Showing posts with label simple. Show all posts

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


Meal Planning: Easier Than You Think

4 Simple Steps:

1. Start a master recipe list. Digital versions (like a note on your smartphone) are handy, easy to update and usually within arm’s reach! 

2. Fill in your calendar. Pick some favorites from your master list and 1 or 2 new recipes a week to try.  Find "Jackie Approved" clean eating recipes here:  http://www.optimumwellnessmn.com/Recipes.html

3. Write your grocery list. While doing that, jot down ingredients for each recipe. Then, take stock of what you already have on hand in your cupboards, refrigerator, and freezer before heading to the store.

4. Pick a time to shop. I usually go on Sunday! Once your shopping is done, you're ready to tackle food prep and prepare your meals! 

*If you would like more information or need help please contact me: 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.


Crock-pot Creation

I'm not home often and my crock-pot has been fun to use since I can just throw ingredients in it and go! Here is a recipe I made last night. It's loaded with fiber and protein!  What are you favorite crock-pot recipes? Please share! :-)




Clean Eating Black Bean Soup

Ingredients: (all organic if possible)

  • 8 cups vegetable broth (low sodium)
  • 2 cups dry black beans, washed
  • 4 carrots, peeled and chopped or shredded
  • 4 stalks celery, sliced
  • 1 red onion, chopped
  • 3 tablespoons onion powder
  • 2 tablespoons cumin
  • 1 tablespoon parsley
  • 2 tablespoons garlic powder
  • Sea salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro and green onions to taste
 

Directions:

  1. Combine all ingredients in crock-pot.
  2. Cook on high setting for approximately 6 hours, or until the beans are soft and cooked through.
  3. Garnish with fresh cilantro and green onions.
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.




Back to School-Dorm Room Breakfast + More


Thinking back to how long it's been since my college party days! EEK! I gained the Freshman 15 plus more! Late night binge drinking, ordering Papa John's Pizza at 3:00 AM,  an endless stream of food in the cafeteria (and ice cream for dessert) paired with stress, life changes, and no sleep really takes a toll on your body!

Here are a few quick breakfast options you can make in your dorm room to start your day on a healthy note! 

Smoothies: Invest in a Magic Bullet Blender. Keep these items handy: 

Leafy Greens
Berries
Unsweetened Almond or Coconut Milk
Protein Powder (I like Garden of Life Organic Plant Protein Powder or Amazing Grass Plant Protein Powder)

Cocoa Smoothie

Ingredients:
1-2 scoops chocolate vegan protein powder
1⁄4 -1⁄2 can organic coconut milk
1 teaspoon organic cocoa or cacao powder
1⁄2 - 1 teaspoon spoonable stevia
1 handful of dark leafy greens
1 tablespoon organic hemp seed 
1 tablespoon coconut oil 
1 teaspoon organic almond butter 

Directions:
*Add water or ice to desired consistency. Blend. And of course drink it out of a fancy glass! :-)


Eggs: Snatch a few hard boiled eggs from the cafeteria and eat them while you walk to class! (Sprinkle a little sea salt on top)


Grainless Granola

Ingredients:
1 cup Raw Organic Pecans, chopped
1 cup Dried Organic Apples, chopped
1 cup Organic Raisins
1 cup Raw Organic Sunflower Seeds
1/2 cup Raw Organic Almonds, chopped
Pinch of  organic ground cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg

Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a bowl.


Apple or Banana with nut butter


Celery and Peanut Butter





Other Essentials to Have on Hand: 

Raw Almonds:  the perfect crunchy snack and full of protein so you will have energy for that workout you are going to do later!

Canned Tuna or Salmon: (the less sodium the better) - will not spoil and you can mix it with avocado and spinach and make a healthy tuna salad roll up. (use sprouted, gluten- free tortillas) OR  bread alternatives

Bananas: alone, with nut butter, or keep some on hand to put in your morning smoothies! 

Protein Bars:  Meal replacement on the go. (My favorite brands are Larabar, Pure Power Protein Bars)

Black Pepper and Sea Salt:  Trust me, you will want seasoning for everything! 

Stevia: The best natural sugar alternative. Get the individual packets. Will not spike your blood sugar levels. 

Popcorn: NOT microwave popcorn. Read about the dangers of microwaves. If you buy it already popped and in a bag look for GMO free, organic, with just olive or coconut oil and sea salt! 

Canned organic veggie chili (no salt added): Or any other canned soup or chili.

Hummus:  Dip anything in it or use it in place of mayonnaise. (Make sure it is made with olive oil and not other damaged oils) 

Baby Carrots:  Eat instead of chips or crackers; they are a much healthier alternative for dipping into hummus, salsa or guacamole.

Shredded Chicken: (Organic, antibiotic, and hormone free!) Mix it with avocado or even hummus to make chicken salad that will last a week or two and for several meals. 

Plain Greek Yogurt:  Easy to store in your mini fridge! Add your own nuts, seeds, fruit to sweeten! 

Avocados: Need I say more? Love these things! 

Fresh Fruit and Other Veggies:Simple and easy to grab on your way out the door! 

Limes:  Makes avocado last longer and plus, your alcohol might be getting lonely. ;-) 

Salsa: (America’s favorite condiment) Mix it with avocado for easy guacamole or with yogurt for a spicy dip.  

Coconut Water: To re-hydrate and replace electrolytes lost after a workout or a night out! 





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.



2 Ingredient Treats


Baked Apple Chips


It’s so easy to make apple chips, all you need is apple slices and one ingredient....cinnamon!

1. Cut apples into slim slices, about 1/8 inch.  (I never measure; I just slice them as thin as I can.)


2. Place them on a cookie sheet with parchment paper (or they may stick). Make sure they are not overlapping.

3. Sprinkle with cinnamon (you do NOT need to add sugar, apple chips are already sweet!)

4. Bake at 250 degrees for about 2 hours, until crisp.

5. You can flip them after 1 hour and add more cinnamon, but I usually do not flip mine and they still come out great!


How Long Do Apple Chips Last?


You are going to want to eat them right out of the oven, but in case you do not finish them, you can store them in an airtight container in a cool place and they should last 2 days. 



Experiment With These Added Spices:


Ginger, nutmeg, pumpkin pie spice, or allspice.



CLICK HERE for more clean eating recipes! 


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

Snacking Smart


Be sure to eat every 3-4 hours so your blood sugar levels remain stable and you are less likely to reach for something sugary or another cup of coffee, or chocolate! 

Healthy snacks include: 

*Green apples with nut butter
*Gluten-free crackers with avocado 
*Larabars
*Protein smoothie-whey, hemp, or pea protein (add some dark leafy greens!)
*Nuts/seeds/trail mix (make sure nuts and seeds are raw, NOT roasted), 
*Popcorn (make your own on the stove with organic popcorn, coconut oil, and sea salt) 
*Tortilla roll-up-sprouted and gluten-free
*Tortilla chips and guacamole, hummus, salsa, or homemade pesto with veggies, 
*Raw carrots, broccoli, cauliflower celery, peppers or veggies with any type of nut butter: peanut, almond, cashew, hazelnut, tahini
*Ants on a log
*Roasted pumpkin seeds

If you are crazy something sweet opt for fruit or a piece of at least 85% organic dark chocolate! 


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.



Things I am Obsessed With Lately:

To-Go Ware Bamboo Utensil Sets are great to take to lunch with you or on a picnic! They even come with a pouch to store them in! Very eco-friendly!!


The sunshine!! It's always free and a great source of Vitamin D!!! 10 minutes in the sun during midday without sunscreen will give you enough radiation to produce 10,000 IUs!


Using Emu Oil as my night cream. Loaded with Omega-3s to fend off wrinkles from all the sun damage when I was addicted to tanning back in the day.


Walks with my friend Leighann. calming, soothing, stress-relieving talks about life and boys! We seem to end up at random vintage stores in Uptown! My favorite!


The aroma of the fresh-cut flowers coming from the flower shop in my apartment building. Reminds me of when I had flowers in the backyard of my houses! I like to dig in the dirt! hahah We have Easter Lilies for sale now at work and they are absolutely gorgeous! :)







The re-usable bag I got from my friend Kim that is imprinted to look like a purse!! Chic!






Jammin' out and singing in my car with the windows rolled DOWN!!! Love the fresh air!!


The cleansing rain showers when I get to wear my polka-dot galoshes! How can you NOT have a smile on your face while wearing these?!?! Time to run and jump in the puddles like when you were 5!!
The rain helps wash away impurities, dirt and trash left over from the winter snow. Running outside in the rain is very rejuvenating for me!

Vintage City Classics- I wore some of their upcycled jewelry last Thursday night in the Lollycopter fashion show.


And of course Colbie Caillat!! Love her new song, "I Do." Her tunes are so light and airy! Perfect for this time of year!


Spring is when you feel like whistling even with a shoe full of slush. ~Doug Larson