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(source – boxrox.com)

Walking is a simple and accessible form of exercise that offers numerous health benefits.  Here are some of the key advantages of walking:

Weight management:

Walking can help you maintain a healthy weight or aid in weight loss by burning calories. The intensity and duration of your walks can influence the number of calories burned.

Cardiovascular health:

Regular walking can improve your cardiovascular fitness by strengthening the heart, lowering blood pressure, and improving circulation. It reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular conditions.

Mental well-being:

Walking has been shown to have positive effects on mental health. It can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, improve mood, boost self-esteem, and promote better sleep.

Bone and joint health:

Walking is a weight-bearing exercise that helps improve bone density and strength, reducing the risk of osteoporosis. It also keeps the joints mobile, lubricated, and may alleviate joint stiffness and pain.

Improved digestion:

Walking aids in digestion by stimulating the muscles of the abdomen and intestines, promoting more efficient movement of food through the digestive system. It can help reduce the risk of constipation and improve overall gut health.

Enhanced immune function:

Regular moderate-intensity exercise like walking can strengthen the immune system, making you less susceptible to common illnesses and infections.

Diabetes management:

Walking can assist in managing blood sugar levels, improving insulin sensitivity, and reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Increased energy levels:

Engaging in regular walking can boost your energy levels by increasing oxygen flow throughout the body, improving cardiovascular fitness, and releasing endorphins, which are natural mood enhancers.

Improved cognitive function:

Walking has been linked to better cognitive function and memory. It can enhance brain health and reduce the risk of cognitive decline and age-related diseases such as dementia.

Longevity:

Studies have shown that regular walking is associated with a longer lifespan. It contributes to overall health and reduces the risk of chronic diseases, thereby increasing life expectancy.

Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Skewers with Pineapple

Ingredients

For the Marinade:

  • 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh if available)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Skewers:

  • 5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks
  • Red onion, cut into chunks

Instructions

Marinade Preparation:

  • In a bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. This will be your marinade.

Marinating the Chicken:

  • Place the chicken cubes in a resealable plastic bag or a bowl.
  • Pour half of the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is coated. Reserve the other half for basting during grilling.
  • Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 3-4 hours, to allow the flavors to meld.

Skewer Assembly:

  • If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
  • Assemble the skewers by threading the marinated chicken cubes, pineapple chunks, bell pepper pieces, and red onion chunks onto the skewers in an alternating fashion.

Grilling:

  • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
  • Lightly oil the grill grates or use a grilling basket to prevent sticking.
  • Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and has nice grill marks. Baste the skewers with the reserved marinade during grilling.

Serve:

  • Once the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C), remove the skewers from the grill.
  • Let the skewers rest for a few minutes before serving.
  • Serve the grilled honey mustard chicken skewers with pineapple alongside your favorite summer sides like coleslaw, grilled corn, or a fresh green salad.

 

Enjoy your delicious and flavorful summer barbecue! The combination of the sweet and tangy honey mustard marinade with the grilled chicken and juicy pineapple will be a hit at any outdoor gathering.

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