Take it outside, especially in the winter

Another of the 15 easy to follow resolutions suggested by experts in the Globe, yesterday: Go for a noontime walk outside, especially in the winter.

"Why? You get at least five times as much light as the brightest office (even on dark, stormy days). You get exercise (well, at least some activity). And you avoid the big lunches (or at least have less time to eat). All of which helps your mood, memory and weight.", says Raymond Lam, professor of psychiatry at the University of British Columbia and director of the Mood Disorders Centre, UBC Hospital. (One of the experts also talk about a revolutionary "new" treatment I quote in this other post...)

My TOP-3 walks for winter days in Toronto Urban Strolls 1

Stroll 10   BELTLINE Backyards Stroll 
No distractions! No slushy sidewalks.

Stroll 15   CABBAGETOWN Nooks & Crannies Stroll
The small historic houses with great landscaping look great under a canopy of snow.

Stroll 27   WARD'S ISLAND Dreamy Stroll
The Rectory Café is a great reward after a (quite solitary) winter walk in the residential area of Toronto Islands, left alone to hibernate.

My TOP-3 walks for winter days in Toronto Urban Strolls 2

Stroll 1   BLOOR WEST Cool Stroll 

Fun murals, cool second-hand stores to explore thoroughly plus the play-all-day games at café Snakes and Lattes

Stroll 3   PATH Underground Stroll

Ok, this is actually an indoor walk but I make you peek at the surface from times to times admire the public art.

Stroll 12   THE BEACH Soothing Stroll

For the blue and grey hues of the beach under the winter sun (especially early in the morning)... and the honey balls at Athens Pastries Café, the new café by the formerly Boardwalk Pub (entirely revamped into the chic Boardwalk Place).