Life at its Best: heart

Showing posts with label heart. Show all posts

CUPID KABOBS

INGREDIENTS: (all organic if possible)

Oranges
Strawberries or Watermelon
Purple Grapes or Blueberries

DIRECTIONS:

Use small heart cookie cutter to make strawberry/watermelon hearts. Assemble on wooden skewers as shown in the the photo.

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

I recently went through my Instagram feed and unfollowed anyone whose profile who didn't spark joy in my life: people who post things of no value to me, personal trainers/models with perfectly chiseled abs who only post gym selfies or workout videos continuously, negative people, and anyone else whose profile I looked at that made me feel bad about myself, triggered my eating disorder mentality, or didn't inspire me.

Through social networking we're able to connect with a lot of people and even "follow" others who inspire us. The problem with social media is that it is often a highlight reel of every day life, the top moments of our lives. It's easy to compare ourselves to strangers on the internet and to the best styled, perfected, edited, curated moments of their lives. It makes me think of this verse from Proverbs: "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." (4:23). Especially online, your heart needs to be guarded from those feelings of inadequacy you feel when you look at people's profiles or posts. You are in charge of guarding your heart, especially when it's in danger of being stabbed often by something that often seems harmless. Remember not everyone has walked the same path as you.

Does someone's "perfect" body make you feel bad about your own? Unfollow. Does someone else's bragging about their success make you feel like you're way behind? Unfollow. Does someone else's spiteful comments make you feel upset and uncomfortable? Unfollow. Do you follow business "competition" just to spy? Unfollow. Do you follow friends from high school just to keep up on gossip or to feel better about yourself? Unfollow. Wonder why you followed some people in the first place? Unfollow. Make your online world a place of inspiration, motivation, genuine connection, positivity, and happiness!! Guard your heart! <3

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

Today would have been my special friend, Opal's, 104th birthday! I think about her often, especially around the holidays. I called her my "Adopted Grandma" and guardian angel. She was my role model growing up. So self-less and happy no matter what was thrown her way! I'm reminded of her each and every time I hug someone (She always told me you need at least 6 a day!) but I miss her the most when I'm sad... her random phone calls, hand-written cards, and her heart-warming life stories!

Opal was an avid member of the Catholic Church in my hometown, volunteered at the nursing home when she was much older than all the residents, made amazing homemade bread, cinnamon rolls, sugar cookies, angel food birthday cakes with sticky frosting and sprinkles, drank beer with her pizza, took walks, loved singing, coffee, and was a fashionista-clip on earrings, pearls, broaches, (she let me keep a few-see photo below) and bright lipstick! Such a diva!

She was a big part of our family. Attended all of our Christmas concerts, holiday gatherings, graduations, birthday parties, some sporting events, took my brothers and I to our swimming lessons, and welcomed us into her faith-filled world!

My one and only tattoo on my inner left wrist is a permanent memorial honoring her; an angel resembling henna.

Opal was a bright light in my life and the lives of many. My life purpose and mission has been to follow in her footsteps and light the way for others! To spread joy wherever I go! If you are ever in need of an angel ask for Opal! She is the BEST one I know! <3

Happy Birthday Beautiful Soul! XOXO

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.

www.optimumwellnessmn.com

I didn't have a Valentine yesterday but still had an amazing birthday! Treated myself to a 60 minute deep tissue massage! Loving myself has been an empowering journey I have been sharing with others. Your relationship with yourself influences your relationships with everyone else. When you love yourself you are able to love others more unconditionally! Remember- We are love. You have a purpose. You matter!

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

Romance DIY Room Spray

Ingredients:

5 Drops Rose Essential Oil
3 Drops Ylang ylang Essential Oil
2 Drops Patchouli Essential Oil
2 Drops Bergamot Citrus Essential Oil
2 Teaspoons Alcohol

Directions:

To make a 2 ounce room or body spray, mix 60 drops of your aroma concentrate (above) with 2 ounces of distilled water or witch hazel. Shake well. Spray upward into the air and walk underneath. If the scent is not strong enough, add more concentrate in 5 drop increments and test again. Love is in the air! ;-)

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

Breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, and a drink for Valentine's Day! Heart-healthy foods for the day of LOVE! Be sure to use all organic ingredients if possible.

Strawberry Coconut Smoothie
Ingredients:

1 cup coconut milk

1 frozen banana, sliced
2 cups frozen strawberries
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 scoop plant protein (I use hemp)

Directions:

Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.

Chunky Red Beet and Tomato Soup

Ingredients:
1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

1 medium onion, cut into 1/2-inch dice

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 28-ounce can whole peeled Italian tomatoes, crushed by hand, juices reserved (low sodium)

2 large beets (1 1/2 pounds), peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces

2 medium carrots, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

¾ tsp ground cumin, plus more for serving

¼ tsp cayenne, plus more for seasoning

Sea salt

Whole-milk plain organic Greek yogurt, for serving

Directions:

In a large pot, heat the olive oil. Add the onion and garlic and cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, 8 minutes. Add the tomatoes and their juices, the beets, carrots, 3/4 teaspoon of cumin and 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne. Season with salt and add enough water to cover the vegetables by 1 inch. Bring to a boil, cover partially and simmer over low heat until the vegetables are very tender, about 1 hour. Remove from the heat and let stand for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
Reheat the soup and season with salt, cumin and cayenne. Serve topped with a dollop of yogurt and a pinch of cumin.

Make Ahead: The soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Pomegranate Curry Cod

Ingredients:
2 cans coconut milk

1/2 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp cumin
1 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp cinnamon
2 lbs cod fillets (wild-caught)
1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
Himalayan Pink Salt, to taste

Directions:

Combine everything except for the cod, pomegranate seeds and pink salt.
Marinate the cod in this mixture for at least 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Put the fish on a baking sheet, setting the marinade aside.
Bake the fish for 12 to 18 minutes, or until it flakes easily with a fork.
Heat the marinade in a saucepan, bring to a boil and then reduce heat.
Spoon the heated marinade over the cod on plates.
Top with pomegranate seeds and sprinkle with pink salt.

Chovocado Pudding

Ingredients:
1 ripe avocado
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/4 cup chopped banana
Stevia, to taste
1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

Peel and quarter a ripe avocado.
Put all the ingredients in your Magic Bullet (or a blender/hand mixer) and blend until smooth.

Red Hawk

Ingredients:

1 ½ oz Prairie Organic Vodka
1 ½ oz JUST pomegranate juice
A squeeze of fresh lemon juice

Directions:

Shake over ice and strain into a martini glass.
Garnish with a fresh mint leaf.

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 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

Neem is considered a super-herb and addresses a wide range of health problems. Indian households have been using neem in their daily lives for thousands of years. It is used in cooking, lotions, shampoos, medicines, religious ceremonies, and as a natural pesticide.

Neem is a tropical evergreen tree that grows from 50 to 130 feet tall found primarily in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Neem is currently being researched in India for the treatment of cancer. Every part of the neem tree can be for used – leaves, bark, roots, seeds, fruit, and fragrant flowers.

Neem leaves have been used traditionally as a blood cleanser due to their antiviral, antifungal, antiparasitic, and antiseptic qualities. Neem leaves are also used to treat many eye disorders, skin conditions such as acne and rosacea, stomach ulcers, poor appetite, diabetes, gum disease, fever, liver disorders, and arthritis. It is also great for the heart and used to prevent blood clots.

Neem oil is used in soaps, lotions, face masks, shampoos, and toothpastes. It helps treat fungal infections, lice, dry scalp, dandruff, premature graying of the hair, gingivitis, and skin disorders and soothes dry, itchy, red, irritated skin. It has also been used for chicken pox to relieve the associated skin irritation caused by the chickenpox virus and has the ability to improve overall skin health by fighting the bacteria that causes pimples and acne. Unlike antibiotics, neem fights bacteria without causing bacterial resistance over time. I have been using it on my face at night the last few weeks and my acne is gone! Especially the trouble spots on my forehead!

Please message me if you would like to know the high-quality brand I use!

*CAUTION: If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, you should not consume products with neem because it can result in miscarriages and toxicity to infants.

Source: Neem: Benefits for Health and the Environment by Pamela Paterson

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

Being single sure has it's up and downs! I love my "me" time and my own schedule but sometimes having someone to come home to and share my life and crazy stories with sure would be nice! ;-) A friend sent met this photo a few weeks ago with the message, "Your Dating Life." I thought it was pretty fitting! There are many options but I tend to want to stand alone until I find someone who can keep up with me! My match needs to be my equal and value the things I do. I'm at a point in my life where I have enough love and self respect to wait long enough for the right person. I view relationships as two wholes becoming an even greater whole—two individuals who love each other enough to respect the other’s independence and uniqueness. Don't just settle. There are so many mediocre part of life and love should not be one of them!

www.optimumwellnessmn.com

I saw this a few weeks ago and wanted to share it! I've been holding myself back from being truly happy for years. I'm ready to open up and let someone special in! I cannot wait to find out who will be a part of my amazing adventure I call life! ;-)

Ingredients:

Extra Virgin Cold Pressed Organic Coconut Oil (I like Dr. Bronner's)
Dark chocolate chips or dark chocolate bar broken into pieces
Hemp seeds

Combine ingredients for a super healthy-fat snack!! Tastes like an Almond Joy candy bar!

Health Benefits:

Coconut Oil- hundreds of uses and benefits!

Dark Chocolate- Helps prevent heart disease: Like tea, dark chocolate contains flavonoids, which are compounds that act as antioxidants. Flavonoids protect cells from harmful molecules—called free radicals—that are produced when the body breaks down food or is exposed to sunlight or smoke. Free radicals can cause cell damage that leads to heart disease. Flavonoids can also lower blood pressure and reduce LDL cholesterol (i.e., the bad cholesterol) by up to 10 percent.

Improve your mood: Stimulates the production of endorphins, chemicals in the brain that bring on feelings of pleasure. It also contains the chemical serotonin, which acts as an anti-depressant.

Protect your skin: German researchers found that the flavonoids in dark chocolate absorb UV light, help protect and increase blood flow to the skin, and improve skin’s hydration and complexion.

Hemp seeds-Hemp seeds are a high quality complete protein and rich in the vitamin E and essential fatty acids: Omega 3, 6, and 9!!! They are very versitile and can be used on salads, in smoothies, as a crust for fish, in yogurt, and are one of the most nutrient dense of all other nuts and seeds!!

www.naturalnews.com

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

We all have our own demons. Mine has been deep rooted for many years now and I'm not afraid to admit my weakness. I've struggled for almost 10 years with truly loving myself. I'm a perfectionist and have constantly put myself down. It's been a battle of Jackie vs. her mind. Even though I never judge and accept everyone I struggle with negative self-talk the most. This is something I will be committed to changing starting NOW!!

I have met many females in my life that do not realize how truly beautiful and amazing they really are!! We seem to be more concerned with outer beauty than inner. There is a difference between "pretty" and "beautiful!" I have always been a giver and try my best to instill warmth, love, hope, and positive energy into the women who need it the most! I came across this website (http://www.operationbeautiful.com/) and have hopped on board their mission by leaving random messages in hope that I touch someones' heart! :) Here are a few that I have posted!

Copyright, 2012, Jackie Mart. For further information about this blog, or Optimum Wellness MN, contact Jackie Mart at 712.790.5883 or jackieamart@hotmail.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.

http://www.optimumwellnessmn.com/

Seven Habits of Highly Effective People

1) taking personal responsibility and initiative,
2) getting clear about what's important to you and setting goals,
3) putting those priorities first and being disciplined,
4) seeking mutual benefit in all interactions with others -- the golden rule,
5) seeking to understand others from their perspective first before making your point,
6) valuing differences and creating third-alternative solutions to problems that are better than "my way" or "your way," and
7) taking care of and renewing yourself in all four areas of life -- body, mind, heart and spirit.
-- Stephen R. Covey

After reading these habits I went back and looked at some of my life goals I had written. I am realizing I need to work on renewing myself in my body, mind, heart, and spirit. I started doing yoga again this past week and have noticed a difference already in my anxiety levels! I also made a list of ways I could practice "self love" and wrote them on index cards. I plan on picking one out of the pile when I am having a stressful or emotional day!! Another goal was to reconnect with friends and family each week whether it is a text, letter, card, email, or call on my way home from work! It's incredible how much this lifts my spirit!! :) What are you doing each day in order to become an effective person? Remember to look at all aspects of your life! We grow and learn each day! I know I am always looking for ways to become a better person!!

Copyright, 2012, Jackie Mart. For further information about this blog, or Optimum Wellness MN, contact Jackie Mart at 712.790.5883 or jackieamart@hotmail.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.

http://www.optimumwellnessmn.com/

I'm blessed to have been born on Valentine's Day!! Be sure to love yourself today!!!
:-D Here are 52 ways how!!

http://www.embraceselflove.com/blog/2012/02/14/ways-love-yourself-today/

With Thanksgiving only a little over a week away I have been thinking more and more about what I am thankful for in life. One of the top things on my list believe it or not is HUGS!! After being married and in a relationship for 8 years and getting one every day to being divorced and living alone; I can go days and sometimes weeks without that daily gentle embrace. Anyone who has ever met me knows I am a hugger!! haha ;-)

Opal, my adopted 99 year old grandma always told me, "you need at least 6 hugs a day!" :)

For decades we’ve known that babies won’t thrive without physical holding and affection. There is little that will comfort and settle small children as the warm embrace of their family. Yet it is still not uncommon for parents to stop hugging their kids as they reach puberty. And for many adults, the amount of physical nurturing we receive declines as we age, even as medical studies confirm that the health benefits of physical touch extend throughout our lives.

Research has shown that hugs can improve mental health, physical health and build a good immune system. A study by University of North Carolina researchers found that hugs increase the "bonding" hormone oxytocin and decrease the risk of heart disease. In fact, levels of the stress hormone cortisol decreased in women, as did their blood pressure.

"Hugging is an excellent tonic," said Dr. Harold Voth, senior psychiatrist at Menninger Foundation in Topeka, Kansas. "It has been shown scientifically that people who are mentally run-down and depressed are far more prone to sickness than those who are not. Hugging can lift depression, enabling the body's immune system to become tuned up. Hugging breathes new life into a tired body and makes you feel younger and more vibrant. In the home, daily hugging will strengthen relationships and significantly reduce friction."

It's amazing how one simple hug seems to make everything better! Check out the FREE HUGS Campaign! :) I want to do this sometime downtown when it warms up again!

"A hug is a universal medicine, it is how we handshake from the heart." -Anonymous

I'm almost positive I get a sample of the beet and fennel salad in the deli at work every day!! Hahaha Chelsea probably hates me!! I had never tried beets until I started working at Fresh and Natural and now I feel like a beet addict! ;)

I love adding steamed beets to my dark green raw salads or roasting them in the oven! Here is a link to some wonderful beet recipes to try: http://www.farmfreshtoyou.com/recipes/index.shtml#BEETS

Beets are an excellent source of hearth-healthy folate and a very good source of the antioxidant manganese and heart-healthy potassium. Beets contain digestive-supportive dietary fiber, free radical scavenging vitamin C and copper, bone-healthy magnesium, and energy-producing iron and phosphorus.

Tips for Preparing Beets

Rinse gently under cold running water, taking care not to tear the skin, which helps keep the health-promoting pigments inside. Since beet juice can stain your skin, wearing kitchen gloves is a good idea when handling beets. If your hands become stained like mine during the cleaning and cooking process, simply rub some lemon juice on them to remove the stain to avoid the "I just committed a murder" hands!! :)

Cut beets into quarters leaving 2 inches of tap root and 1 inch of stem on the beets.

The Healthiest Way of Cooking Beets

Cook beets lightly. Studies show beets' concentration of phytonutrients, such as betalains, is diminished by heat. I recommend healthy steaming beets for 15 minutes to maximize their nutrition and flavor. Fill the bottom of the steamer with 2 inches of water and bring to a rapid boil Add beets, cover, and steam for 15 minutes.

Beets are cooked when you can easily insert a fork or the tip or knife into the beet. Peel beets by setting them on a cutting board and rubbing the skin off with a paper towel. Wearing kitchen gloves will help prevent your hands from becoming stained.

Life at its Best

Cupid's Arrows

Unfollow

She Loved Life

Day of Love

Romance DIY Room Spray

Heart Attack (Heart Healthy Clean Recipes for Valentine's Day)

Red Hawk

Neem Oil-Natural Cure

31 and Single

Soul Mate

Cocoa Bites

We are all Beautiful. Changing the world-Join the Mission

Effective People-Self Improvement

Happy Heart Day!!!

Thanksgiving- One Simple Thing I am Thankful For

I Heart Beets!!!!

Jackie Mart

My Mission

Popular Posts

Blog Archive