For many, the beginning of the year marks a fresh start. Don’t we all adore the idea of having a new beginning with renewed momentum to take action and put healthy practices into place that will help us WIN?! Whether you or someone you love has identified some of these goals for 2017, this Gift Guide has the perfect ideas for you to give OR place on your own wish list!
GOAL #1: Drink More Water
Water actually helps us eat less, maintain healthy looking skin, and keep our metabolism working well! Most of us don’t drink enough, and in fact, the research shows that soda continues to remain a popular beverage. But in the last decade, bottled water has surged and while we can consider this a huge win for health, it certainly takes a toll on our wallets and the environment. These are a few gift ideas to help all of us drink more water.
Water Infuser Bottle and Pitcher
‘Water is boring’- that is one of the most common reasons I have heard from people who simply don’t want to drink it. My solution?! Add some flavor! Citrus, berries, mint leaves, extracts, the combinations are infinite! A Water Infuser Bottle (or pitcher) is perfect for adding flavorful fruit or herbs without it clogging your straw or spout. (However, if a traditional water bottle has a large opening, you can simply use this technique to flavor the water.)
I have this Aqua Zinger Water Bottle and it works great. Refill the water bottle several times during the day, shake and the flavor of the fruit or herbs continues to infuse into the water. It holds 19oz and I also find that the straw helps me drink even more during the day. An infuser bottle or pitcher are also great gift ideas for holiday gift exchanges at work, church, and community groups!
GOAL #2: Eat at Home More Often
Family dinner time is an amazing goal but busy schedules can make it a HUGE challenge! Finding quick shortcuts that don’t sacrifice quality or flavor is absolutely essential. Here are a few of my favorite gift ideas!
Subscription Meal Box
This is a super fun and practical way to get a home cooked dinner on the table several nights during the week. There are many different services and some of the most popular include HelloFresh, and BlueApron. These services send a refrigerated box directly to your doorstep with properly measured ingredients, recipe cards, and cooking tips. It is a no-brainer and can really reduce the pressure of grocery shopping and meal planning for busy individuals… and who isn’t busy!?!
This also helps the home cook reduce waste when we buy “interesting” ingredients and let them sit in our pantry or fridge for way too long. The recipe cards have colorful pictures that walk you through each step in the recipe process making it as simple and easy as possible. Some of the subscription plans may also accommodate for food allergies and specific dietary preferences.
A meal subscription box is the perfect gift to give a loved one or friend who wants to eat more fresh, unprocessed foods, enjoys eating a variety of meals, and doesn’t mind a few minutes of cooking. Most of the plans offer discounts for the first box and gift certificates too for gift giving! If you are at a loss for a gift idea, this one is definitely worth checking out!
Look for my review of HelloFresh coming soon!! BUT, if you just can’t wait, you can go ahead and check it out OR give to a friend for $35 off the first box by using the promo code FRESHFANSRD35.
Spiralizer
The spiralizer is trending and HOT right now. Eat more veggies- no one can refute this one recommendation and a spiralizer will help you do that! I promise!! This gadget may seem like a “unitasker” tool, but on the contrary, some spiralizers, like the Paderno brand, can spiralize much more than zucchini… try potatoes, carrots, and beets! And the great thing about spiralized veggies is they don’t take any longer to cook than pasta- often less time! I have this small Kitchen Active Spiralizer which for an apartment kitchen, takes up little space and gets the job done. It is perfect for right now, but I hope to add the Paderno World Cuisine Pro 4 Blade Spiralizer to my kitchen collection when I have a bit more cabinet space. Also note, the small ones are unique stocking stuffers if you are trying to find something a bit out the ordinary.
GOAL #3: Become More Active
Most Americans agree that adding a bit more activity to the day has the power to transform health, energy and even self-esteem. Research certainly agrees! But making it happen…that can be the challenge.
These are a few tools to help the person who wants to “shake their groove thing” more frequently and needs some encouragement.
Activity Tracker
Nothing has been as instrumental in helping me get up and move as having an activity tracker! As someone who has always exercised, I assumed I was always getting my 10,000+ steps per day, but not until I began monitoring it did I realize how inactive I can be during the day, especially when sitting at a computer. My FitBit Charge HR has truly transformed my everyday activity level and I have many friends and family members who would give a similar testament. If you know someone who has a goal to become more active or wants to do a better job with being consistent, an activity tracker is a stellar gift!
Conformable Earbuds
Most of us like to listen to music or podcasts during a walk, jog or exercise routine, but how annoying is it when the earbuds keep jiggling loose and falling out of your ears!! Agh!! From my conversations this is a pretty common issue with earbuds which is why I love these MEE M6 Earphones. They have memory wire that allows them to mold and conform around your ear so that they stay on, especially when jogging or doing a lot of fast movement. If you have ever struggled with finding the right pair, then do you yourself and a friend a favor and buy a pair for both of you!
GOAL #4: Add Strength Training to Exercise Routine
The idea that one needs a gym membership to begin strength training is bogus. A gym membership could be an ideal gift for some, especially those that want a fitness environment and desire to join a community of like-minded people. But, it is not absolutely necessary. Time is precious, even the time that it takes just to get to the gym is valuable.
GOOD NEWS… with a few useful tools at home, anyone can get a tremendous workout and begin noticing results within weeks, if not days!
Dumbbells
A variety of 2 or 3 different weighted dumbbells can work every muscle group from shoulders, arms, glutes, legs and everything inbetween. I have found that the metal weights (like these) slip in my hands when they get sweaty during a workout, so I prefer neoprene coated weights for improved grip. Almost all basic strength training workouts for women can be completed with a combination of 8-10#, 4-6# and 2-3#weights. For those that want a less obtrusive strength training tool, consider an exercise band– these are great to pack in a suitcase for travel and can be used in place of dumbbells in a toning workout.
Strength Training Workout DVDs
There are hundreds of dvds and online programs out there but which one is the right one for your special someone? Well, I have tried dozens of workouts and have very specific criteria for those that make my “A” list. Right now, my current favorite is Jessica Smith. Her workouts are perfect for the women of a variety of ages and fitness levels. Every routine I have completed with her is filled with encouragement and even a bit of fun.
She gives great instruction for how to modify moves for different levels of fitness- if you want to make it harder, she shows you how, but she also shares how to lighten it up for those who are just beginning. Her workout dvd, Walk Strong, Boost Metabolism + Muscle, is the perfect gift idea for any woman who wants to take action to tone, strengthen muscles, improve bone health and just wants to feelmore fit!
During the holidays, it is so much fun to give gifts with meaning and thought. As you continue to make your list and check it twice, check out some of these fun and practical ideas that will inspire, motivate and help us CRUSH OUR HEALTH GOALS IN 2017!
TRUTH: A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great.
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