Leisure Biking in London – Where to Go

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

Many children go through a “bicycle” phase growing up. And the great thing about learning to ride a bike at any time is that you never really lose the skill. You may stop doing it for some time, but getting back on the saddle is fairly easy. With so many potential benefits, biking is one physical activity that everyone should take up. In London, there are several bike paths and cycling routes that are great destinations if you are looking for an enjoyable ride. Here are some of the best places to go for a bike ride either for fitness or leisure.

Herne Hill Velodrome
Location: Burbage Rd, London
Herne Hill Velodrome is an outdoor cycle track. The cycling facility caters not just seasoned cyclists but also to beginners, which makes it a great place to learn or polish your biking skills. Unlike other velodromes, the facility’s track is not as steep which makes it fairly easy for beginners to navigate. The place also offers lessons on the basics of track riding specifically for first time visitors regardless of skill level.

Hyde Park
Location: Serpentine Rd, London
Hyde Park provides a scenic and idyllic setting for a leisurely bike ride. The well-surfaced paths make for an easy ride. It affords bike riders a great view of the landscape, attractions, and activities along the trails.

Regent’s Canal
Location: Camley Street Bridge, London
This is a waterside cycling path with beautiful scenery along the way. The trail stretches for ten kilometers passing by scenic parks and gardens, buildings like pavilions, and a bridge. It also gives a glimpse of the Canary Wharf. There are also quiet cafes to be found along the route where you can enjoy a good cup of coffee or tea before continuing on your ride.

Richmond Park
Location: Richmond
Richmond Park attracts beginners and seasoned bikers alike. The natural scenery provides a breathtaking backdrop for families, mountain bikers, and even road cyclists out for a ride. Renting a bike is also easy with rental facilities within the vicinity. It is a quiet and beautiful place to experience a good ride.

Morden Hall Park
Location: Morden Hall Rd, London
Morden Hall Park offers plenty of spaces for biking. Adults and children can cycle through designated bike trails while enjoying their surroundings. There are lakes and natural attractions that are among the best places to explore while pedaling around. For those looking for more challenging rides, the Wandle Trail provides a scenic route.

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
Location: Montfitchet Rd, London, Greater London
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park covers over 500 acres of parklands. Its many trails provide an enchanting scenery. There is a bike station and a huge space for cycling around the park.

Eating for Health & Fitness: Dining Out Tips

food

Eating healthy can be a bit of a challenge if you frequently eat out. But dining out for convenience, lunch or dinner meetings, and various other reasons is often unavoidable. Thankfully, a growing number of fast food chains and restaurants are introducing healthier options to more health-conscious clienteles. But even without that welcome change, there are different ways you can make healthy food choices when eating out at restaurants. The important thing is to keep staying healthy while eating out a primary goal and work out a plan on how you can enjoy the best of both worlds.

Think ahead. You do not have to know every detail to plan ahead. Create a healthy eating plan for the day when you know you are dining out. Avoid skipping meals which can make you overeat. Make a mental note of the meals and snacks you had prior to your next expected meal at the restaurant. The key is not to overindulge, especially if you are trying to manage your weight.

Be mindful of ingredients. Most restaurant menus provide detailed descriptions of what goes into every dish they are offering. Make it a habit to study the menu carefully before placing your order. Try to steer clear of anything deep fried, creamy, and other potentially calorie-rich or fatty items.

Control portion size. Portion sizes are usually larger in many restaurants. If you are eating out alone, you can ask the server to split your order in two and have the other half to go. That way you can enjoy half of your meal, take the rest home, and just heat it for your next meal. Controlling portion size is easier when you are dining out with family, friends, or co-workers. Many restaurants offer group meals for everyone to share. Alternatively, you can share your large-size meal to others when the group option is not available.

Skip the sugary drinks. Liquid calories are among the things you need to consider when you have to make healthy food choices when eating out. Steer clear of sodas, iced teas, fruit juices, and other sugary drinks. If you want to drink anything other than water, you can ask for unsweetened drinks or for low- or fat-free milk on your coffee.

Avoid add-ons.
It helps to keep in mind that everything that goes into your plate can add to the total calories of your meal. Try to limit the “extras” by extra gravies or sauces they may be offering. Ask for salad dressing to be served on the side. This can help you control the amount of dressing that goes into your salad.