As she explains it, if you’re getting a massive influx of sugar—for example, you drink a Coca-Cola on an empty stomach, which delivers 30 grams of sugar straight to your bloodstream—a post-meal walk isn’t going to be as effective. If you sipped the soda with a source of protein, healthy fat, or fiber, though, you’ll experience less of a spike. “The fibers help to blunt the response of glucose by taking longer to cleave, digest and absorb,” Amaral says. Looking to pair your treats wisely?