Showing posts with label cleanse. Show all posts

Less is More

Copyright 2107: Jackie Mart


After reading an article and watching a Ted Talk video about minimalism I was inspired and decided to sift through my belongings.  I currently live in small 500 square foot studio apartment. Even though it may look bare to most I still somehow managed to fill the bags in the photo plus one from my storage unit!! Goodwill got some goodies!


My apartment consists mostly of items for my business and modeling promotions.  I was previously married and owned two houses full of "stuff."  Now I've scaled down dramatically and realize what few things I really need in life!  When we own less we have less to store and manage. (Which leaves more time, energy, and focus into what really matters!)   Years ago all of the storage units you see never existed. The concept of hoarding has reached new levels!  Read my blog post about clutter here: http://jackieamart.blogspot.com/2014/04/clutter-hoarder-or-ocd-neat-freak.html


I remember visiting my in-laws years ago and looking around at all their "stuff."  Lots of antiques and a whole upper loft in the garage of randomness piled high in boxes and plastic tubs. I had a bout of anxiety thinking about sorting through everything when they passed away. Not something anyone wants to deal with!  Here is my advice:


If you haven't used something within a year get rid of it. You DO NOT need it. Don't keep it, "just in case..."


All those clothes in your closet that do not fit your current body- donate them! Love your body for what it looks like right now!


Go through your space and if you see something that reminds you of an unpleasant memory from your past it's time to part with it.


When you look at an item make sure it gives you a sense of happiness and joy or it's time to let it go!


Our memories are located in our heads and our hearts, not in physical objects. Make room only for things, people, and experiences that add value to your life!




Copyright, 2017, 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.










Cleanse Your Space


Copyright 2017: Jackie Mart





Smudging. I smudge frequently to clear out negative energy when I am feeling stuck, sluggish, depressed, or down. These feelings can be caused by stagnant energy in your field. Your field can include your emotional, energetic, mental, spiritual or physical body, and your environment—whether it’s your home, office, or other physical space. Stagnant or negative energy can have extremely detrimental effects on your mental and physical state and is even believed to manifest into a lack of happiness and success as well as pain and disease.

What is Smudging?

In many ancient cultures, including Native American traditions, herbs were burned in the ritual cleansing of a physical space, objects or individuals. The idea is that by burning certain herbs in a space, the smoke generated attaches itself to the negative energy and as the smoke dissipates, so does the negative energy. This burning of herbs can also be used for individual cleansing, after a particularly energetically depleting day or experience.

People often cleanse themselves and their space after difficult events, when communication problems seem to be arising, when they are feeling negative, during times of meditation or other ritual. Smudging is also excellent to practice prior to a gathering or ritual or as people arrive and before commencing a ritual or celebration. This leads to open minds and hearts and the eradication of any lingering negativity.

There are several herbs used commonly in “smudge sticks.” Herbs are bundled together and often tied with string. In ancient native American traditions, special smudge bowls were used but now, most smudging herbs come in stick from and are easy to use. Common smudging herbs include:

  • Sage, including White Sage
  • Cedar and other Pine derivatives
  • Lavender- for calming
  • Osha Root
  • Sweet Grass
  • Mugwort – which is also used for lucid dreaming and protection

How to Smudge

Firstly, any cleansing ritual must start with a clear and simple intention. Focusing on clearing out the negative energy and pushing it out of your space and mind is important!

Once you have your intention clearly in your mind, light the smudge stick and then blow out the flame. This allows the herbs to smolder and smoke without actively burning.

If you are cleansing a space, walk around the room or rooms slowly and focus on cleansing and clearing negative energy. You should focus on corners, behind doors and make sure you also smudge closets and drawers!!


You can purchase smudge sticks from my Amazon store: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003OQQMV8/?ref=exp_loc_pl_optimumwellness



Source: http://inspiritcrystals.com/






Copyright, 2017, 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.










Spring Body Cleaning



Juicing is a great way to cleanse your body and give your digestive system a break. It's beneficial to do a full body detox every time the seasons change. Here are my top picks to juice: 


Carrots- Beta-carotene. Great for liver, brain, eye health

Cucumber-Pancreas, liver, high in silica for glowing skin, hair, nails

Celery-Alkalizing, high in electrolytes, potassium, reduces cellulite, inflammation, tightens skin

Asparagus-High in vitamins C and D, removes heavy metals, radiation. 

Beets-Circulatory system, cleanses blood, Athletes-increases endurance

Broccoli- High in chromium-balances blood sugar and hormones

Cabbage-Source of sulfur- stomach ulcers, detox, digestive issues, joints, leaky gut

Cilantro-Heavy metal detox

Garlic-Heart health, Candida, colds/flu

Ginger-Reduces inflammation/swelling

Turmeric-Arthritis, inflammation, heart disease

Kale-Nutrient dense, alkalizes pH, detox

Lemons-Contains Quercetin, vitamin C, alkalizing, seasonal allergies

Parsley-Alkalizing, bloating, chlorophyll 



Want to learn more? Schedule a juicing consultation with me: 712.790.5883 or Jackie@OptimumWellnessMN.com 






Copyright, 2016, 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.

Wedge Find

I spotted this yesterday during my shopping trip to The Wedge (Natural food coop here in Minneapolis).  I like to buy at least one new item I haven't seen before and this True Nopal Prickly Pear Cactus water looked really interesting since I'm not a big fan of the taste of coconut water. 






The prickly pear cactus fruit is the only fruit which contains all 24 known betalains, which are powerful antioxidants known for their skin revitalizing benefits. Drink it to hydrate and revive your skin naturally or when you need a cleanse & detox for your body.  It contains 5 naturally-occurring electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals.  Bonus: It is lower in sugar and calories than nearly all leading coconut water and aloe juice products! And I love the taste- a mix of watermelon/kiwi/berry flavor! 






Copyright, 2015, 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.




Liver Cleansing Cocktail

Your liver is your main detoxifying organ, and it can get bogged down from time to time depending on your diet, activity level, and environment. When an overload of toxins becomes too much for your liver to handle, toxic compounds can store within tissues and decrease your quality of health

If you're cleansing your liver, you need to provide your body with nutrition that is easy to digest. You don't want your body to spend its energy digesting food, but you definitely need to keep a good balance of nutrients, electrolytes, and antioxidants to provide support during the detox. Juicing is a powerful way to support the cleansing of your liver without compromising the body’s natural healing process.

Liver Cleansing Juice Cocktail




Ingredients:

3 Organic Carrots 
1 Organic Beet 
2 Organic Apples 
6 Organic Kale Leaves
½ inch of ginger root
½ organic lemon, peeled


Why These Ingredients?

Beets and Carrots

Beets and carrots are extremely high in Vitamin A. Eating these ingredients, along with other plant foods containing similar nutrients, can help stimulate and improve overall liver function.

Apples- I use green apples (Granny Smith) because they are lower in sugar.  

High in pectin, apples hold the nutrients necessary for the body to cleanse and release toxins from the digestive tract. This makes it easier for the liver to handle the toxic load during the cleansing process.

Kale

One of our most powerful allies in cleansing the liver, leafy greens such as kale can be eaten raw, cooked, or juiced. Extremely high in plant chlorophylls, greens suck up environmental toxins from the bloodstream. It has the ability to neutralize toxic metals, chemicals, and pesticides.

Ginger Root -I'm allergic to ginger so I leave this out of my recipes but it has amazing health benefits! 

Ginger has also been historically used for flatulence, constipation, bloating, and other digestive complaints. Researchers have found ginger to be effective for stress-related ulcers.

Lemons

Citrus fruits, such as lemons, contain very high amounts of vitamin C, which aids the body in converting toxic materials into substances that can be absorbed by water. Drinking freshly-squeezed lemon or lime juice in the morning helps stimulate the liver.


CLICK HERE for more Juicing Recipes! 


Source: http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/


Copyright, 2015, 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.


Spring Detoxing and Cleansing


Springtime- I think of flowers blooming, green grass, Easter egg hunts, and exercising outdoors! It's been a really LONG winter here in northwest Iowa with the extremely low temperatures. Being cooped up all winter leads to sluggishness, fatigue, and weight gain. With the seasons changing now is a great time to not only Spring clean your house but do a body cleansing as well!! 

Here are 9 ways you can rid your body of toxic build up! 


1. Clean Eating

Ditch these clogging foods and your skin, gut, and brain will thank you! 
Dairy Products
Acidic to body; contain antibiotic residues and growth hormones; causes mucus build-up and acne.
Gluten/Wheat/Sugar
Processed carbohydrate foods like white breads, white pastas, sugary drinks and candies all demand extra effort from your liver to keep your blood sugar levels stable as well as to remove the toxic substances these foods contain. Eating a processed carbohydrate rich diet will mean your liver is working over time.

Anything with Additives/Preservatives/Colorings in a Box or Can

These foods are highly processed, made in factories, contain chemicals that our bodies cannot break down. They cause weight gain, diabetes, cancer, diseases, and other health issues.  It is "dead" food without living enzymes.
CLICK HERE for more information on clean eating and RECIPES

2. Juice Fast
Juicing is a way to get a mega-dose of vitamins and nutrients into your body with maximum absorption! Try doing one for 3-5 days if you are new to juicing to give your digestive system a rest! Here is one recipe I enjoy. 

Deep Green Liver Detox Juice: 
  • 1/2 cucumber
  • 2 cups kale
  • 1 lime
  • 1 cup swiss chard
  • 1/2 lemon
Run all ingredients through a juicer and drink! 


More of my top picks to juice: http://jackieamart.blogspot.com/2016/03/spring-body-cleaning.html?m=1

Sweating is the body’s safe and natural way to heal & stay healthy. Infrared sauna benefits the body by heating it directly causing a rise in core temperature resulting in a deep, detoxifying sweat at the cellular level, where toxins reside. 



4. Dry Skin Brushing




Dry skin brushing on a daily basis can provide numerous benefits, such as improved circulation, stimulating lymph drainage, stimulating hormones, and firming the skin.


  • Stimulates the lymphatic system, which also helps to eliminate toxins from the body.
  • Helps your skin to breathe by removing dead skin cells, and opening clogged pores
  • By increasing the circulation to the skin, you are encouraging your body to discharge metabolic waste.


5. Liver Cleansing- Foods/ Herbs:

Consume More of These Foods
  • Beets
  • Carrots
  • Lemons
  • Limes
  • Dark Leafy Greens
  • Sulphur rich foods like onions and garlic
  • Cruciferous veggies like broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower
Herbs (Be sure to consult with an educated professional before using.) 
Burdock Root: Burdock root is an extremely bitter root that is a powerful blood purifier. This will help to support your liver in its blood filtering work.
Dandelion Root: Dandelion root works to support the cleansing of the liver. I like to drink dandelion root tea! 

Milk Thistle: Milk thistle can work to cleanse and repair the liver tissues. This is most likely the most common of the liver supporting herbs. It comes in tincture, tea, and capsule forms. 

6. Total Body Cleanse
Some people like to use a product to assist with cleansing. Here is the one I use and recommend from Garden of Life. It's gentle and effective! Please contact me if you would like to order one! 


7. Herbal Detox Body Wraps
You can use these in the comfort of your own home! 
The Herbal Detox Body Wrap is a non-woven cloth wrap that has been infused with a powerful, botanically-based formula to deliver you maximum tightening, toning, and firming results when applied to the skin. It continuously hydrates for firmer, smoother, more youthful-looking skin and reduces the appearance of cellulite and skin slackening. 

It is natural and it aids the body in releasing toxins, tightening and toning the body and emulsifying fat so that you lose inches in a 45 minute application. This inch loss can be from 1-6 inches in 45 minutes. Also helps with stretch marks, cellulite, pain, and inflammation. $30 for 1 Wrap (Retail Price).



8. Ion Detox Foot Bath
This is a service I offer in my office. The ion foot bath is a powerful way to experience a cellular detoxification. It generates a stream of positive and negative ions (charged atoms) which attract and attach themselves to oppositely charged toxic particles. Through osmosis these toxins are drawn out of the body through the pores of your feet to cleanse and detoxify the body. It increase energy (both physically and mental energy), vitality, stamina, and weight loss at the same time it is used to purge (ionic detoxifications) the body of toxins, chemicals, radiation, pollution, synthetics, and other foreign material trapped in the body that have clogged up the systems of elimination.



9. Drink More WATER!

Most people are not consuming enough. Rule is to drink half your bodyweight in ounces of filtered water a day minimum! Water cleanses toxins from the body, regulates body temperature, is needed for digestion and more. Use stainless steel or a glass water bottle instead of drinking out of plastic bottles! 


Please CONTACT ME to schedule your detox session or wellness consultation!










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

Liver Cleansing Foods

Your liver is your main detoxifying organ! It is bombarded with toxins every day. The FDA has approved over 3,000 chemicals and food additives just in our food supply! 

What Are the Functions of the Liver?

*It is responsible for the production of bile which is stored in the gallbladder and released when required for the digestion of fats.

*The liver stores glucose in the form of glycogen which is converted back to glucose again when needed for energy.

*It also plays an important role in the metabolism of protein and fats. It stores the vitamins A, D, K, B12 and folate and synthesizes blood clotting factors.

*Another important role is as a detoxifier, breaking down or transforming substances like ammonia, metabolic waste, drugs, alcohol and chemicals, so that they can be excreted. 


So many functions! That is why it is so important to make sure it is working properly.  Why not add some foods to your diet to help your liver out?!?! 






Please contact me if you would like help cleaning up your diet! To schedule a consultation please call: 712.790.5883 Thank you! 



Copyright, 2013, 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.