100 Steps After Eating
Seven days. See what happens.
One hundred steps. About five minutes. Right after lunch.
That's the whole experiment! And I'm going to tell you something that might make your afternoon make a lot more sense.
In Ayurveda this practice is called Shatapawali (which literally translates to a hundred steps). It gently stokes your digestive fire after your biggest meal, helps move food through your system, and prevents that heavy sluggish feeling that makes you want to face-plant on your desk by 2pm.
And modern science? Completely agrees. Even a short gentle walk after eating helps regulate blood sugar, improves insulin sensitivity, and kickstarts your metabolism. Your body was literally designed to move after meals, not sit back down at a laptop.
Before you say you don't have time: a hundred steps takes about five minutes. Walk to get water. Walk around the block. March in circles in your kitchen if you have to. It all counts.
Keep it easy and gentle. This is digestion support, not exercise. Vigorous movement right after eating actually pulls energy away from digestion. Slow and easy is the whole point.
Seven days. Notice your afternoon energy. Notice that post-lunch slump — does it shift? Notice whether you're still reaching for coffee at 3pm.
Your afternoons might never be the same. 🫶🏼
The Method
When: Right after lunch.
How many: About 100 steps. Roughly 5 minutes of easy walking
Pace: Gentle and easy. This is digestion support not exercise. A stroll not a stride.
Where: Anywhere counts. Outside is lovely. Around your office works. Up and down your hallway qualifies. Marching in your kitchen is completely valid. 😄
Duration: Seven days. Every day after lunch
What to notice: Your energy in the hour after lunch. That afternoon slump — does it shift or disappear? Your focus and clarity in the afternoon. Whether your 3pm coffee craving quietly starts to fade.
Watch for: Keep it gentle. Vigorous exercise right after eating pulls blood flow away from your digestive organs and actually slows digestion down. Easy is the whole point. If you have mobility challenges do what you can. Even standing and gentle movement after a meal makes a difference.
Free 7-Day Tracking Sheet
Track your observations, set your intention, and reflect at the end of the week.
"Your body is always talking. This is how you start listening."
Did you try this experiment?
Share what shifted — in your body, your energy, your mornings.
What did you notice after 7 days? Drop a comment on this week's Instagram post or send me a note at megan@meganhively.com
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