7 post-meal mistakes that make you gain weight. Stop now!

What do you do after a healthy meal? While we all think a lot about what goes into our stomachs, what we don’t realize is that our poor post-meal habits are too much for our stomachs to handle. Even if you’re eating a healthy meal, your post-meal routine can still negatively affect your health. Your digestive system plays a crucial role in your overall health and how you treat it after eating. If you wonder why your health isn’t excellent and why you can’t lose weight despite eating healthy, you may be making the following mistakes.
Read too: What to do after eating oily foods – 10 ways to recover from the effects

Here are 7 things you should avoid after meals for good health:

1. Gymnastics and heavy exercise

Exercising right after a meal is not a good idea. Nutritionist Anju Sood explains: “Your body uses a lot of energy during digestion, and intense physical activity can divert blood away from the stomach, making the digestion process more difficult.” It is essential to give your body time to digest food before starting strenuous exercise. A leisurely walk is the best option to help with digestion without exerting yourself too much.

2. Smoking

We’re giving you another one to kick ass. Smoking immediately after a meal is harmful to your health. “The nicotine in cigarettes binds to oxygen in the blood and is absorbed more quickly during digestion. This not only affects lung health but also disrupts the natural digestive process,” nutritionist Anju Sood. If you’re looking for another reason to kick the smoking habit, this is it.

3. Drink tea

It’s natural to crave a calming cup of tea right after a meal. Tea, especially black tea, contains tannins, which interfere with the body’s ability to absorb iron. This can lead to reduced absorption of nutrients from the meal, especially if it is rich in iron. To avoid this interference, it is advisable to wait at least 30 minutes after eating before enjoying your favorite drink.

4. Taking a shower

A relaxing bath may be tempting after a satisfying meal, but it may not be the best thing to do. When you take a bath, the blood around your stomach tends to flow to other parts of your body, slowing down the digestion process. It is best to take a shower before and much later, after you have digested your food well.

5. Nap

It’s natural to feel sleepy after a large meal, especially in the afternoon. You should know that when you sleep, your body continues to work hard to process the food you have consumed. This can lead to indigestion and potentially contribute to weight gain over time.

6. Consume fruit immediately

Fruits are undeniably healthy, but they require different enzymes to digest compared to other foods. If you consume fruit immediately after a meal, its fiber may not be digested properly. To ensure efficient digestion and maximize the nutritional benefits of fruit, consider eating it as a separate snack between meals or at least 30 minutes before your main meal.

7. Feeling guilty

Last but not least, avoid feeling guilty about your food choices. Beating yourself up about what you ate can lead to a cycle of deprivation and binge eating, which is unhealthy for your physical and mental well-being. Instead, focus on making balanced food choices and practicing moderation.
Read too: Feeling bloated after every meal? 5 effective remedies to try

What should you do after a meal

Now that we’ve discussed what to avoid after eating, let’s explore some positive actions you can take to support digestion and overall well-being. Nutritionist Simrat Kathuria, in an Instagram post, shared some post-meal tips that we should follow.

1. Just Relax and Relax:

Don’t be too hard on yourself about your indulgent meals. Excessive guilt can lead to unhealthy eating patterns. Instead, practice mindfulness and moderation.

2. Go for a walk:

A gentle walk 30 minutes after a meal can stimulate digestion and help regulate blood sugar levels. It’s a simple and effective way to help your body process the food you’ve consumed.

3. Avoid Carbonated Drinks:

Carbonated drinks can fill the digestive system with gas, causing bloating. Opt for plain water or herbal tea to stay hydrated.

4. Stand straight:

Avoid lying down or taking a nap immediately after eating, as this can slow digestion and worsen acid reflux. Engage in light activities or sit upright to support the digestive process.

Go ahead and enjoy a delicious meal, but be mindful of what you do afterwards to ensure you live a healthy life.

(This content, including advice, provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV takes no responsibility for this information.)