Walk, Eat Garlic, Repeat!

I’m not a fan of going to the gym. I don’t think I’ve ever had a gym membership for more than a week. Quite frankly I don’t find it engaging and feel that there are ways to keep active that’s easy on your wallet and mentally satisfying.

One of the best ways to improve insulin sensitivity, burn calories,prevent diabetes,  maintain a healthy weight, tone your legs/derriere and boost your metabolism is by taking long walks (or more steps). Not on the treadmill but outside! I like to aim to walk about 7-20 km a day. I especially walk more on the weekends! Whether it’s around my block, to a supermarket or around the city. Rain, snow or shine, it’s a natural way to get fit and clear your mind all at the same time. Plus it’s highly enjoyable! Especially if you do it with a friend or partner.

If you live in the city, save fuel/money/environment, and ditch transit and WALK to your favourite restaurant or destination. And then back! If you do this at least 3 times a week accompanied with a healthy, wholesome diet, I can guarantee that you’ll start feeling great and the stubborn fat will slowly start to come off. Then incorporate a few strength and muscle workouts throughout the week and you’re golden. You’ll be ready for bikini/speedo season in no time! Some other healthy habits I’m notorious for doing is ALWAYS taking the stairs (unless I can’t of course), getting up from my office chair to keep my body from deteriorating (I like to do calf raises most times) and limiting my use of the bus/subway.

Did you know that about 2000 fast paced steps is equivalent to a 20 minute workout? Get to steppin’!

Last night, I walked from St Clair Avenue and Christie (my area) all the way to Bay and Bloor – and then back. On my way home, I took a little detour by walking up a few flights of stairs (also great for keeping lean) that lead me to Casa Loma. It was a gorgeous sight. I always pass by it during the day but never stopped to admire it in the evening. Another great reason for taking long walks is getting to know the world around you. Or in my case, my neighbourhood. 🙂

Immediately as I got home, my stomach was ready for fuel.

It’s easy to binge after a workout or want to pig out on something that’s generally detrimental or lacking of any nutritional value. And conductive to maintaining optimal health is by exercise and a wholesome, plant based diet. So here’s what I had after my magical walk…

It’s an easy recipe that works great for a post workout/activity meal:

Broccoli floret – lightly steamed

1/4 cup of raw and organic almonds (I used blanched in my photo)

2 tablespoons of avocado or extra virgin olive oil

4 garlic cloves (each sliced in half)

In a pan/skillet, heat oil on medium heat. Toss in garlic. Allow garlic to lightly brown but don’t burn it! Toss in almonds and then saute in broccoli. Cook for a minute or two then serve on a bed of greens (lettuce, kale, spinach, spring mix.) Sprinkle with ground black pepper and/or cayenne if desired. Then eat!! 🙂

#FiveFastFOODFacts (Garlic) 

Garlic strengthens the immune system as well as aids to fight chest infections like coughing and congestion. It’s a great way to boost your immune system – you can even pop a few cloves in replacement of cold medicines.

Garlic is great source of vitamin B6 which is needed for a healthy immune system and the efficient growth of new cells. Vitamin B6 assist with mood swings and can improve a cheerful disposition! A natural happy drug if you will…

Did you know that garlic can aid in prevention of numerous types of cancer? Be it bladder, prostate, breast, colon, stomach cancer, it’s been shown that tumors were reduced when treated with garlic. Also linked with Vitamin B6 that’s been noted to have fighting cancer cell abilities.

Garlic’s well known accomplishment is its ability to lower high blood pressure. In China, it’s been used for many centuries as a therapeutic herb and in Japan, it’s recognized as a blood pressure depressor!

Fungal and bacterial infections can say bye bye when treated with garlic. When crushed or bruised, garlic releases allicin which is a sulphuric compound that is a natural antibiotic. It’s healing components are anti-fungal, antibacterial, anti-parasitic, and anti-viral! Ditch the pills and prescribe yourself with plants! x