Best Foods for Detoxing

4:53 PM Jackie Mart 0 Comments



Detox! There are many ways to detox whether a full-body cleanse, getting rid of "toxic" friends, relationships, jobs, personal care items and etc. We are surrounded by toxins, in the things we eat and drink, even in the air we breathe. Some toxins are by-products of industrialization, others occur naturally. Here are some of the best detoxifying foods! Be sure to add these to your shopping cart this month! 

Lemons

Stimulates the release of enzymes and helps convert toxins into a water-soluble form that can be easily excreted from the body. Drinking lemon water, which is alkaline-forming, first thing in the morning will help to balance out the acidity of foods we've consumed. Don't forget to add your ground flaxseeds to enhance toxin removal.

Artichoke

Artichokes are not only a very tasty food, they're also incredibly healthy. Artichokes have been shown to increase bile production and purify/protect the liver. They also have a mild diuretic effect on the kidneys, ensuring proper removal of toxins once the liver breaks them down.

Tumeric

Curcumin is the active ingredient in the spice turmeric, which gives it its yellow color. The rate at which your detox pathways function depends on your genes, your age, lifestyle and a good supply of nutrients involved in the detox process. Curcumin is used a lot in Ayurvedic Medicine to treat liver and digestive disorders.

Flaxseed

One of the "superfoods," flaxseeds serve many purposes. When detoxifying your body, it's essential to ensure toxins are eliminated properly. Ground flaxseeds provide a wonderful source of fiber that helps to bind and flush toxins from the intestinal tract. They're also a great source of health promoting omega 3 oils. Try consuming two tablespoons of ground flaxseeds in lemon water every morning.

Garlic

No detox plan should be without some garlic: It's a powerful antiviral, antiseptic and antibiotic. Ridding your body of these pathogenic microbes can reduce endogenous (made by your body) toxins. The vital sulphuric compounds garlic contains makes it an essential detoxifier.

Beets

You can't beat beets! Beets are full of vitamins B3, B6, C and beta-carotene. They're also a valuable source of iron, magnesium, zinc and calcium -- promote optimal detoxification and elimination. Also support gallbladder and liver health -- organs that are paramount for breaking down and removing toxins. The high amount of fiber in beets improves digestion and helps eliminate bodily waste.


Dandelions

Dandelions are considered a powerhouse food full of nutrients that are essential for anyone regularly eating the "Standard American Diet" (SAD). They're a rich source of minerals and provide a variety of phytonutrients, support cleansing of the digestive tract and offer great liver support. Try adding dandelion leaves to your salad.

Broccoli Sprouts

Broccoli is part of the powerhouse brassica family of vegetables. Broccoli contains important phytochemicals that are released when they're chopped, chewed, fermented, cooked or digested.  Broccoli sprouts can actually provide more benefit than regular broccoli as they contain 20 times more sulfurophane. Add these to your salads and get creative with them in your meals.


Sea Vegetables

Often known as seaweeds, these amazing foods house powerful antioxidants that help to alkalize the blood and strengthen the digestive tract. The algin in seaweeds absorb toxins from the digestive tract in much the same way a water softener removes the hardness from tap water. Sea vegetables offer the broadest range of minerals of any food, containing virtually all the minerals found in the ocean -- the same minerals that are found in human blood. Dulse is my personal favorite!

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Copyright, 2013, Jackie Mart. For further information about this blog, or Optimum Wellness MN, contact Jackie Mart at 712.790.5883 or Jackie@OptimumWellnessMN.com. As a holistic nutrition and lifestyle coach, I will support you in taking steps to a healthier and happier you. My goal is to help you create an art of balance in your life. You will also learn how important balance between primary foods (relationships, physical activity, sleep, career and spirituality) and secondary foods (organic food and whole food) is.

www.optimumwellnessmn.com






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Chai Green Tea Recipe

3:36 PM Jackie Mart 0 Comments


Winters in Minnesota seem to be the most difficult months for me!! I’m not a huge fan of being cold but it’s easier to handle when I have herbal tea!! Today is a perfect day to cuddle up, watch movies or read a book while sipping on a hot tasty beverage!! I wanted to share this Chai Green Tea recipe with you that I love!! Green tea is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, supports the liver and increases detoxifying enzymes.  It also contains calming L-theanine (great for mood and anxiety) and alkalizing properties!!

Chai Green Tea
(makes about 2 cups)

1 ½ cups filtered water
4-6 organic green tea bags
½ cup unsweetened vanilla almond or coconut milk
1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ginger
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Stevia or honey to taste


1.  In a medium saucepan, combine water and tea bags.  Bring to a near boil and remove from burner.  Steep for 5 minutes or longer to desired strength.

2. Meanwhile, in a small pan, warm the milk, spices, vanilla extract, and sweetener over low heat.  Stir constantly until warm. 

3. Remove teabags from pan.  Slowly add milk mixture and stir. 

Copyright, 2013, Jackie Mart. For further information about this blog, or Optimum Wellness MN, contact Jackie Mart at 712.790.5883 or Jackie@OptimumWellnessMN.com. As a holistic nutrition and lifestyle coach, I will support you in taking steps to a healthier and happier you. My goal is to help you create an art of balance in your life. You will also learn how important balance between primary foods (relationships, physical activity, sleep, career and spirituality) and secondary foods (organic food and whole food) is.

www.optimumwellnessmn.com









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Resolutions-2013

4:17 PM Jackie Mart 0 Comments

It’s that time of year again!! Time to think about what we want to change and improve upon in a fresh new year! These goals should be made all year round instead of just when a new year hits! Lifestyle changes are what really need to happen in order for them to last! I was reflecting on the past year and was thinking about what I wanted to do and concentrate on in the upcoming year:

Start a gratitude journal- Write things I am thankful for that day right before I go to bed or something I did well. This will help me focus on the positive things in my life!

Practice self-care weekly- schedule one day a week for myself- watch movie, paint fingernails, take a walk, participate in a class, nap, read a book, get a massage, blog or journal. I have always found it difficult to relax and when I get burnt out my anxiety goes through the roof and my emotions run rampant! This quality "me" time is crucial for me to unwind and re-energize!

Love myself- this goes along with self- care. I plan on doing a thorough cleansing of my mind and body both this year! I am going to start working with a life coach on my past and taking the steps to stop living in the past and create an amazing future for myself. Relationship issues I have had previously have stalled my growth and I would like to clear them so I am more confident and can fully help others like I am destined to!!

One of my friends gave me this gift she made for Christmas. It was the most thoughtful present I have ever received! She knows me well and wants me to realize how truly amazing and beautiful I am both inside and out!!




Wishing you all health, happiness, and prosperity in the New Year!!
 
Jackie
 
 
 
Copyright, 2013, Jackie Mart. For further information about this blog, or Optimum Wellness MN, contact Jackie Mart at 712.790.5883 or Jackie@OptimumWellnessMN.com. As a holistic nutrition and lifestyle coach, I will support you in taking steps to a healthier and happier you. My goal is to help you create an art of balance in your life. You will also learn how important balance between primary foods (relationships, physical activity, sleep, career and spirituality) and secondary foods (organic food and whole food) is.

www.optimumwellnessmn.com
 
 


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