The average American consumes 2,092 calories for Thanksgiving dinner. People pile their plates high with turkey, stuffing, potatoes, and pie. Afterward, most of us head to the couch for a movie and await the impending food coma. This year, a new trend has risen in popularity. While hilarious, it could actually help you digest your large meal and bond with the ones you love. Don’t knock it until you try it! Here is why you should consider starting a “fart walk” Thanksgiving tradition.
1. Digest Your Feast with Ease
For those not in the know, the concept of the “fart walk” was introduced in a viral video earlier this year. TikTok creator Mairlyn Smith talked about how she takes a walk with her husband after dinner every night. During their evening stroll, both of them just start ripping farts. Doing this has helped relieve bloating after meals, leaving them feeling lighter and just in a better mood.
It has some real-life benefits though. SELF reported that a post-dinner fart walk can actually improve your digestion. It boosts the movement of your intestines and pushes gas through your system, relieving potential discomfort. On days like Thanksgiving where you ingest a lot of food, it can be especially beneficial.
2. Embrace the Humor
Let’s face it, the concept of going on a “fart walk” with the family is hilarious. That’s kind of the point! You’re enjoying time with your family and friends that day anyway. Why not add some laughs into the mix? A fart walk can encourage everyone to loosen up a bit (in more ways than one).
3. Avoid the Food Coma
Many people hit a wall after consuming their Thanksgiving feast. Food coma can be tough. Your body redirects blood flow to aid digestion and it leaves you feeling tired and sluggish. A fart walk can actually help combat these feelings. The light exercise can boost your energy levels and help you stay awake for the rest of the festivities.
4. Spend Quality Time Outdoors
Most of the Thanksgiving Day festivities are indoors. You likely spend most of the day in the kitchen or dining room. Adding a fart walk into your Thanksgiving traditions can help everyone get outside and get some fresh air. This can do wonders for your mood and overall well-being. Taking a break from indoor activities can help everyone feel recharged and ready for whatever you’ve got planned next.
5. Create New Traditions
A fart walk can be a humorous and helpful tradition to add to your Thanksgiving celebration each year. It may start as a joke, but you might find it becomes a cherished part of the holiday. You can bond with family members, chat with each other, and just enjoy the outdoors together. During your walk, you might catch up with some of your family members you don’t get to see often and share stories. Who knows? This lighthearted tradition might become something everyone looks forward to each year.
6. Boost Your Mental and Physical Health
Fart walks are meant to be fun, but there are some genuine health benefits to doing this. Post-meal walks have been shown to help regulate your blood sugar. It also assists with bloating and can improve your overall cardiovascular health. The spurt of exercise will also release endorphins that can pick up your mood and reduce any stress you might be feeling. Sometimes Thanksgiving can be stressful, and a fart walk can help everyone decompress and focus on what really matters: spending time with each other (and farting).
Walk Off the Feast and Enjoy the Fun
Rather than retreating to the couch after your Thanksgiving meal, consider adding a fart walk into your holiday traditions. It is not only a free, lighthearted activity for the whole family, but it has genuine health benefits. Grab your family and friends and head outside after your feast. Your stomach will thank you!