Healthy Holiday Gift Ideas

Stumped about what to get that special someone for the holidays? Here are some suggestions for gifts to support a healthy lifestyle.

Tea

Tea offers many health benefits. Its high level of antioxidants help reduce the risk of many types of cancer. It also contains polyphenols, which are thought to help inhibit the absorption of cholesterol into the blood stream and help prevent the formation of blood clots. Tea is also calorie-free if no extra milk or sugar is added.

Teavana has a great website and retail stores throughout the U.S. It offers a huge variety of loose leaf teas and well as interesting mugs, teapots, and tea infusers.

This is one of my favorite Teavana tea infusers ($17.99). Just put in your leaves and hot water and let steep. Then place the infuser on top of your favorite mug. The tea drains out of the bottom as the cup depresses a lever. It's so cool!

Pair this gift with one of Teavana's sturdy glass mugs ($8.99). The tea infuser fits perfectly on this mug. Each mug also has an inspiration saying




Overwhelmed by the variety of teas to choose from? Here are some of my favorites to consider:

• Spice of Life White Tea - White tea filled with zesty orange, coriander, pistachios, almonds and a pinch of red pepper.
• ChocoNut Green Tea - Green tea with bits of chocolate and almonds, pistachio nuts, and macadamia nut pieces.
• Masala Chai Black Tea - Make your own chai tea latte and save calories by adding some light milk and a little bit of your favorite sweetener.
• Tranquil Dream (Night Night) Herbal Tea - the name of this tea says it all. This caffeine-free tea is reccomended for those who like chamomile and need help relaxing before going to sleep.
• MatéVana Herbal Tea - Trying to kick the coffee habit? This is a great herbal tea for coffee lovers that still gives you a jolt of energy without the jitters. Trying to cut back on calories? This tea might help since it helps to curb hunger.

Food Tees
Make a statement with these funny food tees. Just chillin? Say it with your t-shirt by picking the veggin' graphic. Not a fan of t-shirts? Then have it printed on a sweatshirt, apron, or bag.

Popcorn Popper

Tired of burnt microwave popcorn? Worried about all the additives and preservatives as well? Then go "Old School" and invest in a popcorn popper. Popcorn is actually a whole grain and is a very healthy snack - as long as you're not adding tons of butter and salt. The Cuisinart popcorn popper (available at Crate and Barrel) is a bit pricey ($59.95) but has good consumer reviews and lets you make tasty popcorn with minimal oil.



Healthy French Fry Maker


Know someone who loves french fries but not the fat? Ready to splurge big this holiday season? The the new ActiFry Low Fat Multi Cooker by T-Fal($299.95) is the perfect gift for you. You can make 2 pounds of freshly cut fries using only 1 tablespoon of oil. This is a brand new gadget that just came out a few months ago.


Still not seeing that perfect gift? You could always buy your loved one a gift certificate to work with your favorite dietitian (Ahem - wink, wink, nudge, nudge). Just a helpful suggestion:)