In his podcast Just One Thing, health guru Michael Mosley, recommended embarking on a brisk walk for at least 30 minutes in the early morning.
According to the expert, the simple morning ritual not only promotes healthy living but also weight loss, and can help slimmers burn fat faster.
Walking daily not only helps in calorie burn but getting out in the morning light is crucial for keeping your sleep patterns in check.
He explained: “As well as waking you up, bright outdoor light helps to reset your body clock, which in turn helps to regulate hunger, mood, body temperature and all sorts of other important bodily processes.
“Light levels outdoors are at least 10 times brighter than inside your house, and when this light hits sensors at the back of your eyes, this sends messages to a part of your brain called the pituitary gland, ordering it to stop producing the hormone melatonin.
“Melatonin is known as the ‘hormone of darkness’ because rising levels in the evening help put you to sleep at night. Studies have shown strong links between poor sleep and weight gain, so maintaining a healthy snoozing schedule is crucial for shedding pounds.”
For optimal benefits, Mosley suggests a minimum of a 30-minute walk each morning. Yet, he notes that even a brief stroll can make a positive difference to your health.
He continued: “As well as exposing you to lots of light, any walk – short, long, fast or slow – will strengthen muscles and bones, reduce joint and muscular pain, burn a few calories and increase energy levels.”
The Mayo Clinic explained that physical activity, such as walking, “is important for weight control because it helps you burn calories”.
“If you add 30 minutes of brisk walking to your daily routine, you could burn about 150 more calories a day. Of course, the more you walk and the quicker your pace, the more calories you’ll burn.”
They added: “A combination of physical activity and cutting calories seems to help with weight loss more than does exercise alone.”
Sarah Carter is a health and wellness expert residing in the UK. With a background in healthcare, she offers evidence-based advice on fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being, promoting healthier living for readers.
