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Hosting Thanksgiving This Year? A Few Tips for Organizing the Feast

1. Start planning early. Set the menu ahead of time and be sure to stock up the pantry and remember snacks for the guest to munch on before hand. (Order your free-range, antibiotic, and hormone free turkey in advance! Check out your local food coop or natural food store) This prevents last minute shopping and "freak-outs" LOL! 

2. Map out a calendar with the days you need to grocery shop, clean the house (or hire a Norwex-chemical free cleaning lady; my friend Kristi could help! 712.209.0873) and begin cooking! Enlist family members to help with these tasks! I'm all about delegating!!! Or you could even have a relative make the pie, bring a salad or other dish, booze, etc! Don't be afraid to ask for help. 

 3. Clear off coffee table so guests will have extra space to put down their snacks and drinks. Rent or borrow extra tables and chairs if needed. 

 4. Have guests commit to an arrival time. If they're vague about attending (people are so non-committal these days I've noticed..) you may end up with too much food-or worse- too little! Stress to guests they must RSVP! 

 5. If unexpected guests leave you scrambling for something else to serve, try roasting root vegetables. Peel and chop your choice of vegetables. Toss with extra virgin olive oil, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Roast at 350 degrees for 30 minutes, or until veggies are tender when pierced with a fork. Garnish with fresh herbs. (see recipe below)

 6. Try not to stress about FAMILY. So you are not a fan of your Aunt's rude comments and sick of them asking "when are you going to get married?!?!" Remember it is just one day and relax... it's all about how you react to the situation. Arrive with a good attitude and be grateful that you HAVE a family and a place to go on Thanksgiving Day! Or, just plan a Thanksgiving with friends and neighbors if your family is difficult!  :-) 

Balsamic Rosemary Beets

 Ingredients:

 4 medium beets, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 Tbsp minced fresh rosemary
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp sea salt
Directions:

 -Preheat oven 400 degrees.
-In medium bowl, combine beets, olive oil, vinegar, rosemary, pepper, sea salt. 
-Transfer beets to a 9x13 glass baking dish and cover with foil.
-Bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake, uncovered, for 10-20 more minutes, until the beets are tender when pierced with a fork. Serve. 
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
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Tips for a Healthy Holiday

Your "On the Go" Guide for a Healthy Holiday
1) Scout and plan ahead via the internet to determine where there might be health food stores or restaurants at your destination. Let your relatives know what type of foods you're used to and help direct them to the right choices.
2) Most gyms, workout and yoga studios offer a free week to newbies! Great way to stay fit while in another city visiting relatives if you are on a budget! Or bundle up and run outside! BURST exercise can also be done anywhere with little or no equipment! (Contact me for workout plans)
3) Cranberry acts as a natural diuretic by flushing excessive fluids out of your body, as you may inadvertently consume more sodium than usual when traveling by eating out at restaurants and on the go. I often keep concentrated cranberry on hand and pour into a glass fresh water with some stevia to drink in the evenings or drink Weightless Cranberry Tea from Traditional Medicinals. I wake up and pee a large amount, which is a huge relief from feeling bloated!
4) Digestive Enzymes! They promote better digestion, and help improve the absorption and assimilation of nutrients into the body. One of the brands I like is Garden of Life RAW Enzymes, which I stash in my purse at all times, so I can eat 1 or 2 right before a heavier meals. (Contact me if you would like me to order some for you)


5)Bring your own travel snacks! Skip the peanuts, pretzels or cookies typically served on planes! Excellent choices include: raw nuts and seeds, LARABARS, fresh fruit, nut butter, raw veggies, hummus, salsa. To boost your immune system pack a Greens powder or Vitamin C packets! You can buy single use packets of these at Whole Foods or your local food co-op.


6) I like to bring an eye mask and my own blanket, neck pillow, headphones, and ear plugs on the airplance when traveling! Remember to stay hydrated-Drink 8 oz of water for every hour in flight! Be sure you are drinking from a glass or BPA-free water bottle! Avoid alcohol and caffeine; it is dehydrating!

7) Pack a good attitude! Nothing spoils a holiday trip or exacerbates any problems more then a sour disposition. Do your best to make the most of the situation and enjoy the season because it only comes once a year. You never know what great memories you will make if you're willing to enjoy the holiday!
8) Holiday treats: It’s true—there will be plenty of terrific foods. But will you feel good after you eat them? Imagine yourself overindulging. How do you feel afterwards? Was the taste really worth it? Could you have received the same pleasure with a smaller amount? And don't beat yourself up if you do eat too much!! We are human! Just be sure to get back on track!


9)If you do decide to have an adult beverage here is an option!! I may have to enjoy this cocktail on New Year's Eve only I would add some vodka!







Berry Cosmo 


1 oz cran-raspberry or berry sparkling water
1 oz vodka 
squeeze of lime
garnish with lime twist

 Shake everything except sparkling water in a cocktail shaker with ice. Strain into a chilled martini glass, top with sparkling water and garnish with a lime twist.

10)Lastly, remember the holidays come once a year! They can be stressful so take some time out for YOU! Family getting to you? Get outside and take a walk in the fresh cool air! Schedule a massage with the money you get as a gift! Head to the movie theater! Anxiety? Go to an empty room take some deep breaths!


Wishing you  a joyous holiday season!!
Jackie
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.
www.optimumwellnessmn.com
airplane alcohol bloating
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