Life at its Best

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

Kale and Apple Salad

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons organic extra-virgin olive oil

2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar (Braggs)

1 teaspoon fresh squeezed organic lemon juice

⅛ teaspoon Himalayan sea salt

6 cups torn organic kale leaves, big ribs removed and discarded

½ an organic apple, cut into thin, 1- inch pieces (Gala apples taste the best with this)

⅓ cup raw organic walnuts, chopped and lightly toasted

3 to 4 tablespoons crumbled raw blue cheese (optional)

Directions:

In a small jar, combine the olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, and salt. Secure the lid and shake vigorously to combine.

Place the kale leaves into a large salad bowl and, using your hands, sort of massage the olive oil mixture into the leaves.

Throw the apples, walnuts, and blue cheese (optional) on top of the kale and lightly toss to combine.

CLICK HERE for more Clean Eating Recipes!

Society can break us. So much negativity and bashing. It pains me to hear about a client's daughter being bullied at school, endless complaints on Facebook about anything and everything, bad attitudes, jealousy, and put-downs. If you want to feel bad about yourself log into any social media website. We tend to compare our lives, jobs, bodies, incomes, houses, cars, and gadgets to our neighbors. The world can be a tough, nasty place! What role do you play in all of this? Are you adding to it or leading people in another direction? Make it your mission to be the light for others. Set the example. Teach your kids to respect and love themselves and others. To do the right thing. Live life in a Godly way. Be honest. Genuine. Be happy for others. Give compliments freely. Be kind. Spread joy. Take a stand. Rise up and be bold-the world needs you!

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

I have always been a "neat freak." I guess I have never understood how people can live and function in disarray. I get anxiety when I have too many emails in my inbox... Most people have no idea how much their clutter affects them. It is only when you start clearing it out that you will realize how much better you feel without it!

Having Clutter Can Make You Feel Tired and Lethargic

Most people who have clutter say they can't even find the energy to begin to clear it. They constantly feel tired. But the stagnant energy that stacks up around clutter actually causes tiredness and lethargy. Clearing it frees up the energy in your home and releases new vitality in your body. Ever notice how much better you feel after you clean your house or clean out a closet? Almost a "freeing" feeling!

Having Clutter can Keep You in the Past

When all your available space is filled with clutter, there is no room for anything new to come into your life. Your thoughts tend to dwell in the past, and you feel bogged down with problems that have consumed you for some time. Clearing your clutter allows you to begin to deal with your problems and move forward. You have to release the past to create a better tomorrow. I am almost done sorting through and purging things from my old house I no longer need when I was married and I feel so much lighter!

Having Clutter Can Affect Your Body Weight

A curious fact I have noticed over the years is that people who have lots of clutter in their homes are often overweight. I believe this is because both body fat and clutter are forms of self-protection. By building layers of fat or clutter around yourself, you hope to cushion yourself against the shocks of life, and particularly against emotions you have difficulty handling. It gives you the illusion of being able to control things and prevent them from affecting you too deeply. But this is an illusion.

Having Clutter Can Confuse You

When you live surrounded by clutter, it is impossible to have clarity about what you are doing in your life. When you clear it, you get fewer colds, you can think more clearly, and life decisions become easier. You also know where everything is when you are organized and spend less time and energy searching for the items you are missing. Being clear of clutter is one of the greatest aids I know to discovering and manifesting the life you want.

Having Clutter Can Affect the Way People Treat You

People treat you the way you treat yourself. So if you value yourself and look after yourself, people will treat you well. If you allow the junk to mount up around you, you may attract people who mistreat you in some way because subconsciously you will feel that it is what you deserve.

Having Clutter Can Make You Feel Ashamed

Perhaps you have reached the stage where your home is so cluttered and such a mess that you are ashamed to invite people over and positively panic if anyone turns up unannounced. You can live in lonely isolation with your junk, but wouldn't you prefer to have a good clear-out, repair your self-esteem, and regenerate your social life with confidence?

Just a few things to consider! It's time to Spring clean your home, as well as your LIFE! :-)

www.care2.com

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

EASTER: chocolate bunnies, candy, jellybeans, Cadbury Creme Eggs, Peeps...

What I See: high fructose corn syrup, refined sugars, colorings, GMO ingredients, hydrogenated oils, preservatives, and etc. ;-)

If you are looking for a few healthier options for your children's Easter baskets here are some ideas:

Larabars (peanut butter cookie and apple pie... Mmmmm)
Yummy Earth Organic Candies (they have these at Walgreens in Spencer, Iowa or check your local health food store)
Organic Dark Chocolate Bars
Popcorn (Make your own on the stovetop with coconut oil, organic non-GMO popcorn, sea salt- place in small bags or containers)

Coloring Books and Crayons
Craft Kits (look for these at Hobby Lobby, Michaels or other craft stores)
Cards or Board Games
Legos
Gift Cards (movie theaters, amusement parks, museums, arcades, art classes, Itunes, Amazon, salon, etc)
Headbands/hair clips
DVDs
Books
Smart Phone Cover
Stickers

Balls
Squirt Guns
Yard Games
Sidewalk Chalk
Sunglasses
Flip Flops
Seeds and Planting Pots
Umbrella
Bug Catching Kit
"Date with Dad" or other Coupons (homemade gifts are the best!)

**Check out your local Dollar Store, Target $1 section, or Wal-mart for inexpensive items!