Walking is a low impact activity, that reaps a host of health benefits. When done consistently and at the right pace, walking can also help you lose weight (with diet control), along with improving your digestion, toning muscles, strengthening your heart, and even reducing depression and anxiety. Most people prefer to walk early in the morning or late evening, depending on their work schedule and other factors. However, when it comes to weight loss, which slot is better and why? We dig deeper..
Morning
Walking in the morning, especially on an empty stomach, has a special advantage for weight loss. When you walk before breakfast, your body uses stored fat as the main source of energy because your blood sugar and insulin levels are low. This helps burn more fat compared to walking after meals. Morning walks also boost your metabolism, meaning your body continues to burn calories at a higher rate throughout the day.
Good for your internal clock
Another benefit is that morning walks help regulate your internal body clock, or circadian rhythm. This can improve sleep quality and reduce stress hormones like cortisol, which are linked to belly fat. Starting your day with a walk can also improve your mood and energy, setting a positive tone for the rest of the day.Morning walks tend to be easier to stick to because they are less likely to be interrupted by work or social plans, which can suddenly come up. Walking in the morning gets your daily exercise out of the way, so that you can concentrate and plan your day ahead better.
Evening
Evening walks have their own unique benefits. After a day of eating, walking in the evening helps with digestion and controls blood sugar levels. This is especially helpful for people who want to manage or prevent diabetes. Walking after dinner can prevent indigestion and reduce the risk of late-night snacking, which often leads to weight gain. You can also walk just before dinner and reap (more or less) the same benefits as a morning walk.
Cool temperature
The cooler temperatures and calm atmosphere in the evening make walking more pleasant for many people. Evening walks also help relieve stress and unwind from the day’s tension. Lower stress can reduce emotional eating and improve overall health.While evening walks may not burn fat as quickly as fasted morning walks, they still burn calories and contribute to weight loss. They can also improve sleep quality if done early enough, helping your body recover and maintain a healthy weight.
Which is more efficient
Both morning and evening walks can help you lose weight, but the efficiency depends on several factors:Fat Burning: Morning walks on an empty stomach encourage your body to burn stored fat, which can be more effective for weight loss.Metabolism: Morning walks boost metabolism early in the day, helping you burn more calories overall.Blood Sugar Control: Evening walks help regulate blood sugar after meals, reducing fat storage and improving digestion.Stress Relief: Evening walks reduce stress and prevent stress-related eating, which supports weight management.The actual calories burned during walking depend more on how fast you walk, how long you walk, and your body weight than on the time of day. So, walking briskly for 30 to 60 minutes is important regardless of when you do it.
Consistency is key
At the end of the day, it is important to walk consistently, and make it part of your routine, like eating and sleeping. Whether you choose to walk in the morning or evening, sticking to a regular routine is what makes the difference. Walking daily or most days of the week, combined with a balanced diet, will help you lose weight and keep it off.
