Showing posts with label coconut oil. Show all posts

Whiter Teeth Without Chemicals



Oil pulling is one of my morning rituals when I'm getting ready to start my day! 


Used primarily in Ayurvedic medicine, oil pulling — known as gandusha in Ayurveda — specifically coconut oil pulling, is an oral detoxification procedure that’s simply done by swishing a tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth for 10–20 minutes.

Oil pulling works by cleaning (detoxifying) the oral cavity in a similar way that soap cleans dirty dishes. It literally sucks the dirt (toxins) out of your mouth and creates a clean, antiseptic oral environment that contributes to the proper flow of dental liquid that’s needed to prevent cavities and disease! 

This has been used for centuries as a traditional India remedy to:

Treat tooth decay
Kill bad breath
Heal bleeding gums
Prevent heart disease
Reduce inflammation
Whiten teeth
Soothe throat dryness
Prevent cavities
Heal cracked lips
Boost the immune system
Improve acne
Strengthen gums and jaws

How To Oil Pull: 

Make sure to oil pull first thing in the morning right after you get out of bed — before you brush your teeth or drink anything.

Gently swish 1–2 tablespoons of coconut oil in your mouth and between your teeth for 10–20 minutes, making sure that you don’t swallow any of the oil. (I like to mix it with 1-2 drops of peppermint essential oil) 

Spit out the oil in the trash (not the sink so it doesn’t clog up the plumbing) and immediately rinse your mouth out with warm water. 

Finally, brush your teeth as normal.


Here are the specific non-toxic products I use you can purchase in my Optimum Wellness LLC Amazon Store:




Source: www.draxe.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.





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.






Eat This for Energy



If you need more energy remember fat should be your fuel! Load up on healthy fats to fuel your brain and body instead of sugar and carbs. Healthy fats help your body burn fat, build muscle, curb cravings for junk foods, aid in mineral absorption, function as carriers for fat-soluble vitamins, and provide building blocks for cell membranes and hormones.  

My top picks: 

Avocados
Raw nuts/seeds (specifically almonds, hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds, pecans, or walnuts)
A spoonful of MCT or organic coconut oil 
Local, organic eggs 
Nut butters or tahini 
Wild-caught salmon


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.



www.OptimumWellnessMN.com


No More Frizzy Summer Hair


I have naturally wavy hair and when the humidity is through the roof it can get out of control! Tame that frizz with my quick tips! 

When you have a few extra minutes before your shower, scoop out some coconut oil and warm it in your hands. Apply directly to dry hair, put on a shower cap, and then wrap your head in a towel for 15-20 minutes. Shampoo and condition hair as normal. 

Avoid products with alcohol because it can dry out hair.

Try not to shampoo daily so your hair doesn't get stripped of its natural oils. 

Make a rinse with equal parts apple cider vinegar and water. After you shampoo, rinse hair with the vinegar mixture.  

Apply a small amount of coconut oil to hands or to a wide-toothed comb and gently apply to hair. Don't use too much or it will look oily.  I also like to use a few drops of Vika's Essentials Organic Argan Nut Oil on my hair to tame frizz. This oil can also be used to moisturize your skin and cuticles! 




CLICK HERE to follow me on Facebook for more tips like this! 


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.




Part of My Morning Routine


Oil pulling is one of the best ways to remove bacteria and promote healthy teeth and gums!
Used primarily in Ayurvedic medicine, oil pulling is an oral detoxification procedure that is simply done by swishing a tablespoon of oil (typically coconut oil, olive or sesame oil) in your mouth for 10-20 minutes.
Oil pulling works by cleaning (detoxifying) the oral cavity in a similar way that soap cleans dirty dishes. It literally sucks the dirt (toxins) out of your mouth and creates a clean, antiseptic oral environment that contributes to the proper flow of dental liquid that is needed to prevent cavities and disease.
This effective procedure has been used for centuries as a traditional India remedy to:
  • Kills bad breath
  • Cures tooth decay 
  • Heals bleeding gums
  • Prevents heart disease
  • Reduces inflammation
  • Whitens teeth
  • Soothes throat dryness
  • Prevents cavities
  • Heals cracked lips
  • Boosts Immune System
  • Improves acne
  • Strengthens gums and jaw

*A photo of the oil I use is pictured above.  I buy it at Lakewinds, a local food cooperative in my neighborhood. It contains sesame, sunflower, coconut and peppermint oils. 


How to Oil Pull: 

  1. Make sure to oil pull first thing in the morning right after you get out of bed before you brush your teeth or drink anything.
  2. Gently swish 1 – 2 tablespoons of oil in your mouth and between your teeth for 10-20 minutes making sure that you don’t swallow any of the oil. (Do this gently so you don’t wear out your jaw and cheeks)
  3. Spit out the oil in the trash (not the sink so it doesn’t clog up the plumbing) and immediately rinse your mouth out with warm water (use salt water for added antimicrobial properties).
  4. Finally, brush your teeth with toothpaste as normal.

Source: www.draxe.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.


Golden Star Award



I've been having some issues with irritation and dry skin on my face the last few weeks and this stuff is fantastic!! The Golden Salve made by Equinox Botanicals. I found it at the Seward Community Co-op in my south Minneapolis neighborhood. I applied it at night on a clean face for 3 days and now my skin is FINALLY back to normal! (Fist pump) Here are a few of the ingredients. You can see why it's healing for any type of skin issue-herbs are where it's at! 


Coconut Oil- Anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal. Hundreds of uses! 

Bee Propolis- Anti-microbial, heals burns, anti-cancer properties. 

Calendula Flower- Anti-inflammatory, heals, soothes and softens skin.

Yellowdock Root- Detoxifer, anti-oxidant action. 

Comfrey Root- Promotes new skin cell growth, treats rashes, bug bites, reduces inflammation, helps maintain healthy skin. 

Goldenseal Root - Disinfectant, infection fighter. 





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.


Orgasmic Fudge




NO-BAKE, NO-SUGAR ALMOND FUDGE

Ingredients: (all organic if possible)

2 cups creamy raw almond butter (unsalted)
1/2 cup coconut oil, softened
1/8 teaspoon of stevia concentrated powder - (sweetness to taste)
1 teaspoon sea salt


Directions:

Simply mix all the ingredients together in a medium bowl, until smooth and creamy. A handheld mixer works fine. (Tip: It helps if all the ingredients are at room temperature, to keep the coconut oil soft.)

Transfer the mixture to a square baking dish, or container, lined with parchment or wax paper, then smooth with a spatula, and freeze until solid (about an hour).

Remove the fudge by lifting the paper out of the pan, then cut into squares and serve immediately. Due to the nature of coconut oil, this fudge will melt if left at room temperature for long. Store in the freezer for best results. If you want to add a chocolate flavor try adding a scoop or two of Garden of Life Organic Chocolate Plant Protein Powder to the mix.



CLICK HERE for more Clean Eating Recipes! 



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.


www.optimumwellnessmn.com


Pearly Whites

What a crazy weekend! I traveled back to Iowa to see clients and was able to meet up with a good friend. Always fun catching up with her since we connect well on many levels! We ended up making toothpaste. LOL! (This a different recipe from the last batch I made) 




Ingredients:

1 ½ TBSP bentonite clay  (You may need to add 1 TBSP more during the summer because the coconut oil can get melty)
2 TBSP distilled water
1 TBSP coconut oil, melted 
⅓ tsp Real Salt Sea Salt or FINE salt (If you have soft enamel or sensitive teeth you may want to skip this)
½ tsp baking soda (You could also double this in the summer if your coconut oil gets melty)
5-10 drops of Young Living Thieves Essential Oil 

Mix all ingredients together and store in a small mason jar or glass container. 


Bentonite Clay:

-Absorbs toxins and removes it from your body. It's actually nature's detox agent. People (and animals) ingest clay for an internal cleanse.

-Enhances gum repair 

-Decreases cavities by increasing the remineralizing of the teeth. 

-Full of nutrients and negatively charged ions that truly clean your teeth.



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




My Go-To Makeup Remover

I have learned  what my skin can and cannot handle after being a model the last 6 years.  Makeup artists tend to pack on the makeup for runway shows and photo shoots as you can see! 


I've been health conscious about what I put in and on my body for the same amount of years. Eye makeup is one of the toughest things to remove. 


Here is an ingredient list of a popular name brand makeup remover: 

Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclohexasiloxane, Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis) Leaf Juice, Benzyl Alcohol, Sodium Chloride, Dipropylene Glycol, Poloxamer 182, Allantoin, Tripotassium EDTA, Benzalkonium Chloride Solution, Glycerin, Cucumber (Cucumis Sativus) Extract (Cucumis Sativus), Potassium Phosphate, Dipotassium Phosphate


According to the Environmental Working Group's Cosmetic Database this product is rated a 6 on a scale of 0 to 10 for hazard toxins. Some of the chemicals in this makeup remover have been linked to: cancer, organ system toxicity, irritation of the eyes, skin, lungs, and allergies. 

Cheap, effective, non-toxic, natural alternative: Coconut Oil! 



Use a cotton ball or pad to apply gently to your face and makeup will wipe right off! (even waterproof mascara) Coconut oil is very moisturizing and will help soothe the skin.  Please follow me on Facebook for more natural health, wellness, fitness, and beauty tips! 



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




DIY Vapor Rub


My mom slathered Vick's Vapor Rub on us as kids. I'm sure your mother did too! I've even heard of people using it as a cold remedy by putting it on the bottoms of their feet at night, covering them with socks, and waking up cold-free in the morning?

Here is the short list of toxic ingredients in Vick's Vapor Rub:

Camphor: Contributes to the vapor quality.  Toxic levels are anything over 11 percent.  Vick’s has 5  percent.

Turpentine Oil: Also aids in the vapor qualities.  It is a paint solvent.

Laureth 7:  which comes from ethylene oxide and lauryl alcohol, serves an emulsifier. A common, probably too common, component found in detergents, cleaners and paint.


Petrolatum: THIS is what make’s Vick’s, Vick’s. The silky, thick salve substance you scoop out of the container and rub on chest, neck and nose. Derived from petroleum (aka crude oil) it is approved by the USFDA as a glide in ointments and cosmetics.  Petrolatum has been found in cancerous tumors (breast, coincidently the same area where we like to RUB Vick’s), causes suffocation of the skin, premature aging and aggravated acne.

Just a few reasons why you should to make your own! 

Homemade Vapor Rub

Ingredients:

5 TB coconut oil
2 TB cocoa butter
1 1/2 TB beeswax
30 drops eucalyptus essential oil (for children use Eucaylptus Radiata or Eucaplytus Citriodora)
12 drops each of essential oils: peppermint, lavender, and rosemary
5 drops tea tree essential oil

Instructions:

In a saucepan, over low heat, add the coconut oil and cocoa butter. Melt.

Once melted, add the beeswax. Melt.

Remove the pan from the heat. Allow the mixture to sit in the saucepan for 5 minutes. This will allow the mixture to cool so the oils aren't damaged.

After 5 minutes, add the eucalyptus, peppermint, lavender, rosemary, and tea tree oils to the coconut oil mixture. Combine with a spoon.

Pour the mixture into glass jars. I use these mason jars. This recipe will make one 4 oz. jar of vapor rub. As the mixture cools in the jar the liquid will solidify, making it a creamy, spreadable rub.

**This recipe will keep for a year.

www.ewg.org 

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

DIY Perfume

Yes I am a girlie girl! I love wearing lipstick, heels, and perfume! :-) I have been using essential oil as perfume for about 6 years now. Other perfumes are loaded with chemicals! 

Who says smelling delicious has to be toxic? Here is a VERY EASY way to make your own DIY roll on perfumes at home using essential oils. You can use any essential oil (or blend) you want! The great thing about using essential oils is that they not only smell fantastic, they actually have beneficial properties that can help you relax, calm, de-stress, and uplift your mood (depending on which ones you use).


Ingredients:


Fractionated coconut oil
Jojoba oil
Essential oils of choice
Roll-on tubes 10ml
Dropper (optional)

Process:


1) Fill each 10ml roll-on bottle with the following:
  • 1.5 tsp fractionated coconut oil
  • 1/2 tsp jojoba oil
  • 8-12 drops of essential oil of your choice (use more if you want a stronger perfume, I prefer it more subtle)
2) Snap on the roller
3) Shake as needed to combine.

Simple! I made two different fragrances: Whisper and Mental Clarity! Try it!






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

My Saturday Night- Wild and Crazy

You would think a young, single woman like myself would be out and about causing trouble on a Saturday night, but I'm not that type! LOL!  Last night I tried out a few natural body care recipes!! I made coconut oil conditioner, toothpaste powder, and an apple cider vinegar facial toner.  

This is what I used to make the conditioner: (Just 4 simple ingredients-no chemicals, preservatives, or toxins)

*Coconut Oil
*Lavender essential oil
*Jojoba oil
*Vitamin E Oil



Coconut Oil Conditioner is one of the products you will be able to make at my Non-Toxic Body Care Making Workshop on December 8th! It is from 2-4 PM at Supreme Kitchens in Spirit Lake. I only have 4-5 spots left so please get your tickets soon! This is a kid-friendly event! 

You can order tickets here:




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.



Foods to Support Your Thyroid



Thyroid problems affects millions of people around the world believe it or not!  The conditions resulting from thyroid problems can be extremely serious. As a regulator of hormone production and metabolism, the thyroid needs to function properly to maintain optimal health. The good news is, there are nutritional steps you can take to help support your thyroid!!

The thyroid needs very specific nutrients to maintain proper function: iodine, selenium, iron, and zinc.  

The following foods provide quality dietary sources of these necessary elements. They also include complete nutritional content including quality protein, high quantities of necessary vitamins (such as B vitamins needed in hormone production), antioxidants and more!

1. Dulse Seaweed

Sea vegetables are a great source of iodine and dulse seaweed has been found to offer the most consistent
and highest concentrations of iodine. This purple-brown sea vegetable is full of potassium and is an excellent source of protein. (In addition to dulse seaweed, arame, kombu, nori, sea palm and wakame are also quality iodine and nutrient sources.)

2. Fish

Fish is a great source of dietary iodine, plus the amazing benefits of omega-3 fatty acids which have been found to contribute to a healthy heart. Deep sea fish such as cod and haddock contain the highest densities of dietary iodine. (Be sure fish is wild caught, NOT farm raised)

3. Coconut Oil

Coconuts are an excellent food all around, and the oil from coconut has been used as a healing food for a long time. Coconut oil contains essential fatty acids needed for proper metabolic function. These fatty acids are easily assimilated by the body and contribute to thyroid function, thyroid hormone production and regulating the metabolism.



4. Beans

Beans are a good source of zinc and iron. They also provide quality proteins and are an excellent source of B vitamins, vitamin C, and fiber.


5. Liver and Kidney Meat

Although not appropriate for vegans or vegetarians, these organ meats, especially beef liver, provide iron, zinc and selenium as well as high-quality proteins. They also provide a more complete, nutrient-dense source of calcium, potassium, Vitamins A, C and D, and the B vitamins than most fruits and vegetables. Again, if you go this route, select products from organic, vegetarian-fed animals.

6. Almonds

While most nuts are an excellent source of proteins, minerals, vitamins and fiber, almonds provide a potent
source of nutrients needed by the thyroid. Almonds combine quality values of iron, selenium and zinc with essential B vitamins and high protein content.

7. Turkey

For a lean protein source, turkey is an excellent source of selenium. It also contains iron and essential amino acids. Again, opt for organic, vegetarian fed animals.

8. Dark Green Leafy Vegetables

Why choose one when any of the dark leafy veggies will work? Spinach, kale, collard greens, swiss chard, mustard or turnip greens are all a great source of iron, B vitamins (needed for hormone secretion), Vitamins A, C and D, magnesium and their incredible antioxidants. These superfoods not only supply the nutrients the thyroid needs, they also help protect overall health.




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.

www.optimumwellnessmn.com