It’s official! Walking can lessen the effects of high fat intake on the body. Research carried out by Glasgow University has found that a long walk before eating a calorie laden Christmas feast can reduce the damage done by consuming too much fat. But if the stress of creating food for the family on Christmas morning makes a 90 minute walk impossible you can make up for it on Boxing Day by joining the Ramblers’ Association’s Cotswold Festival of Winter Walks (26 December – 3 January 2005).
The Cotswold Outdoor Festival of Winter Walks is Britain’s largest walking festival, with 450 plus free walks across the country, attended by upwards of 15,000 people annually. It is an opportunity to get out and explore beautiful countryside on walks of different lengths, terrain and themes, catering for all abilities. With over 77% of us walking for recreation at least once a month it has never been more fashionable wrap up warm and head for the hills
The health benefits of walking are renowned. Medical research proves that regular walking can halve the chance of coronary heart disease; reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels; it can help reduce weight and maintain weight loss; increase bone density and help fight osteoporosis as well as enhancing mental well being.
Winter is a favourite time for the British to don walking boots judging by the vast numbers who take part in the festival every year. The appeal of clear, crisp winter air, energy boosting walks and the chance to socialise with friends and family over the festive period has lured thousands away from the Christmas pudding and into the outdoors since the festival began sixteen years ago.
Rachael Bryett, organiser of the Festival said: “Christmas morning is a hectic time in most households. We heartily encourage people to act on this advice and fit in a 90 minute walk before dinner but if it proves difficult we have a vast array of free walks happening all over Great Britain during the festive period to help keep everyone fit an healthy.”
