Happy Monday 👋 

Every week, I go deep into the roots of health in search of the best ingredients to prepare a delicious and nutritious menu for you!

On today’s menu I’ve got: Walking Barefoot

Enjoy!

First time reading? Sign up here

Starter 🥗 

Feel the Earth

We spend most of our days with our feet wrapped in socks and trapped in shoes, barely touching the earth's surface. 🌍️ 

Think about it: When was the last time your toes felt grass, sand, or dirt?

Probably on that one vacation you still daydream about. 💭 

Walking barefoot is more than simply a childhood memory or a hippie trend; it's a way to reconnect with nature and your own body.

From improving balance to reducing stress, there's something magical about feeling the ground beneath your feet. 🪄 

So, what's the deal with ditching the sneakers?

Is it actually beneficial for you, or is it just another health fad? 🤔

Let’s dig in!

Main 🥙 

The Power of Walking Barefoot

Walking barefoot has become a popular but controversial practice in recent years, with opinions both for and against it. 👀 

Walking barefoot simulates the natural walking pattern, or "gait," of humans. So it must be healthy for us, right?

Unfortunately, our adaptation to cushioned shoes have led to a loss of natural foot strength, leaving us extremely sensitive to anything other than soft, smooth terrain.

Footwear adds additional stress to the knee and other joints in the lower extremities, increasing the risk of injury.

By ditching footwear, you allow your feet to engage naturally with the ground, improving balance, proprioception, and overall body awareness. ⚖️

Furthermore, going barefoot has been shown to

• increase foot strength 💪 

• enhance ankle stability and agility

• promote better foot mechanics 🐾 

• help prevent foot conditions

• boost mood 🧠 

👨‍🍳 Tip: Switching too rapidly from wearing shoes to walking barefoot can be a recipe for injury.

Start by walking without shoes on soft surfaces both inside and outside the house. Increase the distance and time gradually, by a small amount each week. 📈 

Dessert 🍰 

3 Min Foot Training Program

If your feet aren't strong enough, you are at risk of poor walking mechanics and getting hurt.

Therefore, I created a foot training program just for you to improve foot health and avoid injuries. ❤️‍🩹 

3 Min Foot Training Program:

• Toe Spread & Squeeze: Spread and squeeze your toes (30 seconds)

• Towel Scrunches: Scrunch a towel with your toes (30 seconds)

• Heel Raises: Lift and lower your heels (30 seconds)

• Single Leg Stance: Balance on one leg (15 seconds per leg)

• Ankle Hops: Hop gently on your toes (30 seconds)

• Pick Ups: Pick up small objects with your toes (30 seconds)

Bonus tip: Practicing these exercises while connecting with the Earth's natural surface - like grass, sand, or dirt - can also provide the additional benefits of grounding. ⭐️