Day 11/366

Flower of the day is Snapdragon, native to rocky areas of Europe, the US and North Africa. The name stems from it's alleged resemblance to the head of a dragon, especially when the open 'mouth' is squeezed to close. One of my personal favourite from the flowers that I have made so far. It has many small elements that make it look very unique and pretty.

My day today was all about food. LOL! Sounds a little off when I write it here but the girls and I had already planned on what we want to eat for today! For breakfast, we had pancake and chocolate sauce and some strawberries. Since it is the season of strawberries, they are widely available in the farmer's markets and supermarkets, obviously all priced differently. The girls and I love strawberries and we decided to indulge a little more today with some homemade chocolate sauce. There is a very famous street shop in London that sells fresh strawberries in a cup and covered with silky smooth chocolate sauce. We have seen the videos on Instagram but never got our hands on it yet. So we decided to make our own version of it at home for dessert after lunch.

Since we have not yet tasted the one available in London, we were very much happy and satisfied by our version. I'm sure you all must be wondering where the strawberries are, well they are hidden in between that delicious, silky smooth, mouth-watering, chocolate sauce. It was the high light of our day. After a chocolate over load, we decided it was time to work out a bit and get moving. So we went out for our usual walk, making sure we did a little extra to make up for the extra calories we consumed.

Do you know the importance of walking daily?

1. Improved cardiovascular health: Walking is a form of aerobic exercise that strengthens your heart, increases blood circulation, and improves cardiovascular health. It can reduce the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke.

2. Increased fitness and endurance: Regular walking can improve your overall fitness levels and increase your endurance. It helps to build strength and stamina in your muscles and improves your lung capacity.

3. Weight management: Walking regularly can aid in weight loss and weight management. It helps to burn calories, maintain a healthy metabolism, and regulate appetite. Combined with a balanced diet, walking can contribute to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.

4. Boosted mood and mental health: Walking has been shown to boost mood and improve mental well-being. It releases endorphins, which are the feel-good hormones, and reduces stress and anxiety. Regular walking can also help alleviate symptoms of depression.

5. Increased energy levels: Walking can help to improve energy levels and combat feelings of fatigue. Engaging in low-intensity exercise like walking stimulates the production of energy-giving mitochondria in cells, resulting in increased energy levels.

6. Strengthened bones and muscles: Walking is a weight-bearing exercise that helps to strengthen bones and muscles. It can improve bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Walking also helps to tone and strengthen muscles, particularly in the legs, buttocks, and core.

7. Improved joint health and flexibility: Walking is a low-impact exercise that puts minimal stress on the joints compared to other forms of exercise. It can help to improve joint mobility, reduce stiffness, and alleviate joint pain. Regular walking can also help prevent conditions like arthritis.

8. Enhanced immune function: Regular physical activity, including walking, can boost the immune system and improve your body's ability to fight off infections and diseases. It promotes the circulation of immune cells and antibodies, leading to a stronger immune response.

9. Better sleep quality: Walking can contribute to improved sleep quality. It helps to regulate your sleep-wake cycle and promotes deeper, more restful sleep. Regular walking has been shown to help people fall asleep faster and experience fewer sleep disturbances.

10. Increased longevity: Numerous studies have shown that walking regularly can increase lifespan and promote healthy aging. It reduces the risk of chronic diseases, improves overall health, and enhances quality of life, leading to a longer and healthier life.

What exercises do you do daily to keep active? Let me know.

Love

Ammu