What are the best gifts to give someone who is interested in nutrition?
Don’t worry, I’m not going to suggest wrapping up broccoli and carrots and giving those out as gifts. However, I do have a few ideas that will bring cheer to someone who is health conscious and nutritionally savvy.
Great gifts
People who are interested in nutrition like to be “in the know.” There are many books that cover a broad range of topics, from basic nutrition to cookbooks that focus on whole foods, eating locally and preparing heart-healthy recipes. For obvious reasons, I would avoid giving someone a book on diets and weight loss. Of course, food always makes a great gift. If you are a baker, try lighter recipes and let someone know you made it with their health in mind. I started making low-calorie pumpkin pie years ago, and it continues to be a family favourite even when there are richer holiday treats to choose from.
Around the holidays, you can find gift baskets filled with all sorts of goodies. The trouble is, most of these baskets are quite expensive and carry more calories than nutrition. How about making up your own gift basket? Just think of the creative possibilities. Below are some suggestions for baskets that would make a welcome and thoughtful gift.
* For someone who likes a hearty breakfast, combine nuts like almonds and walnuts along with dried fruit and steel cut oats. You will be giving the gift of heart-healthy fats, complex carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and lots of cholesterol-lowering fibre.
{{/usCountry}}* For someone who likes a hearty breakfast, combine nuts like almonds and walnuts along with dried fruit and steel cut oats. You will be giving the gift of heart-healthy fats, complex carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and lots of cholesterol-lowering fibre.
{{/usCountry}}* For the pasta lover, nothing is better than whole wheat pasta, canned plum tomatoes and olive oil. This Mediterranean diet gift package will say “I love you” more than anything else.
* Almost everyone likes to settle down with a hot cup of coffee or tea. Whether it’s decaffeinated or regular, coffee and tea both contain cell-protecting compounds and health benefits that just come from taking time to de-stress. Add some dark chocolate to the gift and you are in antioxidant heaven.
* What about the kids? When I was young it was a tradition to get an orange in my stocking. I don’t remember if I actually ate it but it was a good message anyway. How about filling stockings with a piece of fruit, granola bars and sunflower seeds? After playing with their toys, the kids can enjoy a healthy snack.
* Do you have elderly neighbours who you like to remember with a gift? Make their holiday bright by promising them seasonal fruit once a month for the year. No need to order from a fancy delivery service, just pick it up when you do your shopping. What a gift!
Hopefully, your gift list includes individuals who have less than us, especially when it comes to nutrition. Generous gestures include contributing to food drives and making cash donations to your local food pantry. When you plan your holiday gift-giving remember that good nutrition is a gift you can feel good about giving and grateful to receive.