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

Organic Skin Care Gifts Under $20

Skin is the largest organ on the human body. It acts as a shield to the elements, helps with detoxification, protects our tissue and other organs, and even reflects our inner health by showing stress, tension, hormonal imbalances, and nutritional deficiencies.  Since it is so important we need to protect it and not slather it with toxins and chemicals day in and day out!

Think about how many toxins you are putting on your skin every day if you use commercialized products: toothpaste, deoderant, shampoo, conditioner, face cream, makeup, lotion, perfume, fingernail polish, shave gel, body wash, hair styling products, and the list could go on and on!!!

Here are some great organic gift ideas under $20 from a local company called Organic Aah that I highly recommend. Give the gift of health this holiday season! Your loved ones will thank you! Connact Shannon and tell her Jackie referred you. Click on the links below to view the specific products or go to www.organicaah.com to shop the whole collection.

                                
 



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



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


Comparison Kills Contentment

About a month or so the pastor at my church talked about comparison.  This has become easier since we have access to Facebook profiles, reality TV shows, and other forms of media at our fingertips. We feel content until we see our neighbor down the street just re-sided their house, the new SUV parked in the driveway, your coworker got a promotion, your friend bought a new Iphone,  or that a girl we hated in high school got married before we did.. multiple examples.  We always seem to want bigger and better!

The last few years of my life I have gone from having a house, a dog, a yard, a husband to living in a small studio apartment alone. I got rid of a lot of my possessions and have realized I do not need much to be happy. Those "things" just add more stress to my life.  I recently quit my full time job to pursue my passion of starting my own wellness business. Granted I know it will be a challenge but I'm ready for it! I would much rather be doing what I love every day and just get by financially than continue to show up to a "job" that is not fulfilling my God-given purpose. My car is old but it gets me from point A to point B. I don't wear designer clothes but sure can pull myself together with what I do have in my closet. I have met some wonderful positive people lately that are my cheerleaders and am realizing who steals my energy and who I want and do not want in my life. Practicing gratitude daily keeps me content!

What about you? Are you content with yourself, your career, and your life? If not, think about ways you could change it. Take the steps TODAY and you will eventually get there! Be sure to live in the moment and don't take any second, minute, hour, day, week, month, or year for granted! Our life here on Earth is limited and remember we attract everything to us both good and bad! And why compare? We are all unique and genuinely made, perfect in the Creator's eyes!

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.

GMOs-What You Need to Know

I definitely wanted to touch on GMOs and give you some more information considering the recent election and Prop 37 in California.  Genetically modified organisms (GMO’s) are just what the name implies. Organisms, in this case, foods that have been changed genetically, altered genetically.

According to a report by Dr. Oz, more than 80% of the foods we eat on daily basis contain one or more types of GMO. And what’s more is that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) doesn’t require that these foods be labeled. The food manufacturers take advantage of the cheaper costs of genetically modified foods and do not inform you that these potentially dangerous food ingredients are in their products.

The benefits of GMO foods are that these types of foods can be grown in less than optimal soils (thereby providing less than optimal vitamins, minerals, and other vital nutrients.)  My Dad is a farmer in Iowa and told me you can’t even buy seeds today that are not genetically modified!! That scares me!! Another alleged benefit is that there is less need for pesticides therefore making it cheaper to grow foods. This allows for less expensive foods, although the grocery prices are not lower!

Health Concerns with GM Foods
  • Increase in allergies
  • Increase in antibiotic resistance
  • Problems with endocrine system
  • Disorders of the reproductive system
  • Increase in aging symptoms

Some countries, notably the European Union does not allow GM foods to be imported. In addition, if their foods contain more than .9% GM foods they must be labeled so the consumer knows exactly what they’re getting and consuming.

The USDA and related government agencies in our country argue against any labeling here on the grounds that this would imply that GM foods are different. Well…..they are!!!  Again, when it comes to eating healthy and protecting your own health and that of your family you can’t rely on anyone but yourself to choose the healthiest real foods that are as close to the way God created them as possible.

While the list of GM foods is undoubtedly growing, here are the most commonly found GM foods:

  • Corn (which is in everything these days!!! High Fructose Corn Syrup)
  • Canola
  • Alfalfa
  • Soybeans (soy is NOT a health food!)
  • Sugar Beets


I urge you to consider the potential dangers of eating anything that has been altered from its original state and consider the evidence now starting to come to light about their impact on your health.

Avoiding GM foods can be a bit tricky since there are no warnings on the labels. The following are my recommendations for keeping GM foods out of your body:

  • Avoid all foods with corn or canola oils or by products.
  • Look for and buy foods that are labeled GMO free.

Here is a shopping guide I found: www.nongmoshoppingguide.com

  • Shop for organic foods. (By law they must contain less than 5% GM products.)
  • Plant your own garden and eat fresh foods daily.
  • Read and keep up on the latest GM foods
 
Need help cleaning up your diet? Schedule a nutrition consultation with me and I will help you avoid putting more toxins into your body!



 
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.