What are some healthy gift ideas?
Healthy Basket Giving
This time of year everyone is searching for the perfect gift to give someone special in their life. Instead of going for the traditional sweets and candy, which we get WAY too much of as it is, why not put a healthier spin on things to let that special someone know you care about them AND their health? Here are a few ideas to get started.
The Zen Basket
We all need to take a break and learn to relax. Fill a basket with some zen-inducing goodies. Start with a yoga mat, a yoga magazine, and a yoga dvd that your health minded friend can easily do at home. Then, add in some chamomile or peppermint tea, granola, bubble bath, and lavender scented candles or essential oils. Namaste!
The Breakfast Basket
Nothing says “I care about you” more than helping someone start the day with a healthy meal. Pack this basket with some go-to’s like low sugar oatmeal packs (select one that has at least 3g fiber and no more than 8 grams of sugar), unsalted almonds, peanuts or cashews, Kind Bars, low fat milk boxes (the shelf stable kind that don’t require refrigeration, such as Horizon), and an assortment of dried fruit like raisins, prunes and apricots. Toss in a jar of cinnamon sticks, a box of green tea or instant coffee packs with a cute microwavable-safe mug or bowl.
The Snacker Basket
After the holidays, we are all trying to get back on track with healthy intentions. Many of us need to restock on healthy snack items for that 3pm break between lunch and dinner. Gift someone all the healthy snacks they need to get back on track. A healthy snack combines a high fiber starch (like fruit or whole grains) with a source of healthy fat or protein (like nuts and seeds). Select a few granola bars (like the oatmeal, choose one that last at least 3g fiber per serving and no more than 8g sugar per serving). Add in a reusable water bottle, some 75% dark chocolate, bags of light popped corn, single serving packs of hummus (like Wild Garden Hummus To Go), a tub of natural peanut butter, and a box of whole wheat crackers like Wheat Thins or Ak-mak. Line the front of the basket with some fresh fruit that will stay edible at room temperature like pears, apples and oranges. For hydration, stock the basket with unsweetened coconut water, or a bottle of naturally flavored seltzer water.
Don’t have time to shop and prepare your own DIY basket? Ask your local grocery store if they can put together a fruit basket that you can pick up, or search online for a home delivery option like Blue Apron, Hello Fresh, Graze or Nature Box! Your gift receiver will thank you!
