I walked 22 minutes after dinner every day and it had this one surprising benefit

Research has shown that walking after a meal helps regulate our blood sugar levels, reduce sugar spikes and balance hunger levels, which can support weight loss if that's your goal.

But that's not all. A post-dinner walk can also aid with digestion, improve sleep and aid in overall wellbeing. With all these benefits, I decided to give it a go.

I set myself a challenge of walking for 22 minutes after dinner every day for 22 days and what I discovered surprised me. Here's what happened.

It was hard to get into a habit

The first few days were hard. I usually like to switch off after dinner, reaching for a piece of fruit, then a yogurt and maybe even a square (or two) of dark chocolate.

My new routine involved getting my sneakers on and getting out the door straight after my evening meal. I told myself I could then decide whether to have the snacks after my walk, but surprisingly, I never did.

It reduced my sugar cravings

After 22 days, I couldn’t believe how my post-dinner snack cravings had diminished. I returned from every walk looking forward to a herbal tea rather than a sugary treat, which helped me ease into my evening wind down.

My experience is shared by others, too. A study conducted by the University of Exeter showed that a brisk walk can curb cravings for high-calorie, sugary snacks.

It helped me hit my step goals and feel productive

In just 22 minutes, I managed to add an average of 2km and around 3,000 steps to my day. This took the pressure off my fitness goals, knowing that even if I hadn't moved much during my workday, it was OK. Rain or shine, I was going to hit the streets after dinner.

I also used the time to complete chores, like posting a letter or picking up groceries. Adding purpose to my walk, made it easier to stick to the challenge. I could then come home and relax into the evening knowing I'd been active and productive.