Get Grounded and go Barefoot!

My feet (and Ryan’s) in the Hawaiian Sand!

This is the way nature intended us to be, on our feet. Do you think cavemen were running around in leather shoes and high heels? Do you think the fastest runners in Africa and Ethiopia are running in Adidas or Nike shoes? I think not.

In fact when we are barefoot we are utilizing every muscle in our foot thus allowing our body to work that much harder. You expend more energy and work more muscles in your body, while strengthening, toning and improving circulation.

Whether you are going for a walk barefoot on sand, water, grass – all of which allow your feet to connect directly with nature – you will feel an immense difference charging through your body.

When your raising your kids get them outside as much as possible using their own body. Try to avoid putting shoes on their feet if they are just playing in the grass and only use, recommended resources (listed below) when appropriate. This will help them to build strength and mobility in all their joint and tissues in the feet. It will also help with posture and natural growth of bones. It really does make a difference. Kids raised in cultures that are completely barefoot in other parts of the world such as Africa, have and extremely strong musculoskeletal foundation. Individuals wearing barefoot shoes overall just learn how to use their body better and avoid injury both short term and long term.

Still not convinced, check out this new ground-breaking research!

When I wear my “funny” five finger shoes, as most people refer to them – I am more connected to my workouts and to nature. They are incredible for hiking, walking, swimming etc. Even when I am walking on rocky sandy, roads these shoes are perfect. It’s like reflexology in every step. I also use them for indoor training in the gym – as you can’t get more supported than wearing barefoot shoes. For all those fit people out there – you’ll notice such a difference and discover muscles you’ve never felt before!

Your body weight is distributed more evenly and you will just feel more supported overall.  The good news is that for everyday use, there are other barefoot shoe technologies that “look” more appropriate for day to day activities from slip-on shoes to tie up shoes. Sometimes you need a bit of a sole, as the commercial roads and concrete are not safe or even warm enough for that matter (in Canada) to go barefoot on all the time. That being said there are so many styles of shoes to choose from for those times in between that shoes are required and appropriate. (See the resources below).

When you can’t connect to mother nature, a patch of grass or sand -
Get yourself some grounding devices that help you re connect. Earthing offers foot pads, bed sheets, mouse pads that insert into the grounding outlet of your plug so that you are getting a charge that is natural. When I sit here at my desk, my feet are on my foot pad and my hand is on my mouse-pad. When I am sleeping at night on my sheet. It allows for a more restful and peaceful sleep.

Shoe Resources:

Terra Plana Shoes

Vibram Five Finger Shoes

Grounding Sandals

Xero Shoes

Benefits of going barefoot:

More work for your body – meaning burning more energy, working more muscles
More connection to the earth giving you more energy, vitality and boosting your immune system
Your body feels stronger more uplifted
Saves you money, as you don’t need as many shoes
You have an excuse to play like a kid

Watch this video of me in my Vibrams!

 

Compliment your barefoot workouts with good nutrition and get yourself a copy of Purely Fit!

If you wear barefoot shoes, please share your thoughts and experience in them, or better yet why you just love them!

 

 

The healthier choice this holiday

Originally featured on Chatelaine

Don’t get overwhelmed with too many recipes when it comes to your holiday cooking this year. You may be deciding whether to stick with tradition, or just go with what is easiest and quickest to prepare. Why not go with some simple, healthy options, even if it means breaking a tradition or two? It will not only save you calories and excess fat, but you will have a colourful and balanced dinner on your plate and actually feel great afterward. Here are some ideas on how to sort through each component of your meal and how to choose wisely:

 

Appetizers

Instead of a cheesy dip, devilled eggs, or cheese puffs, serve a warming bowl of split pea soup. Soup makes a great holiday appetizer since it fills you up without giving you too many calories. It is also served warm, which means it will give you time to sip it before you eat too many bacon wrapped bread sticks!

Starch

White mashed potatoes with butter, cream, or milk are a holiday staple, but try making some squash instead this year. There are many varieties available, such as acorn, butternut, buttercup, or even spaghetti squash. All you have to do is cut the squash in half, drizzle it with olive or coconut oil, add a pinch of cinnamon, and bake it for an hour. Squash is delicious alongside any dish, and is naturally sweet with fewer calories and fat than traditional mashed potatoes.

Veggies

Standard dishes like creamed spinach and overcooked veggies coated with cheese sauce have more calories than necessary for one meal. Instead, choose to lightly steam some green beans, Swiss chard, or broccoli. Be sure not to over-steam though, since you want your veggies to be crisp and green! Drizzle them with olive oil and lemon juice and top it all off with chopped almonds or cranberries for a unique flavour.

Main Course

Instead of ham or roast beef, consider leaner and cleaner options like organic free-range turkey breast baked with rosemary and fresh lemon juice. Or go vegetarian and venture into making a lentil loaf or quinoa pilaf.

Dessert

A good alternative to fruitcake, rich puddings, and parfaits is to opt for a homemade gingerbread loaf or cookies made with spelt flour, maple syrup, and applesauce. You will not only save calories but also actually add fibre and nutrients to your dessert tray!

Stuffing

It doesn’t matter whether you have something to stuff or not, because this veggie stuffing recipe tastes great all on its own or on your plate beside some quinoa, squash, or steamed greens.

This delicious recipe will be featured in my Holiday Harvest Class on Thursday! (3 Spots Left – come and join the fun)

Apple Walnut Stuffing

Ingredients:

6 cups firmly-packed diced whole kamut bread

1/2 tablespoons light olive oil

1 1/2 cups chopped red onion

1 1/2 cups peeled, diced tart apple (granny smith)

3 bunches scallions, minced

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

1/2 teaspoon each: dried thyme, savory

3/4 teaspoon seasoned salt, more or less to taste

1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts

Freshly ground pepper to taste

1 1/2 cups apple juice

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

1. Place the diced bread on a baking sheet.
2. Bake 10 to 12 minutes, or until dry and lightly browned.
3. Heat the oil in a large skillet. Add the red onion and sauté over medium heat until golden. Add the apple and sauté for another 5 minutes.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine the bread cubes with the onion and apple mixture. Add all the remaining ingredients except the apple juice and toss together. Sprinkle in the apple juice slowly while stirring to moisten the ingredients evenly.
5. Transfer the mixture to an oiled shallow 1 1/2-quart baking pan. Bake 25 to 30 minutes, or until browned and still slightly moist. Stir once during the baking time. Transfer to a covered serving container.

Marni’s Delicious Knowledge

Who doesn’t love stuffing? Serve this recipe at your holiday meal this year and your guests
will savour every delicious bite. Not sure what to do with leftovers? Toss them in a wrap with fresh
vegetables the next day for a filling, festive lunch or snack.

Get Ready for a Delicious Year!

Wow 2011. I am rather excited for this year as it is going to be filled with some great experiences. A few personal ones like my 30th birthday on November 11th, 2011 – not that it is so exciting to be getting older, but it is rather special having my elevens lined up all on one day!  Also, on July 31st, I am getting married to Ryan. We have an incredible weekend event planned in Niagara on the Lake – I couldn’t be more excited for that! Two big special life moments all in one year!

Aside from all of that, my Delicious business is going to be beaming this year with many classes, events and retreats. I am really taking things to the next level and offering my community multiple opporutnties to get Fully Nourished.

If you haven’t checked out MY CALENDAR so far, please do so – as spots are filling up fast for my all my upcoming classes. I have all kinds of class themes with various group packages to choose from. There is something for everyone !

Whether you are into Cultured Cuisine and want to learn how to cook up some Indian, Italian, Moroccan these exotic classes are full of flavour or  maybe you want some Health focused classes like Calci-Yum, Heart Healthy, Gluten Free or Acid Alkaline Balance or for some good overall Balance you may want to consider Green Goddess, Super Suppers, Raw and Ripe, Guiltless Desserts – I’ve got it all!

I also have a few wonderful Workshops to choose from:

Filling Your Kitchen with the Best

Super Food for Super Health

Raw Essentials

I will also be hosting at least three Retreats – one at Grail Springs in Bancroft Ontario, one in Collingwood with the House of Verona and one in Costa Rica – details to be deteremined. So please stay tuned.

Then there is my Delicious Book Club starting in February – this is the best way to get cozy and connected with your health!

Speaking of books, my very first Delicous Cookbook in the making and lots of other little suprises that will be popping up all over the place. So be sure to check in regularily to check out what is cooking over here at Delicious Knowledge!

You can get more delicious knowledge by checking out Marni’s Cleansing with Superfoods e-book, available here: http://www.marniwasserman.com/ebooks/

Balance is Everything!

Balance really is everything when it comes to your blood sugar levels. It is extremely important to make sure you moderate and regulate your sugar intake everyday. As participants learned in tonight’s Sweet and Low Cooking Class, whether you have diabetes, hypoglycemia or just want to stay within a normal range and avoid cravings, it is vital to learn which foods will do the job and keep you in balance!

Here is a quick resource of some daily things you can be doing to keep your levels in check while creating overall, balanced and healthy eating habits!

Tips for Regulating your Blood Sugar Levels on Daily Basis Naturally

Always eat a balanced breakfast, everyday!
Do not go more than 2 hours without food or consume large heavy meals. Eat six to eight small meals throughout the day. Even eating a small snack before bed might help.
Eat a diet high in fiber (whole grains, legumes) and include large amounts of vegetables, especially dark leafy greens, squash, spinach and green beans and whole fresh fruits.
Consume beans, brown rice, oats, oat bran, lentils, sweet potatoes, tofu and fruits such as apples, apricots, avocados, banana, lemons.
For protein eat white fish or wild salmon, turkey, lean chicken breast, eggs and goats and sheep’s milk cheeses or sheep’s milk yogurt.
Use natural low glycemic sweeteners such as: brown rice syrup, barley malt, agave nectar, dates, stevia* and maple syrup (in moderation)
Stay away from high fatty foods and fried foods and choose healthy fats and oils instead: (avocado, coconut oil, olive oil or other cold pressed natural oils, raw nuts and seeds)
Remove alcohol, processed foods, sulphured dried fruits, table salt, white sugar, saturated fats, soft drinks and white flour. Also avoid food with artificial colours and preservatives.

Special foods with special properties for blood sugar:

Avocado: contains a sugar that depresses insulin production, which make them an excellent chose for people with hypoglycemia.
Cinnamon: has a lowering affect on blood sugar levels by reducing the amount of insulin secreted. Consume at least 1 teaspoon everyday!
Brewer’s Yeast: (1 Tbsp. twice daily) provides a rich source of the mineral, chromium, which has a glucose tolerance normalizing effect.
Soybeans and other legumes: (1 cup or more daily) Kidney beans, lentils, black-eyed peas, chickpeas, and lima beans retard the rate of absorption of carbohydrate into the blood stream.
Onions and garlic: (1/2 a clove twice daily) normalize blood sugar regulation by decreasing the rate of insulin elimination by the liver.
Other blood sugar controlling foods include: berries (especially blueberries), celery, cucumber, green leafy vegetables, sprouts, string beans, parsley, garlic, onions, psyllium, flaxseed, lemons, oat bran, radishes, sauerkraut, sunflower seeds, squash, watercress.