Give the Gift of Good Health!

December 14th, 2014

Holidays are a time to give gifts of food and wine.  In my office, we’ve received many gift baskets laden with chocolates, processed cheeses, and other high fat foods.  While I’m not opposed to gift giving, I do think there should be consideration about the recipient’s health.  What if that person is diabetic or has high cholesterol?

Here are some great gift ideas that will make your loved ones get into healthier habits.

• Gift certificate to a yoga or spinning studio.  Yoga is a great way to destress during the holidays and afterwards.  You can pay for 1 or more sessions.  Some yoga classes can cost as little as $15 dollars per session.  Speaking from experience, Spin classes (cycling to music and a trainer leading the class) are addictive!  Don’t be surprised if your friend gets hooked and seriously in shape.
• Mediterranean diet cookbook.  The Mediterranean diet has numerous health benefits including reducing the risk of heart disease and diabetes.  It’s also extremely tasty.
• Extra virgin olive oil.  A good bottle of EVOO is like a fine wine.  It is usually delicious and can be very expensive.  Olive oil increases good cholesterol (HDL), which lowers the chance of heart disease.
• Gift certificate for a massage/facial at a spa.  Stress during the holiday season can lead to ailments ranging from neck pain, digestive issues, and a reduced immune system.  All types of massage can help relieve tension.
• Fruit arrangements.  These are cut-up fruit on sticks arranged like a flower bouquet that can be delivered.  You can also make them yourself using a whole variety of fruit and bamboo skewers.  These are much healthier than boxes of chocolates and quite pretty themselves.
• Tea and a set of mugs.  You could even splurge on a nice vintage teapot/tea set from an antique store.  Tea has numerous benefits including antioxidants and much needed hydration during the winter.
• Hot cocoa powder.  Many high-end chocolate stores will sell hot cocoa powder.  If made with low fat milk, hot chocolate can be a delicious and calorie-conscious way to get a chocolate fix without the calories.  Milk is also an excellent source of calcium.  The experience of drinking one cup of hot chocolate can be up to 15 minutes for about 150 calories.  Compare that to a chocolate bar that can be double that amount that you eat in 5 minutes.
• Home-baked goods.  When you make cookies or cakes yourself, you can substitute butter for better oils such as canola and reduce the amount of refined sugar.  For example, you could add a ripe banana or applesauce to sweeten your oatmeal cookies naturally.  Brown sugar or honey would be other options.  You will also not be adding preservatives that abound in store-bought foods.  Many of these chemicals can increase your risk of cancer in the digestive tract.
• Gift certificate for sporting goods store.  I always feel more motivated to exercise when I buy a new pair of sneakers or shirt for running.  Encourage your loved ones to get active!
• Set of exotic spices.  Go to any ethnic grocery store and you will find all sorts of curries, sauces, spices, herbs and garnishes.  You can create a colorful gift basket and introduce your loved ones to new cuisines.  Many spices such as turmeric have anti-oxidant properties.  My personal favorite spice blends are:  Garam Masala (India), Five Spice Powder (China), Harissa (Middle East), and Sriracha hot sauce (Vietnam).  People with high blood pressure  on low sodium diets can use these instead of salt to flavor their food.