Hello Beautiful, I'm Dr. Jasel Martin

Picture this: an omnivert who lives for chocolate and peanut butter (hello, Reese's!), can't whistle to save her life, and is slightly obsessed with blazers (okay, maybe more than slightly – I own about 20!). That's me! I'm a joy-seeker, plant mama, and proud mommy to my incredible child, Jocelyn. When I'm not geeking out over the latest health research or whipping up nutritious meals in my kitchen, you'll find me in my home gym, binge-watching a good show, or dreaming up my next adventure. And yes, I've been saying "fantabolous" since I was 5 – before it was even a thing!

From Dental School to Divine Purpose

I really had no idea where I'd end up, but I knew it had to be this way...

My journey to becoming a health advocate has been quite the rollercoaster ride! It all started at a dental school in Dallas, where I thought I'd found my path in oral health/dentistry. But something kept tugging at my heart – that same feeling I'd had since elementary school when health class was my absolute favorite (ask my momma!). Back then, when you mentioned public health, people would think "CONTAGION!" with scared faces. But I knew there was so much more to it, even if I couldn't quite see the career path yet. This led me to hospital administration and clinical care, where I learned valuable lessons about how healthcare systems work – and sometimes, how they don't work for the people who need them most. We often treat symptoms and not the root causes of disease, which is exactly what I learned in my doctoral program.

Then came the pivotal moment that changed everything. Someone pointed out that all the health advice I was constantly sharing with friends should be part of my business. It was like a light bulb moment – at 23 years old, I could suddenly see the vision of what my current business would become. The path wasn't clear yet, and boy, did I fail... a lot! But each setback taught me something valuable. Through it all, I kept growing, learning, and persisting. As a former track and field athlete, I understood that success comes from consistent training and never giving up. Now, combining my love for exercise science, nutrition, and public health with my passion for helping others, I've found my true calling in working hand-in-hand with the communities I love, bringing real, accessible health solutions to those who need them most.

The Birth of VIV Academy

VIV means "to live" in Haitian Creole – and I chose this active word with intention. You see, we are human beings, not human doings. We were created TO LIVE, to fully embrace our existence, not just to go through the motions. When God placed this vision on my heart, I knew it had to be more than just another health program. This is a divine commission to remind people of their innate ability to truly live – mind, body, and spirit. I've been blessed with the gift of breaking down complex health concepts into bite-sized, actionable wisdom, but VIV Academy is about so much more than just knowledge. It's a space where women learn to step fully into their being, to nurture their whole selves, and to embrace the vibrant, active life they were created to live.

This Isn't Just Another Wellness Program

The VIV Academy isn't just another online wellness program – it's a vibrant, supportive community where transformation happens naturally. When I created this space, I envisioned a place where women could find their tribe, share their journey, and access the tools they need to thrive in every dimension of wellness. Whether you're struggling with nutrition, seeking workout motivation, or looking to create balance in your life, you'll find kindred spirits here who understand your challenges. We dive deep into all eight dimensions of wellness – from physical and mental health to financial and spiritual wellbeing – because true health isn't just about what you eat or how you move. Through our live streams, courses, monthly fitness challenges, and community discussions, we're building something special: a place where evidence-based knowledge meets real-life application, where lasting habits replace quick fixes, and where every member feels supported, understood, and empowered to create lasting change. Best of all, you'll never have to go it alone – our community of like-minded individuals is here to celebrate your victories, support you through challenges, and help you stay accountable to your goals.

My nutrition philosophy

I don't believe in one-size-fits-all nutrition plans because, like you, I understand that our bodies are beautiful, complex, and ever-changing.

Some of the healthiest people in the world follow completely different dietary patterns - from the Indigenous Arctic people with their high-fat, animal-based diets to the Kitavans in the South Pacific thriving on vegetables and starchy carbohydrates. What works perfectly for you today might need adjusting tomorrow. That's not failure - that's your body communicating its evolving needs.

Food is so much more than fuel, and your body is far more sophisticated than a simple calorie calculator. When we eat, every bite initiates a beautiful cascade of communication within our bodies - signaling hormones to release, proteins to express, and countless other intricate processes. Food carries stories, connects us to our heritage, and reflects our values. How we eat, where we eat, and what we eat paints a picture of who we are and what matters to us.
Good nutrition starts with curiosity and mindfulness rather than rigid rules. It's about:

Developing awareness and truly paying attention to how different foods make you feel
Choosing high-quality, nutrient-dense whole foods that nourish your body and mind
Understanding your unique needs rather than following someone else's food rules
Creating sustainable habits that fit your real life, not just another unsustainable diet
Finding joy in movement and seeing how it connects with your nutrition
Building a peaceful relationship with food free from guilt and shame
Addressing nutrient deficiencies through mindful food choices
Learning to trust your body's natural hunger and fullness signals
Making informed choices about food quality within your budget
Seeing exercise and nutrition as complementary partners, not competitors

As both a scientist and practitioner, I draw from evidence-based research while honoring traditional wisdom. I help you look beyond trending diets to discover what genuinely works for your unique body.

Whether you're dealing with food allergies, struggling with emotional eating, or simply wanting to optimize your nutrition for better health, my approach focuses on practical solutions that create lasting change.

Remember - nutrition isn't about perfection. It's about nourishing your body consistently while honoring your cultural traditions, personal preferences, and lifestyle needs. Together, we'll create an approach to eating that energizes you, supports your goals, and feels sustainable for the long term.

VISION STATEMENT

To create a world where every woman has the knowledge, tools, and support to live vibrantly in all eight dimensions of wellness – physical, emotional, spiritual, environmental, financial, social, occupational, and mental health.

Mission Statement

I am committed to providing evidence-based, culturally relevant health information that transforms lives. My mission is to help you feel confident and positive about yourself and your lifestyle by:

Delivering factual information that's relevant to your background and lifestyle
Teaching you to understand and optimize all eight dimensions of wellness
Creating personalized plans that work with your real life
Breaking down complex health concepts into practical, actionable steps
Building a supportive community where women thrive together
Empowering you to make informed choices about your health

Your body is more than a machine – it's a complex, intelligent system that deserves to be understood and honored. Through my coaching, teaching, and community building, I strive to help you create lasting, positive changes that enhance every aspect of your wellbeing. Together, we'll move beyond quick fixes and fad diets to develop sustainable practices that support your whole self for life.

"What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals."

Things I'm All About:

Early morning peace and intention
My daily cup(s) of tea
Connecting with Mother Earth
Creating safe, nurturing spaces
Fighting for health equity
Christ-centered living
Building genuine connections
Real, sustainable solutions
That perfect blazer moment!

Things I'm Not About:

Spiders (absolutely not!)
Cookie-cutter health plans
Inequality in healthcare
Negative self-talk
Quick fixes that don't last
Complicated nutrition rules
One-size-fits-all approaches

WE MAY BE

The perfect

fit

if...

You're busy juggling life's demands while trying to prioritize your health, and I get it because I've been there. You need someone who understands your struggles and won't give you another cookie-cutter solution.
You're ready for real change, not just another diet or workout plan. You want someone who can break down complex health concepts into practical, doable steps.
Like you, I believe in the power of natural healing and taking control of your health journey. I understand the frustration of navigating conflicting health information.
You're looking for a supportive community where you can learn, grow, and transform – and that's exactly what we've created at VIV Academy.

WANT TO KNOW HOW WE CAN WORK TOGETHER

Here's how I can help

My passion lies in helping you understand how your body works and creating sustainable changes that fit your unique lifestyle. Through evidence-based nutrition counseling, hormone health expertise, and holistic wellness coaching, I help you decode your body's signals and create lasting transformations. I bring both professional expertise and personal understanding to our work together – because I've walked this path too. Whether you're dealing with hormone imbalances, seeking to optimize your nutrition, or looking to create a more vibrant, energetic life, I'm here to guide you with practical wisdom, genuine care, and a healthy dose of "fantabolous" energy. Together, we'll create a personalized approach that honors your body, respects your journey, and helps you thrive in every dimension of health.

Foods for Insomnia: The Sleep-Food Connection

Did you know that 68% of women report struggling with sleep issues, with hormonal changes being a primary factor? If you're lying awake at night despite being exhausted, experiencing multiple wake-ups, or fighting daytime fatigue, the solution might be on your plate. Your sleep challenges aren't just about stress or screen time - the intricate dance between your hormones, nutrition, and sleep cycle plays a crucial role in your ability to get the deep, restorative rest you need.

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