May Contest-WINNER





Thank you to everyone who entered my healthy vending machine contest! It was a hard decision but I finally have chosen a winner. Congratulations Tonya Hatland Cole! You WON! I loved what you had to say about finding a "happy medium" and your view as a clean eating newbie! Vending machines will hopefully be changing in the future! Ideally, we all know planning ahead and being prepared with your own stash of healthy snack options would better than getting anything out of a machine.  Here is her entry:

"Although I'm sure all health addict's opinions of this machine is one of pure disgust, I think it has some good intentions. These choices "appear" to be healthier than the typical vending machine choices. But as we all know, looks can be deceiving. 

As a person who struggles to eat healthy, I can appreciate that these options are slightly less damaging than the typical offerings. I think this machine is helping people such as myself take baby steps in a better direction. This may help keep people in a more conscious state of mind about what they are eating, even if in reality it is not the best. Also, if one chooses to purchase one of these convenience products they may (by deception) not feel like their whole diet was blown by one bad decision. As a result, the dieter might not go on a tail spin of binge eating because they decided their choice ruined their whole efforts. 

Above all I can say that a vending machine that contained sprouts and coconut water does not appeal to me. I have yet to understand how people can drink pure coconut water! My taste buds have adapted to the added sugars and processed foods that rule most of our food supply. Eating super clean is a super struggle for me as it does not taste as "good". I try and sometimes I succeed and sometimes I fail.

This vending machine is loaded with added sugars and preservatives. But it does one thing: It offers juice instead of pop and baked instead of fried. It makes the consumer feel better about their bad diet choice so they can continue to march forward on the path to becoming a better and healthier person. 

I don't usually stop at vending machines, but if I noticed a "lunchable" of veggies and dip I would stop and smile. When I saw the row of seasoned pumpkin seeds and almonds I would marvel. The fresh fruit such as a Honeycrisp apple would make me aww over what I was seeing, and if I noticed Hubert's lemonade or a natural green tea I would find myself slowly putting my hand in my pocket because I suddenly had a thirst that needed quenched or an appetite I needed to appease."

She will receive a protein shaker cup, a copy of my Clean Eating Recipe Ebook, complimentary 30 minute wellness consultation, and a $25 gift card to the local grocery store where she shops!!  (Prize valued at over $100)   Please contact me to claim your prize! I will need to know your grocery store pick and address! Thank 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




Mother's Day is This SUNDAY

Some last minute gift ideas. I think your Mom would love these! 



-Local Organic Flower Bouquet


-60 Minute Massage or Manicure/Pedicure (check out Groupon deals if you are on a budget)




-Homemade Card (made by YOU)

-Gift Card to her Favorite Store



-Red Wine


-Fitness Equipment- Kettlebells, BOSU ball, Stability Ball, Dumbbells, etc.

-Yoga, Pilates, or Fitness Classes or BURST Exercise Training Sessions

-Organic Dark Chocolate Bar



-Handmade and Local Items From One of my Favorite Designers! She has funky bags and Minnesota Love Coffee Coozies! 


Show some love to your momma! She is the reason you exist! ;-) 



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


You Literally EAT What You Put On Your Skin

I had a phone consultation with a client Tuesday morning and she wanted to know what natural skin and body care products would be good to use. I encounter many people who eat organic and clean foods but neglect using natural products on their skin!!   Here are a few of my top picks: (when I don't have time make my own)


Skin Care Line- Andalou Naturals (I just started using the new 1000 roses line 4 days ago and already can see the difference in my skin!) 


Facial Serum- Herbal Face Food

Nail Polish- Mineral Fusion

Makeup- Zuzu, Hemp Organics Lipstick, Lotus Mascara 

Facial Scrub- Derma E Microdermabrasion Scrub 


Makeup Remover-Coconut oil! 

Hair Care Products- Andalou Naturals 

Body Wash-Andalou Naturals Mandarin Vanilla Shower Gel


Deodorant-Crystal 




Lotion-Andalou Naturals Kukui Cocoa Body Butter 

Sunscreen- Badger (lavender) 


Toothpaste- Eco-Dent ExtraBrite Tooth Powder 

Perfume- any essential oil! 


**Please contact me if you would like to order any of these products or to set up a Toxin Consultation. 712.790.5883 or Jackie@OptimumWellnessMN.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

My Menards Trip

As I stood in line at Menards yesterday to get some paint matched for my dresser I saw these sitting on the counter: A new Glade scent to add to paint to improve the smell.


I do not understand why they sell an artificial toxic scent to mask the smell of toxic chemicals in paint? It’s adding more toxins to an already toxic substance. They DO make chemical free paint. You just have to seek it out or ask for it! We used no VOC paint throughout our house in Brooklyn Park when I was married. No smell and it didn't sting my eyes or give me a headache! Always search out the more natural option whether it be skin care products, cleaning products, or anything else! Vote with your dollar- the more natural and organic products you buy, the more they will produce! They may cost more money from the start but you are investing in your health and the environment! 

Here are a few non-toxic and eco-friendly paint brands: 

Safecoat
Yolo
EcoTrend
Benjamin Moore Natura
Marston & Langinger 
Mythic Paint
Devine
Green Planet Paints 


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.

Arthritis- Choose an Anti-Inflammatory Diet


Over Easter my grandpa asked me about what he could do to help alleviate his arthritis. I suggested to start with his diet since that would have the most significant effect. Most people underestimate the power of eating clean and nutrient-dense, whole foods. Here are three simple changes to make.


Removing the BAD FATS – Replacing them with GOOD FATS.

Bad fats such as hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated oils, Trans fats, soybean oil, canola oil and vegetable oils cause heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer, and chronic fatigue. Bad fats create chronic inflammation throughout the body inducing disease. Good fats are essential to hormone production, cancer prevention, brain development, weight loss, cellular healing, and anti-inflammation. Examples of good fats: raw nuts, seeds, extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil, grass fed butter, avocados, flax seeds, chia seeds, hemp seeds, fatty fish. 




Change the MEATS that you EAT.

There are hundreds of studies that link commercial meats with cancer and heart disease. The grain fed to animals that were created to eat grass changes fatty acid ratios (too much omega-6, not enough omega-3) and denatures good fats, leading to modern day disease. The accumulation of commercial pesticides, herbicides, antibiotics, and hormones in meats are causing a toxic onslaught, which leads to many cancers, neurological disorders and chronic illness. Grass fed and free range meats offer many fatty acids missing in the Standard American Diet (SAD) such as: CLA and Omega 3 fatty acids.



Remove ALL Refined SUGARS and GRAINS from your Diet.

This includes white rice, white pasta, and white bread. Hidden sources including: lunch meats, pizza, sauces, breads, soups, crackers, fruit drinks, canned foods, yogurt, ketchup, mayonnaise, etc. High glycemic or refined sugars cause elevated glucose, which elevates insulin leading to premature aging and degenerative diseases such as type II diabetes, heart disease (inflammation of the arteries), and cancer.

Sugar is an anti-nutrient offering insignificant amounts of vitamins and minerals and robbing your body of nutrient stores. This leads to diseases such as chronic fatigue, ADD, ADHD, heart disease, diabetes, and cancers.

Low glycemic carbohydrates in the forms of fruits and vegetables have high amounts of fiber; enzymes, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help you age slower, improve energy levels, lose weight, and naturally detoxify your cells.


Want to learn more? Please contact me to schedule a wellness consultation or grocery store tour! 712.790.5883 or Jackie@OptimumWellnessMN.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.