal of Environmental PsychologyPeople who walked 20 minutes outside felt more vibrant and energetic than those who walked 20 minutes indoors.

2. Helps burn calories

Walking, even at a moderate pace, burns calories. The more you walk, the more calories you burn. According to a 2014 study published in the Journal of Nutrition and Exercise BiochemistryIt helped burn fat and reduce waist size in obese women.

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3. Helps control appetite

“Morning walks can help regulate appetite hormones. This can lead to reduced cravings and healthier food choices throughout the day,” the expert says. So if you love snacking but want to shed pounds at the same time, a morning walk can help reduce your cravings throughout the day.

Other benefits of morning walking

Here are some of the potential benefits of a morning walk:

1. Improves mental health

A morning walk can help you gain mental clarity and focus throughout the day. A recent study published in British Sports Journal found that older adults who started their day with a morning walk had better cognitive performance than those who remained inactive.

2. Strengthens muscles

Walking can help strengthen your leg muscles. For best results, walk at a moderate to brisk pace. “Try to include variations like stair climbing, walking up and down hills, or walking on an incline on a treadmill. To tone your muscles, do leg-strengthening activities like squats and lunges several times a week,” suggests the expert.

Also read: Walking on an incline to lose weight: why and how to do it

What is an evening walk?

An evening walk is an easy walk taken at the end of the day, usually after sunset. It is a normal practice that helps you relax, exercise, and unwind after a long day. Evening walks are often relaxing and can be enjoyed alone, with family, or with friends.

Is an evening walk good for weight loss?

While morning walks have their benefits, evening walks can also be effective for weight loss. Here’s how:

1. Helps burn calories

Walking, like any other physical exercise, burns calories. An evening stroll can help you burn more calories for the day. A study published in the Diabetes Care Journal I found that evening exercises help you lose weight and protect you from various health problems.

2. Helps digestion

“Walking after dinner can help stimulate digestion and prevent indigestion. It can also help prevent weight gain. It can help with better nutrient absorption and potentially prevent overeating,” the expert says.

3. Reduces smoking cravings

If you like to eat and watch movies late at night, start an evening walk to keep all the calories from piling up. Taking an evening walk can also help you manage late-night snacking cravings.

Also read: Not the early bird type? Try night walks to lose weight

Other benefits of an evening walk

Here are some notable benefits of an evening walk.

1. Regulates blood sugar levels

After eating a meal, blood sugar levels rise, especially if the meal contains a lot of carbohydrates. This is a temporary increase in blood sugar. In a person who does not have diabetes, the body produces insulin. Insulin lowers blood sugar and helps keep it under control. According to a study published in the Nutrient JournalThe timing of walking influences postprandial blood glucose, that is, blood glucose levels after a meal. Data indicate that a short walk after a meal lowers blood glucose levels more than a walk before a meal.

2. Improves sleep

“Good sleep is necessary because your body needs rest. Sleeping poorly or insufficiently can harm your health. A daily evening walk promotes relaxation and better sleep while reducing stress,” explains the expert.

3. Keep stress at bay!

After a long day, there’s nothing like a walk to clear your head and relax. Evening walks help work muscles you don’t use much during the day. A 10-minute walk can help calm your body and mind while reducing stress and anxiety, according to a study published in the journal Health promotion and perspectives. A 30-minute walk will leave you feeling refreshed and invigorated. Walking in the evening also has the added benefit of improving your mood.

Morning or evening walk: which is better for losing weight?

Morning walks can boost your metabolism, control hunger, and boost your energy. Evening walks help you burn calories, improve digestion, and relieve stress. However, the best time to walk depends entirely on your daily routine. Consistency is key, so pick a time of day that you are most likely to stick to and stick to it. Also, remember that any kind of physical activity, including walking, is great for weight management when combined with a balanced diet. So walking is beneficial whether you do it in the morning or in the evening.