Showing posts with label clean eating. Show all posts

I Challenge You




One simple way to increase your intake of fruits and vegetables is to incorporate smoothies into your diet. Making a smoothie every morning as part of a daily routine can dramatically improve your health! 
Smoothies are blended drinks that combine leafy greens with fruits, veggies and healthy fats, such as almonds, hemp seeds, flax and coconut. Popular leafy greens include spinach, kale, rainbow or Swiss chard, mint, parsley and collard greens. I prefer to use all fresh, raw ingredients, but using frozen fruit creates a thicker, ice cream-like texture!


Health Benefits of Smoothies:

*Provide you with the full spectrum of nature's bio-available vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants
*Give you plenty of natural fiber to ensure excellent digestion
*Increase energy
*Elevate mood
*Help empower your immune system to protect you from illness


Take my challenge! Drink one smoothie for 14 days total in April and I guarantee you will see and feel the difference! 

I have created a Smoothies Made Simple E-book which includes 30 of my favorite smoothie recipes that are gluten, soy, and dairy-free! 


All you have to do to participate is to purchase the E-book on my website. Click below and scroll down on the page! 




I would love to hear some testimonials after you finish your challenge! You can even post photos and comments on my Facebook Page throughout the entire 14 days. Each person who completes the smoothie challenge and writes a testimonial will be rewarded with a GENEROUS gift! You must post comments, pictures, and a testimonial in order to qualify for the gift! 


Need some accountability? Forward this to a friend and complete the challenge together! 


Testimonials From Past Smoothie Challenge: 


"Thanks for creating the smoothie challenge Jackie! It was a simple way to hold myself accountable to eat more fruits and veggies. I definitely have felt less lethargic over the past two weeks. My energy levels are high and I feel better mentally (focus levels and attitude).  The smoothie recipes taste great and I'll continue to use them. Thanks for the support throughout!" 


"I participated in the 14-day smoothie challenge and I was very surprised at how tasty and filling the smoothies were. One of the benefits was able to get several servings of fruits and vegetables in 1 smoothie. Also added protein. I tried new ingredients that I had never used before and combinations of foods together such as in the Almond butter and Jelly smoothie. Red grapes, fresh spinach, banana and almond butter together. Delicious! I was putting fresh, healthy and organic ingredients in my body and made me feel great. Loved participating in the challenge and will definitely add smoothies as part of a healthy lifestyle!"

-Annette Netsch



*Challenge ends on 4/30/21.  You must consume 14 smoothies the month of April!  




Copyright, 2021, 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 nutritionist 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.

Roasted Beet Hummus





ROASTED BEET HUMMUS (Serves 6) 

INGREDIENTS: (all organic if possible) 

1 small roasted beet
1 15-oz. can cooked chickpeas (mostly drained // 1 can yields ~1 3/4 cup)
1/2 large lemon (juiced)
1 pinch sea salt and black pepper
2 large cloves garlic (minced)
2 heaping Tbsp tahini
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

DIRECTIONS: 

  1. Roast the beet in oven. 
  2. Once your beet is cooled and peeled, quarter it and place it in your food processor. Blend until only small bits remain.
  3. Add remaining ingredients except for olive oil and blend until smooth.
  4. Drizzle in olive oil as the hummus is mixing.
  5. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt, lemon juice, or olive oil if needed. If it’s too thick, add a bit of water.  Will keep in the fridge for up to a week.





Copyright, 2020, 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 nutritionist 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.



Transition From Self-Hate to Self-Love in 7 Days!



7 Day Online Self-Love Boot Camp 


With our crazy schedules and new COVID- 19 interim normal it may be a bit more challenging to put ourselves first and we're all in need of a little ME time. Whether you're new to eating healthy, exercise, need some extra self-love ...this is a chance to get back on track (or amplify your current state) and make some healthy changes for both your mind and body. You will get advice from a qualified nutrition and fitness professional, “Jackie Approved” Healing Food Plan and Recipes, life coaching tips, and more! 


I will provide the tools to set you up for SUCCESS. YOU provide the commitment. 7 days, yummy & filling recipes, free daily workouts you can stream online you can easily do at home, tips and tricks for loving yourself every day, and MOST importantly: motivation and accountability! (and a nutritionist and life coach at your fingertips for the full 7 days!) 


*Added bonuses this month: Immune boosters, Detoxifying Foods for Your Body, Ways to Break the Sugar Habit! I will also be popping on Facebook live and recording videos to share some of my most valuable motivational advice and answering any questions you may have! 


This is for anyone, anywhere, and for all ages and fitness levels! Everything is online via Facebook. I will add you to my secret group page! Ask a friend, family member, or coworker to do it with you! Oh and I almost forgot!! There is a pretty EPIC PRIZE for the winner!! 


When: Monday, April 27th - Sunday, May 3rd, 2020


Where: Online (The comfort of your own home!)


Investment: $35/person  **Due to the COVID-19 financial crisis I am offering my boot camp on a donation basis. Suggested donation is $35 but know you can always pay what you can! 



Please contact me with a big "YES" if you would like to join! Jackie@OptimumWellnessMN.com or 712.790.5883





Copyright, 2020, 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 nutritionist 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.



Navigate the Grocery Store



One-on-One Grocery Store Tours

$75 each the whole month of September! (Regularly $150) 

I travel to the local store where you shop! (Iowa or Minnesota) 

Learn what SHOULD be in your cart, what foods to avoid, how to read food labels, the top healing foods, hidden sugars, recipe ideas, shopping list, better alternatives to some of your favorite foods, and more! 

*I also offer small group tours with groups of 3 or more people for $35 each person. Invite your friends, family, or co-workers! 


Please contact me with questions or to schedule: 712.790.5883 or Jackie@OptimumWellnessMN.com


Offer Expires:  9/30/2018 





Copyright, 2018, 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 nutritionist 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.




Chefs in Training


Since I do not have children of my own yet, I've been offering children's cooking classes in Iowa and Minnesota the past few years!  My four-year-old twin niece and nephew have also been acquiring some cooking skills from me! They love helping in the kitchen and can even crack eggs! When you have children help choose and prepare meals it's educational, fun, and great for their long-term health.  Kids who help with meal preparation are more likely to eat the food! 

Here are the best ways to involve kids in in meal prep based on their age and ability: 

Preschoolers:

Set the table
Stir batter
Kneading dough
Assemble pizza
Peeling oranges, bananas, or hard-boiled eggs
Toss a salad


5-8 Years Old: 

Cut soft fruits with a dull knife
Measuring liquids
Scrubbing potatoes
Grating cheese
Peeling onions
Cracking raw eggs
Loading the dishwasher


Preteens: 

Using a food processor 
Opening cans
Cutting with a chef's knife
Cooking in the oven
Baking breads


Teenagers: 

Using all appliances
Cooking on an outdoor grill
Purchasing groceries


Please request to join my private Facebook group: Wellness Warriors   This is where I post all my most valuable content and upcoming classes and events! 



Copyright, 2018, 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 nutritionist 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.








Get Your Grub On


MARINATED GRILLED VEGETABLES

INGREDIENTS: (all organic if possible) 

1 medium zucchini - sliced into bite sized pieces
1 red onion - sliced into rings
1 bell pepper - top and seeds removed and sliced into strips
1 cup mushrooms - halved
1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes
1/2 eggplant - sliced into bite sized pieces

For the marinade:

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried basil
Juice of 1 lemon
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

DIRECTIONS:

Chop up all of the vegetables and place them in a large zip-lock bag.
Mix the marinade ingredients in a bowl. Pour over the vegetables. Place in fridge to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Heat up your grill to a high direct heat.
Place vegetables on a grilling pan. If you don't have a grilling pan you can use a baking pan or sheet. A pan helps to prevent the veggies from falling through the grill.
Place pan over high direct heat to cook, about 5-6 minutes per side.You want the veggies to get a nice char from the grill, but pull them off before they get too soft.


CLICK HERE for more clean eating recipes! 




Copyright, 2018, 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 nutritionist 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.






Ingredients to Watch Out For



If  you can’t  pronounce it,  you probably don’t  want to put it in your  body. You were meant to eat  simple foods: spinach, carrots,  apple instead of monohydroxsodium  aspartate (I just made that up). If  it sounds like a chemical, it probably  is and does not belong in your body.


High-fructose  corn syrup: Corn  and syrup are two  easily pronounced, natural  sounding words can’t be that  bad, right? In fact, many believe  HCFS is the most significant factor  in the rising rates of obesity and type  2 diabetes in the United States. HCFS is an  artificial sweetener derived from corn. It is highly  processed, and contains high levels of fructose, which  may result in liver damage, and it rapidly raises blood  sugar. Recently, the Corn Refiners Association, have pushed  to be able to label HCFS merely as “corn sugar.” If you see  this on a label, it’s just HCFS trying to sound more natural. Remember  though that agave has more fructose though than HFCS! Check ingredient labels  and avoid “health” or raw foods that contain agave, which is certainly not a health  food you want to be ingesting.


Sugar:  A label may  come straight out  and say it contains  sugar, or it may use  all kinds of clever names  including sucrose, fructose, glucose  solids, barley malt, corn syrup solids,  dehydrated cane juice, cane juice, refiners  syrup, maltodextrin, caramel, fruit juice, dextrose,  and many others.


Artificial  sweeteners: These  are chemicals, some  of which are neurotoxic.  Look for names like aspartame,  NutraSweet, sucralose, Equal, Splenda,  saccharin, acesulfame-K, acesulfame potassium,  and neotame.


Monosodium  glutamate: Another  neurotoxin, monosodium  glutamate or MSG is added  as a flavor enhancer. Avoid  it at all costs, or anything  containing free glutamate. It may  also appear on labels as hydrolyzed  protein, glutamic acid, glutamate, monopotassium  glutamate, calcium glutamate, yeast extract, autolyzed  yeast, textured protein, soy protein, whey protein, calcium  caseinate, and sodium caseinate.


Artificial  anything: Simply  put, these are chemicals.  Avoid foods that call out artificial  colors or flavors. It may also be listed  as “(color) dye # (number).”

Trans  fats: According  to the American Heart  Association, no amount of  trans fats are considered safe.  This processed ingredient is associated  with raising LDL (bad) cholesterol and increased  risk of heart disease and diabetes. Avoid any ingredients  listed as hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated, as well.


Sodium  nitrate or  nitrite: Nitrates  and nitrites may increase  risk of pancreatic cancer, according to the National Institute of Health.  Nitrates are found in processed meats.


**Want to learn more? Please contact me to schedule a wellness session or grocery store tour at the local store where you shop! 712.790.5883 or Jackie@OptimumWellnessMN.com




Copyright, 2018, 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 nutritionist 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.





For the Grill


QUICK SOUTHWESTERN GRILLED CHICKEN (Makes 4 Servings) 

INGREDIENTS: (all organic if possible) 

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast cutlets
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil  
1 1/2  teaspoons chili powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Sea salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS: 

Place all ingredients in a large glass container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or preferable overnight.

Heat grill or cast iron skillet over medium high heat.  Add the chicken and cook 4-5 minutes per side or until the chicken is cooked through.  

CLICK HERE for more clean eating recipes! 





Copyright, 2018, 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 nutritionist 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.



Easy Make Ahead Breakfast


BANANA FLAX MUFFINS  

INGREDIENTS: (all organic if possible) 

2 cups almond flour  
1/2 cup ground flax meal 
2 bananas  
4 eggs 
Dash of real vanilla 
1 tsp baking powder (aluminum-free) 
2 tablespoons coconut oil  

DIRECTIONS:  

Blend and bake at 350 degrees for about 15-20 minutes. Lately I've been sprinkling them with cinnamon and making mini-muffins. Throw in the freezer and pull out when you need a quick breakfast or snack! 


CLICK HERE for more Clean Eating Recipes! 




Copyright, 2018, 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 nutritionist 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.






How to Eat Kale (And Like It)


Sauteed or Steamed- in coconut or olive oil, add whatever nuts, spices, herbs, veggies you like! 
Raw- salads, smoothies, soups, pesto, as a bread substitute (paleo wraps), or juice it! 
Baked- kale chips, put in baked dishes-lasagna, pasta, egg bakes, meatballs, etc. 

*Always buy organic kale; it is sprayed with lots of chemicals making it one of the Dirty Dozen. The kale should be firm with fresh, deeply colored leaves and hardy stems.

*To store, place kale in a plastic storage bag removing as much of the air from the bag as possible. Store in the refrigerator where it will keep for 5 days. The longer it is stored, the more bitter its flavor becomes. Do not wash kale before storing because exposure to water encourages spoilage. Loss of some nutrients in kale—for example, its vitamin C content—is likely to be slowed down through refrigeration. 



5 MINUTE KALE PESTO  (Serves: about 1 cup - 8 servings, 2 tablespoons each)
INGREDIENTS:  (all organic if possible) 

2 cups torn kale (no stems) and parsley, combined
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
¼ teaspoon sea salt (more to taste)
1 clove garlic
juice of one lemon
¼ to ½ cup raw almonds

DIRECTIONS: 

Pulse the kale, olive oil, salt, garlic, and lemon juice in a food processor until smooth.
Add the almonds and pulse until the almonds are ground to desired consistency.
Serve with pizza, veggies, pasta, crackers, eggs, salads, soups, sandwiches, wraps, etc.

Notes:

I ended up using about 1½ cups kale + ½ cup parsley. But I've made this many times with just about any combination of greens, whether JUST kale, kale and spinach, kale and other herbs.. it is a very flexible recipe.  If you don't want this to be vegan, just add a handful of parmesan cheese into the mix. You can also add spicy almonds instead of raw ones for variety. 




Copyright, 2018, 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 nutritionist 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

Breakfast in a Jar


PANCAKE IN A JAR (Serves 2) 

 INGREDIENTS: (all organic if possible)  

1 cup almond flour 
1 tbsp. baking powder (aluminum-free) 
2 tbsp. grass-fed butter or ghee 
3/4 cup nut milk (or sub. dairy milk 
Blueberries  

DIRECTIONS:  

Preheat oven 350 degrees F. Combine flour and baking powder in a small bowl, and whisk until combined. Stir in melted butter and milk until batter forms.  Place blueberries on bottoms of jars, then fill about halfway with batter. Pancake will rise while cooking. Bake for 20-30 minutes (time varies depending on your oven so check often). Let cool before topping with more butter, blueberries, nut butter, or pure maple syrup. 




Copyright, 2018, 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 nutritionist 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