Short walks after meals–15 minutes (’round the block’)–help with digestion and lowering sugar levels.
So says Diabetics UK, reporting on a study carried out at George Washington University. It found these walks particularly beneficial to older adults at a high risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes.
The report recommends a walk after every meal–i.e. three a day–ambitious!
Nonetheless we took the hint and made a start.
We set out on a short walk with the two “rascals”, Beau and Ben, after supper—
though with is pushing it a bit….
(A post-prandial it used to be called when I was growing up.)
After a bouncy start Beau developed a lumpen plod, tail down “wish I hadn’t come on this stupid walk” attitude, like a recalcitrant teenager–every step taken under protest.
Ben played the game and entertained with moments of sleek black speed running–effortless elegance.
They both made it to the turn-around point–the entrance to our neighbors’ property–and were visibly bucked when they clocked that the return journey was downhill all the way.
OK not so bad this post prandialating!
The next night we took a different route.
Down the field opposite–late sunflower plants just breaking the surface and garlic high–about to be harvested.
Both cats were happier with the new downward trajectory.
They reached the stream at the bottom of the field in leaps and bounds–downhill racers.
Then a right turn, following the line of the stream towards the road–on the flat. Oh so happy cats!
OK not so bad this post prandialating!
Ben on safari stalking through the garlic shoots–Beau rear–guarding, not sure what the game is.
Then they hit the road again–going uphill.
Oh dear–what goes down has to climb up–end of frolic–might give it a miss tomorrow–all very well this post prandialating; might be good for those old folks….
Well the old folks are profiting nicely from these short perambulations–thanks very much my beauties. Sleeping more deeply for one thing!
Last night the rascals made an appearance in the driveway as we set off, but it’s clear that their reluctance to go the distance is growing in the same proportion as our enthusiasm for it.
Beau was lying in the road waiting for us as we came back and Ben was doing mini streaks along the cemetery wall.
Each to their own!
Robin Ellis 
What a lovely story, dear Robin. Thank you! Have you ever considered to gather all your writings in one volume? It would make an excellent reading. I can almost see those two rascals climbing that hill at snail pace and then bouncing back downhill… Cats are very wise and calculating creatures. They “measure” their ability. This almost always applies to their climbing up and down the trees. I’ve yet to see a cat falling out of a tree and injuring itself. As far as those walks after meals are concerned it’s without a doubt a very healthy way to keep all ills at bay. But what to do if the legs refuse to walk?
That’s a problem, Odette!–you could try gentle persuasion or distract them with a displacement activity like a roam among the wild flowers!
I like the idea of a post-prandial walk. I used exactly those words a few years ago when visiting with friends in Chicago — and they looked at me as if I had five heads! I told them, “Look it up!” They did. And we still talk about it sometimes.
You have a talent for storytelling – as well as acting – Robin. I always enjoy reading tales of your sojourns, experiences or impressions which transport us all along on your journeys with you! Very entertaining….Have you thought of maintaining a local newspaper column?
Our local newspaper is in french!
Haha! Sounds like the Shetland pony, Junior, I used to ride. He was nearly 30, but still as determined as a ever. We’d ride up to the field near the highway, with him plodding along: “Can we go home, yet?” But once we actually got into the field, he’d gallop at top speed to get to the best grass (sometimes stopping so abruptly I’d fly over his head!) Then, when it was time to leave, forget it: “Do we HAVE to?” He’d walk as slowly as possible, again, until we were down the road from the barn, where he’d be hard to rein in again!! Practically trot right back into his stall!! He was a sweet boy, that Junior!!
HI Robin,
Thank you for this post it was lovely to read after a hectic day at work.
Beau and Ben are very good looking boys and I’m sure they really enjoyed their little jaunts……albeit until the going got a little tough!!
Not sure that my three boys Biscuit, Rebus and Morse would welcome a walk after dinner. Maybe I’ll have to force the issue and buy three walking leads……maybe not.
Ha dear Robin keep up the walking, it’s good sweet pussycats. Hmm puske puske is very interested likes the pictures too (lol).
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Ha. When you mentioned the word “catwalk” on Twitter, I thought of Dior and Chanel in Paris! Nice to see your cats walk round with you. Our cat, Herbie used to follow me too and quite a distance from the house.
I like the photos.
What lovely boys! We live in a city and our nine are strictly indoor cats, but I dearly love to see cats free to wander outside. My father’s cat used to pace him outside, Daddy would walk along knowing his cat was a few feet away, trying hard not to be seen!
Uphill tonight–they were waiting when we returned!
Hi Robin I enjoy reading your columns .and the using the recipes . I am so pleased to see the boys are back. Beau has grown into a very handsome lad. Unfortunately my own pussycat Miss Minnie a very beautiful British Blue passed away last Christmas I miss her terribly so it’s lovely to see your family. It’s all very exciting here at moment the British Lions are here in Sydney for rugby test decider game this evening . It’s a sell out game . One game all. Go the Wallabies (sorry) When are we going to see you down under to do some cooking lessons? Anyway keep up the stories and recipes. Cheers Megan .PS Poldark fan
Sent from my iPad
Love to come down under one of these days–thanks Megan.
LIke the rest, I love your stories, and the photos are grand. You should gather your tales (tails?) into a collection. You do have a way with words.
I agree with Megan Davey–You should come down under & give some lessons & chats. –but you’ll have to ‘hop the ditch’ and also hit New Zealand. The NZ landscapes are worth all the travel. Again, thanks for the stories. And i’ll try those walks!
Thanks-love tho dive down under