Showing posts with label herbs. Show all posts

Uncomplicated Kitchen

Plan your meals and cook ahead of time each week. Store extra in freezer and pull out during the week for a fast meal. (Or let me do your meal prep for you!) 

Do not store herbs above stovetop; heat rises and herbs and spices will mold and go rancid quickly.

Simplify and keep kitchen organized and tidy so you will want to cook!


Throw out the microwave and replace with a toaster oven. (Read about the Dangers of Microwaves)


Homemade cooking instills love and positive energy into the food.


Eat family meals together when possible.


Clean out your refrigerator once a week before you grocery shop so you know what you have on hand. 


Keep junk food out of the house so you are not tempted! Out of sight, out of mind! 


Put a bowl of fruit on the counter so you can grab a healthy snack. 


Look for new recipes to try each week to give cooking some pizazz and excitement! (Find Clean Eating Recipes Here)


Cook with your children.  (Check out another recent blog post about Clean Eating for Kids


Plant a garden and shop at the Farmer’s Markets for fresh, local food.


Store food in glass containers instead of plastic. (I like the Pyrex Brand


Store raw nuts, seeds, gluten free flours in refrigerator or freezer to keep them from going rancid! 









*If you need more help organizing your kitchen I offer a Kitchen Cabinet Clean-Up Service: http://jackieamart.blogspot.com/2014/04/kitchen-cabinet-clean-up.html





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.


    Easy Peasy Recipe

    Clean eating doesn't have to be complicated! This is one of my go-to dinners when I'm lacking time or getting home late from working promos.



    Wild-Caught Salmon- Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice on top. Add fresh rosemary and a tad bit of sea salt! Bake until the salmon flakes off with a fork. (Roughly 10-12 minutes) Enjoy with a side of steamed veggies! 


    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



    Holistic Approach: Acid Reflux

    Avoid Triggers: Alcohol, coffee, tea, carbonated beverages, chocolate, citrus fruits and juices, onions, peppermint, spearmint, spicy foods, full-fat dairy, fatty foods, tomatoes and tomato sauce.

    Alkaline Water: drinking water with a pH of 8.8 inactivates pepsin, the enzyme that, activated by the acid, causes reflux damage in the esophagus.

    Aloe Vera Juice: A little of this goes a long way! Try drinking 2 ounces daily with a meal.

    Apple Cider Vinegar: I personally swear by this! Take two teaspoons daily. 

    Herbs: Try turmeric, slippery elm (comes in lozenges, capsules, or tea) that helps coat the esophagus, or sipping chamomile or fenugreek tea.

    Digestive Enzymes: these help with the process of breaking down food. I like the ones from Enzymedica.  Take them 30 minutes before eating for best results.


    If your heartburn happens at night while you're trying to sleep, elevate the head of your bed. Stop eating 3-4 hours before bedtime and eat smaller meals.  If you're overweight, dropping about 10 pounds can help relieve pressure in your abdomen that may push acid into your esophagus. If you smoke, try to quit. Smoking can impair the muscle that closes off the esophagus.  De-stress! Anxiety can make heartburn worse.


    *If you have any health, wellness, or nutrition questions please contact me to schedule your free 20 minute phone consultation. 712.790.5883 or Jackie@OptimumWellnessMN.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

    A Few Detoxifying Herbs

    Did you know that TOXICITY is the number one cause of cancer?! 

    Cilantro- removes lead, mercury, arsenic, heavy metals (from China usually in food) from the body.  Add to chicken, salad, juices, smoothies. 


    Milk Thistle- cleanses and detoxes the liver and gallbladder, increases glutathione (antioxidant), detox from radiation, chemotherapy, statin drugs, environmental or pollution toxins.






    Chlorella (seaweed)-  eliminates radiation ( from cell phones, microwaves, planes), binds to lead and mercury and pulls them out of the body.

    Turmeric (curcumin- active ingredient)- there are over 2,000 studies that support liver detoxification, kills cancer cells, reduces inflammation and the risk of heart disease, and is very healing for the body and cells.   Add this spice to  your homemade hummus, smoothies, and as a rub on meats!





    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.



    Allergies- Oral Allergy Syndrome


    Many people with seasonal allergies are affected by oral allergy syndrome, which can cause an itchy or prickling feeling in your mouth after eating certain foods. Essentially, the same immune reaction that occurs when we breathe in pollen can happen when we eat foods that mimic that pollen.  

    The Fix: If you think you may have oral allergy syndrome, try avoiding the foods that can cross-react with your specific allergy. 

    Birch: Kiwi, apples, pears, peaches, cherries, carrots, hazelnuts and almonds.

    Grass: peaches, celery, tomatoes, melons and oranges.

    Latex: bananas, avocado, kiwi and papaya

    Ragweed: bananas, honeydew, cantaloupe, watermelons and tomatoes.

    I also offer a blood allergy test called the ALCAT where you can test various foods, herbs, food additives, preservatives, pharmaceuticals, molds, and etc. Please contact me if you would like more info! 712.790.5883


    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

    Spring Forward

    Spring is almost here! We will soon be able to open windows and let the fresh air in! One of my detox clients yesterday was asking me about "clean" cleaning products. Here are some easy healthy non-toxic cleaning suggestions when you decide to do some Spring cleaning of your own!


    Air it out! 

    Opening up the windows can help get toxic air out and let fresh air in. Plants help detoxify the air by converting carbon dioxide into oxygen as well as eliminate many other harmful elements such as benzene and even formaldehyde from the air. For example NASA and ALCA did a study and found that English Ivy is great for removing Benzene and Peace Lilies are great for removing Formaldehyde. By using safe non-toxic cleaners and adding a few indoor plants you will be maintaining a much healthier household.

    What you should always have handy-

    ● White Vinegar or Apple Cider Vinegar
    ● Fresh Lemons
    ● Baking Soda
    ● Olive Oil
    ● Coarse Kosher Salt
    ● Club Soda
    ● Essential Oils
    ● Newspapers
    ● Cheesecloth
    ● Spray Bottles (Preferably glass or BPA-Free)


    Essential Oils are known for being very effective for their cleaning and fragrance properties. The majority of “green and organic” cleaning products use a combination of these essential oils. These oils when purchased last a very long time because they are highly concentrated. While high quality essential oils have many uses and are non-toxic never put them directly on your skin without diluting in carrier oil like olive oil first. The concentration of oils can cause irritation if not diluted. Only purchase 100% Essential Oil, never buy oils labeled “Fragrance Oil” or “Perfume Oil”.

    ● Essential Oils for Cleaning: Only purchase 100% Essential Oil. Lesser quality varieties contain additives. Tea Tree Oil, Rosemary Essential Oil, Oregano Essential Oil, Thyme Essential Oil, Clove Oil, Cinnamon Oil– These oils are very strong and are known for their antiseptic and medicinal properties. If testing for allergies dilute a drop in olive oil and test on wrist.


    Floor Cleaner 
    ● ¼ Cup Vinegar
    ● 2 Cups Hot Water
    ● 10 Drops Lemon Oil
    ● 5 Drops Oregano Oil

    Window Cleaner 
    ● 1 Lemon
    ● 2 Cups of Club Soda or Water
    ● Optional 5 drops of your favorite oil

    Juice the lemon and mix with club soda or water.

    Tip: Use a newspaper instead of a cloth to cut grime and prevent streaks.


    Please contact me for more simple recipes using these ingredients for all purpose cleaners, air freshener spray, sink scrub, wood polish and more!
    Jackie@OptimumWellnessMN.com

    www.draxe.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




    Now Offering Herbal Detox Body Wraps


    What Exactly is a Toxin?


    A toxin is basically any substance that creates irritating or harmful effects in the body, which can sometimes even damage our tissues and organs.  A lot of people are not aware of the fact that everything we breathe, eat, drink, and even touch contain toxins, in other words, we can acquire toxins from our environment by breathing them, by ingesting them, or through physical contact with them.  

    Toxins can be poisons, heavy metals, pesticides, fungicides, cleaning solvents, smog, and many substances that we don’t even know are leeching into our bodies via our clothing, our furniture, and even our carpets.  Did you know that the worst toxins we can ingest are put into our foods as additives and preservatives? 


    The Ultimate Body Applicator 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 all 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 and last from 2-6 months, or forever with a healthy lifestyle.

    Not water loss
    Fat and toxins are lost
    Skin is toned and tightened
    Reduce pain and inflammation
    Sculpting and body contouring
    Featured in the Emmy Gift Bags in 2007 and 2008, invitation only event.
    Featured at the Academy Awards in 2009, invitation only event.
    Featured on CNN as a natural alternative to botox and liposuction
    Easy, not messy and affordable made to use at home
    Total body makeover possible if used over time


















    Contact me if you would like to try it! I also do wrap parties with you and 5+ friends! Start your new years resolution early this year!!



    Copyright, 2012, 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

    Eight Herbs For Natural First Aid

    1. Aloe vera: Provides soothing relief from minor burns, scrapes and other irritations. Cools and moisturizes.

    2. Arnica: Helpful for sore, bruised or aching muscles. May promote healthy circulation and the body’s natural healing process.

    3. Calendula: Can have a calming effect on muscle spasms and soreness, as well as minor skin irritations.

    4. Elderberry: Also known as sambucus, this herb can be used topically to soothe minor burns and scrapes. Packed with vitamin C, elderberry is also a popular tea for calming sore throats and supporting the body’s normal immune function.

    5. Citronella: Ward off pesky pests with a homemade repellent that contains diluted citronella essential oil.

    6. Ginger: For minor motion sickness and tummy upset, ginger capsules or tea can be especially helpful.

    7. Lavender: Tame minor headaches or occasional tension by breathing in the aroma of lavender essential oil.

    8. Witch Hazel: Be sure to have witch hazel on hand, as it can function as a base for diluting essential oils. Its natural astringent properties also make it helpful for insect bites and irritations.