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!

 

 

Review: Chocolate Kale Chips…say what?

Well they have done it – matched two unlikely combination’s to make the perfect tastiest snack. Chocolate Kale Chips, can you think of a better combination? These are two foods that I tell people to eat just about everyday but why not eat them together? Not only that, their nutritional profile proves to be loaded with magnesium, calcium, iron, chlorophyll and fiber – delicious!

Blue Mountain Organics has truly proven to be a mastermind at creating to most unique blends of raw, organic snacks, treats, flours and desserts. I have had the extreme pleasure of enjoying their RAW Cashew Ice Cream (sorry no nutters, you are truly missing out). It is absolutely to die for! Words can’t even describe how good this frozen non-dairy dessert is. They also have a wide variety of unique supplements like carob powder, sunflower lecithin (soy free) along with sprouted beans and whole grains.

And of course some raw nut butter spreads from cashew, tahini, almond, pecan… you name it! They are called Better than Roasted because  for a RAW nut butter they taste pretty fantastic! Their online store, packaging and marketing is very cute, friendly and inviting. If you aren’t teased into at least buying 5 items on their website, I would be shocked! (and please make sure that Chocolate Kale Chips are on that order!!)

What is also truly amazing about all of their products, (and obviously why I am such a supporter) is that they are all superfoods, gluten free, dairy free, vegan, raw, kosher and organic. I wish there was a Blue Mountain Store right here in Toronto! But for now I will have to just order online – and pick up what I can at various health food stores in Toronto.