Staying in the Present Moment

Often, one of our biggest questions is, "What's going to happen?" We may ask this about our relationships, job, or life.  It's so easy to get tangled in the worrisome thoughts! 

Worrying about what is going to happen blocks us from functioning effectively in the here and now- the present moment. It blocks us from learning the lessons today and has a negative effect on our future. When we worry we draw the negative thoughts into our lives. If you constantly are worried about money, your spouse cheating on you, your car not starting and so forth those things will eventually happen because of the energy you are drawing to it! 



Things will work out for the best if we let them. Being present when talking to family, friends, clients, coworkers will fend off the worrying. Choose to be happy and TRUST that things will work out. Have a tough decision you need to make? Sleep on it, meditate, pray, and believe you will make the right choice! Sometimes we take life too seriously! Smile, have fun, breathe, and LIVE! :-) 



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.






Allergies, Excess Wax, Sinus Congestion, Colds, Flu? - Ear Candling Service Offered

What is Ear Candling? 


Ear candling is a holistic procedure used to remove excess wax, draw out toxins and pollutants, cleanse the sinus cavities, improve hearing and other senses and revitalize the nerve endings. It is also thought to have a psychic, emotional and spiritual impact on a person as it draws out negative toxins and revives the energy flows throughout the body. 

Because of all the intricate crevices in the ear, unbelievable amounts of debris can accumulate. This buildup creates a breeding ground for problems and can also interfere with correct hearing. Impacted wax can build up against ear ducts and can also block reception of incoming sound waves. This lifetime accumulation may explain some of the hearing problems we develop as we age. Yeasts, allergies or just wax build-up removed from the ear canal regularly will restore hearing, relieve tension or pressure in the ear and sometimes relieve other symptoms not consciously connected with the ear condition before the process. The moist warm dark conditions in the ear cause fast growth of many organisms. If excess ear wax blocks the ear it can cause pressure build-up from various organisms. 

Clinical studies show that candida (yeast) often becomes established in the middle ear after one or two episodes of infection where an antibiotic has been used. Candling is believed to remove candida, yeasts, fungus, and remnants of past infections. The types of bacteria we currently fight in our ears include Streptococcus pneumonia, Staphylococcus aureus, Anaerobic bacteria, and Influenza A and B. Ear aches can be caused by mucus blown into the ear from the Eustachian tube. Ear candling will quite often release the pressure and relieve the pain.

Some of the benefits those undergoing ear candling have experienced include:

Removal of excess wax and allows better hearing, usually immediately
Stimulation and detoxification of the lymphatic system
Help in removal of parasites growing in the ear
Help in clearing mold caused by Candida yeast allergy
Sinuses are able to drain and flow freely reducing pressure
Improved balance and rejuvenation of the equilibrium


Beneficial relief may be obtained from ear candling for the following conditions:

Sinus discomfort congestion (reduced)
Head colds, flu and discomforts
Yeast infections
Parasites
Swimmers Ear
Ear Aches
Headache and sore throat
Allergy discomfort

What To Expect During Your Session 


You will lie comfortably on your side resting your head on a pillow as the candling is performed. Hollow cones made from spiraled strips of cotton dipped in either beeswax or paraffin are used. The tapered end of the cone is gently placed in the ear. The other end is lit and the heat from the low-burning flame creates a vacuum-pulling effect. For your safety, a plate separates the burning end from your head to prevent any drippage of candle residue. 

Periodically, the burned end will be cut back. When the candle burns down to about 2”, the process is then repeated for the opposite ear. Candling will take approximately 15-20 minutes per ear depending on the type of candle being used. During the treatment, you will normally hear some crackling, hissing and the "suction" sounds much like the gentle hum one hears when a seashell is placed against the ear. 

Upon completion, an oil is swabbed in the ear with cotton to help protect from further infections from bacteria, yeast. etc. For the first 24 hours after candling, it is best to protect the ears from wind, cold, and excessive amounts of water. Within 24 hours the normal production of wax will again protect the ear. The candles will then be cut open to reveal the toxins deposited at the base. 

Who Is Ear Candling Suitable For?

Young and old alike experience this process as a soothing, painless, simple therapy, which invokes deep relaxation and healing. I typically perform these on children over 3 years of age and up as well as adults. 

Recent Client Testimonial: 

"Amazing how much your sinuses clear up. I've tried it before. It is super....everyone should try it especially if you have any sinus issues at all!!! The virtues of ear candling are outstanding. Give it a try!!" 

-Teacher, Estherville, Iowa. 


Please contact me to schedule. This services is $30. Thank you! 712.790.5883



http://emmasholistichealing.weebly.com/ear-candling.html 


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

Acne- Zits Be Gone


Many people try using creams, prescriptions, and harsh chemical face cleansers to get rid of acne. The solution is inward! 

Here are a Few Suggestions: 


Acne and Candida go hand in hand. Candida is a bad yeast and  bacteria that grows in the body. You can develop it from using antibiotics, birth control pills, excess sugar in the diet, and drinking chlorinated water. Any type of skin condition stems from body toxicity, stress, hormonal imbalances, and nutrient deficiencies. 


Try removing all sugar from your diet. Use Stevia instead or raw local honey. Limit grain intake- especially gluten because it causes inflammation in gut. Eczema is really gut inflammation!! Lower your fruit intake-berries and green apples have the lowest sugar content. Avoid hydrogenated oils- switch to extra-virgin, cold pressed organic coconut oil. (has anti-microbial properties- kills off the bacteria) Dairy products also cause allergic reactions  and can worsen the condition. 


Foods to eat:

Foods high in fiber-chia seeds, flax seeds, almonds and other nuts, veggies. This will help balance out your blood sugar levels.  Consume more protein- organic chicken, turkey, organic eggs, grass fed beef, sprouted vegan protein (ask me about this), wild caught fish.  




Supplements and More:
  • Probiotics- puts good bacteria in the gut, helps immune system, at least 50 billion IUS daily.
  • Zinc- will repair gut lining- 50 mg/day.
  • Antioxidants- elderberry extract- put in smoothies
  • Candida Cleanse
  • Fish Oil (Omega 3's)- helps with inflammation; aids in healing. 
  • Face wash-use one containing tea tree oil, willow bark, aloe;  kills bacteria and moisturizes. 


Questions or need more help or advice? Please contact me. 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


Clean Eating During Super Bowl Festivities

One of my clients said she dreads the Super Bowl parties because she never knows what she can eat and ends up gorging herself on the nachos, dips, mayo salads, and wings! My solution is to make and take a few clean eating recipes to the party and just eat what you bring! Here are a few that will be a hit at the party! (don't tell anyone they are healthier versions! ) ;-) 



Baked Meatballs 

Ingredients:

1/4 cup onions, minced
1 Tbsp. grape seed oil
2 pounds grass-fed ground beef
2 eggs
3/4 cup quinoa flakes
1/2 cup raw milk
1/8 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
2 tsp. onion powder
1/2 tsp. garlic powder

Directions:

1. Preheat oven 400 degrees F.
2. Grease baking sheet lightly with oil.
3. Cook onions in small skillet with grape seed oil
4. Mix other ingredients in bowl, and then add onions.
5. Roll into 2 inch balls, then spread out on baking sheet
6. Bake for 12 minutes.


Sweet Potato Fries

Ingredients:

1-1 1/2 lbs. sweet potatoes
1/4 c. grape seed or coconut oil
1/2 tsp. sea salt
1/2 tsp. paprika
1/4 tsp. cinnamon


Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Peel potatoes and cut into strips about 1/2” wide on each      side. Place all ingredients in seal-able plastic bag and shake until potatoes are completely coated. Spread onto a baking sheet in a single layer.
2. Cook for 30 minutes, turning every 10 minutes.
3. Transfer immediately to a paper towel lined plate and serve warm.



Hummus 

Ingredients:


  • 2 cans organic garbanzo beans (low sodium)
  • 1/4 c. raw sesame seeds
  • 1 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 1/4 c. lemon juice
  • 1 garlic clove, peeled
  • 1 tsp. cumin
  • Sea salt to taste


Drain and rinse garbanzo beans, reserving 1/4 c. liquid. Place all ingredients in a blender and blend. Add more water or olive oil until desired consistency is reached. Serve with fresh raw veggies or gluten-free crackers! 



Boneless Buffalo Chicken Tenders 

Here's another version of an All-American favorite! Typically these are fried in damaged oils (bad fats), loaded with refined flours, additives, and of course conventionally raised chicken. This recipe actually has organic chicken, good fats, extra nutrients in the breading and nothing artificial!

Ingredients:

  • 2 packages organic chicken tenderloins
  • 2 organic eggs
  • 1/2 cup finely ground almond meal
  • 1/4 cup coconut flour
  • sea salt
  • pepper
  • granulated garlic
  • hot sauce (check ingredients- no MSG, no sugar, no additives)
  • coconut oil (about 1/2 jar)


Directions:

Sprinkle chicken tenderloins with salt and pepper. Dip into egg and then almond / coconut flour mixture. For best results, refrigerate for about 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, heat coconut oil to medium/high heat in a non-teflon pan (stainless steel, cast iron or thermalon). Gently place chicken tenders in the pan in batches, doing only 4-5 at a time. Do not crowd the pan. When brown around the edges, flip and brown the other side. (Breading will be very fragile to be careful). Transfer to a baking dish and bake at 350 degrees until no longer pink in the middle.

When done, they can be eaten plain or made into buffalo tenders. Simply sprinkle with garlic powder and drizzle with hot sauce on both sides.




Grain-Free Personal Pizzas 

Yield: Approx. six 6-8 inch pizzas

Ingredients:

For Crust 

  • 2 cups almond flour
  • 2 cups tapioca starch/flour 
  • 2 cups coconut milk
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt 


For Toppings 

  • Cheese- less is better! Organic preferred! 
  • Sauce- no added sugar and low sodium 
  • Olives 
  • Bell Peppers 
  • Onions 
  • Mushrooms 
  • Protein/Meat- preferably organic and grass fed without antibiotics or growth hormones


Directions:

For Crust:
1.Mix ingredients in either a blender or bowl until smooth. 
2.Heat a skillet or griddle on medium-high heat and add a small amount of grass-fed butter. 
3.Pour a thin layer of batter onto griddle or skillet and allow to cook until bubbles form. 
4.Test to see if you can flip easily. If not, let cook longer. 
5.Cook on other side until slightly golden-brown. 
6.Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and place finished crusts in for a few minutes to crisp up. 

For Toppings: 
7.Place sauce on the pizza crusts and arrange cheese and toppings as desired. You may need to cook some of the toppings first if they are "liquidy", i.e. mushrooms, peppers, etc. 
8.Bake until cheese is melted. 
9.Cut into 4 pieces each and serve.



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

Estherville Chamber Lunch and Learn

I had the opportunity to speak about holistic healthy eating and weight loss to a group of 18 business professionals today at noon. I covered some myths about weight loss and dieting and the best steps to take to become healthier! 


A Few Sources of Hidden Sugars That Cause Weight Gain

Always talking with my hands! 

In case you missed it I am available to speak at your group, school, or workplace! Here are a few of my most popular topics:

Holistic Healthy Eating and Weight Loss
Digestion:Where Your Health Lies
Grocery Store Tours
Creating an Alkaline Body to Prevent Cancer and Disease
Food Intolerances Could be Making You Fat
Snacking Smarter
Healthy Eating on a Budget
Importance of Protein 
How to Talk to Children About "Real Food" 
Detoxifying Foods for Your Body 
Burst Training for Fitness and Weight Loss
Sleep-The Food/Brain Connection
Detoxification-Minimizing Toxins
Control Your Hormones Naturally
Inspiration/Dream Board Creating Workshop

Please contact me for rates and to schedule.



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