Chill

10:16 AM Jackie Mart 0 Comments

I've been enjoying a few days off. It has been nice not having to wake up and rush out the door! I have always been an overachiever and push myself to the limits! Some days I feel like I do not breathe! LOL! So much to do and so little time. My bucket list and goals are massive and I have really high expectations. I'm sure many of you can relate! 



CHILL seems like a fitting word today. I'm doing my laundry, cleaning a little, heading out for a run, going to the gym, and then scheduled an hour massage! Finally using the gift card I recieved  2 years ago.... Can you tell I usually never relax? ;-)  This break is very much needed for my sanity! Summer has been nuts and I am feeling lighter and more centered knowing I do not HAVE to do anything today! The reality is we DO have a choice. I am busy because I choose to be. I work all the time because I choose to. I exercise because I choose to. I eat healthy because I choose to. Every decision is ours. Let me repeat that. EVERY decision is ours. Take control of your choices-Take back control of your life! You will much happier! Trust me! :-) 



Copyright, 2014, Jackie Mart. For further information about this blog, or Optimum Wellness LLC, 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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Post Workout-Refuel

8:21 PM Jackie Mart 0 Comments

On Monday I walked into one of the gyms I frequent often and saw this:



I feel as though this is why most people are confused about what is healthy and what is not. You expect a gym to offer you better choices. It IS a place where you go to improve your health... right? So why wouldn't they offer you the best post workout snacks? My opinion:

V8 Juice: This is the best choice of the three. It has a little vegetable juice, BUT it is pasteurized and from concentrate. Check out this article by Food Babe: http://foodbabe.com/2013/11/10/juice-labels/



Nutri-Grain Bar:  It contains multiple forms of sugar, artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, and soy. Remember 4 grams listed on a food label is equal to one teaspoon of sugar! Eating one bar is like eating 3 teaspoons of sugar!  Processed food = Non living. Eat more foods by God and not by man. 



Apple and Eve Organic Juice Box: Sugar. 10 grams in that TINY little box (6.75 fluid ounces!) Do not let the organic label fool you. Granted, it does have 50% less sugar than most juice boxes. 



My Picks for After a Workout: (Aim for 30 grams of carbs to provide energy, and 15 grams of protein to build muscle. 2:1 ratio of carbs and protein. Also add in a small amount of healthy fats-less than 10 grams.) 


Organic Free Range Eggs: Cook them in coconut oil with tons of green veggies! 

Green Protein Smoothie:  Use Garden of Life RAW Protein, Manitoba Harvest Hemp Protein, Tera's Whey 

Protein Bar: Make your own or try Rise or GoodOnYa Brands (the less ingredients and less sugar the better!) (IDEALLY, eat real food and not bars)

Apple with 2 Tablespoons Nut Butter

Spicy Roasted Chickpeas

Chicken and Spinach Salad

Rehydrate With: Harmless Harvest Coconut Water 



Copyright, 2014, Jackie Mart. For further information about this blog, or Optimum Wellness LLC, 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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Back to School-Dorm Room Breakfast + More

9:41 AM Jackie Mart 0 Comments


Thinking back to how long it's been since my college party days! EEK! I gained the Freshman 15 plus more! Late night binge drinking, ordering Papa John's Pizza at 3:00 AM,  an endless stream of food in the cafeteria (and ice cream for dessert) paired with stress, life changes, and no sleep really takes a toll on your body!

Here are a few quick breakfast options you can make in your dorm room to start your day on a healthy note! 

Smoothies: Invest in a Magic Bullet Blender. Keep these items handy: 

Leafy Greens
Berries
Unsweetened Almond or Coconut Milk
Protein Powder (I like Garden of Life Organic Plant Protein Powder or Amazing Grass Plant Protein Powder)

Cocoa Smoothie

Ingredients:
1-2 scoops chocolate vegan protein powder
1⁄4 -1⁄2 can organic coconut milk
1 teaspoon organic cocoa or cacao powder
1⁄2 - 1 teaspoon spoonable stevia
1 handful of dark leafy greens
1 tablespoon organic hemp seed 
1 tablespoon coconut oil 
1 teaspoon organic almond butter 

Directions:
*Add water or ice to desired consistency. Blend. And of course drink it out of a fancy glass! :-)


Eggs: Snatch a few hard boiled eggs from the cafeteria and eat them while you walk to class! (Sprinkle a little sea salt on top)


Grainless Granola

Ingredients:
1 cup Raw Organic Pecans, chopped
1 cup Dried Organic Apples, chopped
1 cup Organic Raisins
1 cup Raw Organic Sunflower Seeds
1/2 cup Raw Organic Almonds, chopped
Pinch of  organic ground cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg

Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a bowl.


Apple or Banana with nut butter


Celery and Peanut Butter





Other Essentials to Have on Hand: 

Raw Almonds:  the perfect crunchy snack and full of protein so you will have energy for that workout you are going to do later!

Canned Tuna or Salmon: (the less sodium the better) - will not spoil and you can mix it with avocado and spinach and make a healthy tuna salad roll up. (use sprouted, gluten- free tortillas) OR  bread alternatives

Bananas: alone, with nut butter, or keep some on hand to put in your morning smoothies! 

Protein Bars:  Meal replacement on the go. (My favorite brands are Larabar, Pure Power Protein Bars)

Black Pepper and Sea Salt:  Trust me, you will want seasoning for everything! 

Stevia: The best natural sugar alternative. Get the individual packets. Will not spike your blood sugar levels. 

Popcorn: NOT microwave popcorn. Read about the dangers of microwaves. If you buy it already popped and in a bag look for GMO free, organic, with just olive or coconut oil and sea salt! 

Canned organic veggie chili (no salt added): Or any other canned soup or chili.

Hummus:  Dip anything in it or use it in place of mayonnaise. (Make sure it is made with olive oil and not other damaged oils) 

Baby Carrots:  Eat instead of chips or crackers; they are a much healthier alternative for dipping into hummus, salsa or guacamole.

Shredded Chicken: (Organic, antibiotic, and hormone free!) Mix it with avocado or even hummus to make chicken salad that will last a week or two and for several meals. 

Plain Greek Yogurt:  Easy to store in your mini fridge! Add your own nuts, seeds, fruit to sweeten! 

Avocados: Need I say more? Love these things! 

Fresh Fruit and Other Veggies:Simple and easy to grab on your way out the door! 

Limes:  Makes avocado last longer and plus, your alcohol might be getting lonely. ;-) 

Salsa: (America’s favorite condiment) Mix it with avocado for easy guacamole or with yogurt for a spicy dip.  

Coconut Water: To re-hydrate and replace electrolytes lost after a workout or a night out! 





Copyright, 2014, Jackie Mart. For further information about this blog, or Optimum Wellness LLC, 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.



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Success in 5

8:15 PM Jackie Mart 0 Comments

Want to know 5 things that super successful people do before 8:00 AM? They are not hard, but it will take 21 days to make them a habit! 

1. Exercise: Look at majority of super successful people and you will find that they get their workout in and out of the way early in the AM. This sets the tone for the day, gets their mind and body a boost of energy, and you will not skip it this way. Have your gym bag ready so you can just grab and go in the morning! You could even sleep in your workout clothes to save time! LOL! I have before! 

2. Plan your Day: Always work from a to do list and plan out your day. I use the notepad my phone so it's always with me. You could even do this the night before. 


3. Eat a Healthy Breakfast: It's crazy how many people skip breakfast because they are running out the door late for work. Take some extra time in the morning to fit in breakfast. OR plan your meals on Sunday for the week and this should never be an issue! Here is a quick and easy breakfast recipe:
http://jackieamart.blogspot.com/2011/12/eggs-try-breakfast-without-grains.html


4. Eat that Frog: Get the hardest task on your to do list DONE first so it's not in your head all day and you start procrastinating. Get it done now so you do not have to worry about it!

5. Visualization: I do this a lot and it works! Powerful! Try to take a few minutes to visualize your day and if you are writing down goals, visualize yourself achieving them!




AND remember to say your morning affirmations! Wake up loving yourself and start the day with a positive mindset!


There you go! 5 things that ANYONE can do if they want to start being mega successful in their lives! 



Copyright, 2014, Jackie Mart. For further information about this blog, or Optimum Wellness LLC, 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.


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Morning Minute

10:39 AM Jackie Mart 0 Comments



WINGS: You have them. They are strong. Sometimes you may not think you have support, but you do! Break free from the vicious cycles and negative thinking.  KNOW you were MADE FOR MORE and don't let a few things prevent you from living the life you were meant to live! Rise up, take a leap, use those wings, and  FLY! 





Copyright, 2014, Jackie Mart. For further information about this blog, or Optimum Wellness LLC, 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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Love Does

7:35 PM Jackie Mart 0 Comments

I haven't had a whole lot of time to read as much as I used to but ordered a few books last week and finished this one Saturday! A true escape for me is laying out on a blanket in the grass with the sun shining down on me and disappearing with my nose in a book! :-) 



Loves Does, by Bob Goff is a collection of short stories and experiences that show another opportunity for him to love God more, and share that love with the people around him. For Bob, the whole world is an invitation from God:

“I think God sometimes uses the completely inexplicable events in our lives to point us toward Him. We get to decide each time whether we will lean in toward what is unfolding and say yes or back away. The folks who were following Jesus in Galilee got to decide the same thing each day because there was no road map, no program, and no certainty. All they had was this person, an idea, and an invitation to come and see.”

Bob's not a pastor- he's a lawyer, husband and a father.  He's had every excuse to live an ordinary life. But instead, Bob says YES. And the stories that result from that answer will amaze you. The escapades with his friend, how he met his wife, his sailing excursion, and how he has helped complete strangers throughout the years. 

Love Does has inspired me to dream bigger- To imagine that God is doing something bigger in me than I can grasp. I'm learning to live in the moment more, take more chances, and truly be present in my day to day activities. Each of us can spread joy and God's love! He uses us to do his work here on Earth. Be the light! His love is within us!  :-) 




Copyright, 2014, Jackie Mart. For further information about this blog, or Optimum Wellness LLC, 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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Chia Seed Power Pudding

9:19 AM Jackie Mart 0 Comments

I've been a little obsessed with these lately! Packed with fiber and loaded with calcium, healthy fats, and protein! It's filling so you will not be hungry 30 minutes later and can still get your chocolate fix! 



Chia Seed Power Pudding 

Ingredients: 

1 3/4 cups unsweetened chocolate non-dairy milk (almond or coconut are my personal favs)

1/4 cup chia seeds

3 tablespoons raw cacao powder (baking cocoa will also work)

1 scoop Garden of Life RAW chocolate protein powder

Dash of pink Himalayan sea salt

1 tablespoon organic maple syrup or raw honey (or use Stevia- sweeteners are completely optional though!)

Dark chocolate shavings for garnish


Directions: 

Add all of the ingredients to a large glass jar with a lid, give it a quick stir, then put the lid on. Shake it like crazy to mix it all up. Refrigerate until very thick and pudding-like, at least 4 hours or overnight, shaking or stirring occasionally. Serve the pudding chilled with whatever topping you’d like. See my suggestions below.

Optional add ins/toppings: goji berries, nut butter, coconut, bananas, nuts, pomegranate seeds and etc. 


For more clean eating recipes check out my Clean Eating Community




Copyright, 2014, Jackie Mart. For further information about this blog, or Optimum Wellness LLC, 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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What's Up with that Foot Detox Thing?

7:12 PM Jackie Mart 0 Comments

That's what I thought, "Another gadget...another thing I need to do..."
Well, there is a lot of controversy about ionic foot baths on the internet so if you are looking there for education, the web will likely not yield only in support of it. However, read on and see if this is for you.
Why use an ionic foot bath?
1) The foot bath is charging your body with ions, just like the earth does if you place your feet right on it. Why do we need ions? Well, when we wear shoes or only walk barefoot in our homes we accumulate a static charge (positive charge). For more information on this and other products to use to "Earth" go to http://www.createzenwithin.com and www.earthing.com
What does a positive ionic charge cause?
INFLAMMATION in our body.
Cases have been reported about people who have skin rashes, such as Psoriasis and stand in the ocean to fish on a two week vacation, it clears up. Why? Because they are losing their positive charge and regaining a negative ionic charge. See, our bodies are a "crystalline matrix" operating electrically. Feet+Water(conduit)+Sand=Ripe conditions to regain a correct ionic charge.  The foot bath does this, this is why using it regularly is also a good idea.
2) Detoxing! Alongside "Earthing your body" one of the major reasons to use an ionic foot bath is to detox. You can detox from a whole host of build ups, including but not limited two; heavy metals, toxic joints, lymph system (which is a huge one for EVERY AMERICAN), Get yeast to leave your body, etc. The array which is the piece that is plugged into the wall if left in the water with feet in it will create a color. Salt is put in the bath and the array reacts with the salt and chemicals already in the water, such as chlorine. At my office there is a list of colors that equate to what you're detoxing.
3) You must take minerals to replenish....electrolytes. Shy away from the gatorade, there is a chemical combination in there which gets stuck in your liver and unless you are an elite althlete, that stuff will never again see the light of day.Be sure to check with a doctor for the best electrolyte source for you. I like to drink coconut water to rehydrate after the foot bath. 

How often? Once a week. Unless you are chronically ill, then two times a week. But consult your doctor to make sure this is right for you at this time.
Things to do when using the foot detox. 

1) Be sure to drink lots of water afterward (just like when you get a massage) because you are detoxing. 

2) Its good to figure out what your body is purging because then you also can support it in other ways too. Dry brushing before you shower or bathe if you see a lot of lymph action. Drinking lemon juice in water if you see the colors for gall bladder releasing, etc.
This is a great, inexpensive way to take off the toxic load. Your body will thank you for it! Give it a try, if you feel better keep it going so you really benefit!
Please contact me to schedule your detox session. $45 for one session. Packages available as well! (This service works well in conjunction with my Herbal Detox Body Wraps)
 712.790.5883 or Jackie@OptimumWellnessMN.com 

Copyright, 2014, Jackie Mart. For further information about this blog, or Optimum Wellness LLC, 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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8:25 PM Jackie Mart 0 Comments


Jackie Edition:

1. Smile. And Wave. At Everyone. This includes while you are driving. Maybe even honk at that cute guy or girl jogging! :-)

2. Send a random card out of the blue to thank someone for all they have done for you and being a part of your life. (Not an Ecard; an actual snail mail card!) (Make a homemade card; that will mean even more!)

3. Call them. Not text. CALL. It always feels great to hear my family or friend's voice! Sometimes just hearing my Mom's voice will calm me down. AND actually listen to them. Let them do the talking! 

4. Let someone go in front of you. In line at the grocery store, at the bank, at a stop sign, at the gas station, and hold the door for them! (manners-use them)  

5. Send a thoughtful gift out of the blue or if you know what your coworker likes in the morning at Starbucks buy them their speciality while you pick up yours! (send a dozen homemade cookies to a friend, a gift card, cooking class, movie or concert tickets, or color a picture)

6. Hugs- give them out freely. ( I am known to do this-watch out!)

7. Give genuine compliments all day long. I feel as though people are in such competition with each other that these fall by the wayside frequently!

8. Put random messages around your home for your loved ones. I have done this quite a bit for my parents, husband, and sister. I used to write "I love you" and other things in lipstick on the bathroom mirror for my ex-husband. He loved it! Or do this for strangers: Operation Beautiful

9.Volunteer your time. To a cause, person, business, or organization. You have specific God-given skills no one else does. Share them with others! Help others succeed! 


Spread joy wherever you go! You have a light within you! RADIATE!  :-)


Be Well! 

Jackie 



Copyright, 2014, Jackie Mart. For further information about this blog, or Optimum Wellness LLC, 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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Marinate and Macerate

10:24 PM Jackie Mart 0 Comments

Grilling season is in full swing. There are times I would love to have a balcony connected to my studio apartment to grill! Grilled salmon and asparagus is my top summer meal of choice!  

Marinating is a great way to add flavor and moisture to foods but some care must be taken to avoid food poisoning! Here are a few tips from Homefoodsafety.org


  • Put food and the marinade in a container made from glass, not metal.
  • Store marinating food in the refrigerator at 40 degrees or lower, and make sure to cover it. Never leave marinating food on the kitchen counter.
  • When packing marinating food, place it in a cooler with ice, and keep it out of the sunlight. 
  • Don't use marinade that's been added to raw meat unless it has been boiled afterward.  Instead, reserve some of the marinade in advance to add to food after cooking. 
  • Use a food thermometer to ensure that marinated foods are cooked through. 


Marinated Wild Salmon


INGREDIENTS:


4 wild caught salmon fillets
sea salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons xylitol
2 tablespoons chopped green onions
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro


DIRECTIONS:

1. Season fillets with sea salt and pepper, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. Set aside in a baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, balsamic vinegar, xylitol, green onions, and cilantro. Pour marinade over salmon; cover, and refrigerate overnight, or at least 6 hours.
3. Grill! 



CLICK HERE for more clean eating recipes! 




Copyright, 2014, Jackie Mart. For further information about this blog, or Optimum Wellness LLC, 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.

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