‘Tis the season — for shopping! Or, if you’re like me, ’tis the season for procrastination. I usually wind up waiting until the last minute because I just don’t know what to buy. But perhaps this year I’ll be more inspired — and you will too — by these health-related ideas on my nutritionist pals’ wish lists:
1. Aged Balsamic Vinegar
“I would love a bottle of real, aged balsamic vinegar from Modena — it’s like liquid gold. A little goes a long way to make food taste amazing — healthfully. I drizzle it on roasted vegetables, fresh fruit and cheeses.
— Ellie Krieger, registered dietitian nutritionist, author and host of “Ellie’s Real Good Food” on public television
2. A Healthy Mind and Body Basket
“I would love to give or receive a healthy mind and body basket — something that says, ‘Hey, take a break and relax tonight.’ It would contain a mix of soothing self-care goodies like a bottle of prosecco, an adult coloring book and markers, a yummy dark chocolate indulgence, an iTunes gift card for a movie rental, a pair of cozy winter socks and an engrossing book. People tend to get so busy this time of year that they forget to take care of themselves. I love the idea that someone is looking out for you and helping you stay healthy in a fun, holistic way.”
— Caroline Kaufman, registered dietitian nutritionist and founder of CarolineKaufman.com, where her motto is “Eat Better, Stress Less”
[See: 8 Ways to Relax — Now.]
3. A Health-Related Donation
“I truly have everything I need! This year, I’d love to receive a gift that benefits others. So, for anyone who wants to wrap up a holiday gift for me, please make it a donation dedicated to a food- or health-related cause that’s dear to my heart, such as the World Food Programme or the American Diabetes Association. This will make me way happier than receiving yet another kitchen gadget.”
— Jackie Newgent, culinary nutritionist and author of “The All-Natural Diabetes Cookbook”
4. A Food-Related Donation
“I would love to receive gift donations to organizations such as the Environmental Working Group and the Natural Resources Defense Council that work to protect and support organic and sustainable food systems and educate the public about the best choices for human and environmental health. It’s a gift that can make a difference today — and for our future.”
— Cynthia Sass, registered dietitian nutritionist and author of “Slim Down Now: Shed Pounds and Inches With Pulses — The New Superfood”
5. An “Ice-Cream” Machine
“I want a Yonanas. This magical machine turns 100-percent fruit into a scoop of a creamy, ice cream version of itself — without having to add sugar and cream. Add a cup of frozen pineapple chunks into the machine and presto! You get a creamy swirl of pineapple sorbet. Ditto for other frozen fruit. Santa, send me one. I have been very good this year.”
— Joan Salge Blake , clinical associate professor at Boston University and author of “Nutrition & You”
[See: In Pictures: 10 Healthy Desserts — and They’re Tasty Too.]
6. Measuring Spoons
“I know this sounds silly, but it’s the little things in life that bring me great joy. The one kitchen ‘gadget’ I’d love to receive this holiday season is a new set of measuring spoons! But not just any set of measuring spoons. I often find myself adding a pinch, dash or smidgen of dried herbs and spices to my recipes, so a set of small-size measuring spoons would be a welcome addition to my kitchen.”
— Liz Weiss, registered dietitian nutritionist, blogger at Meal Makeover Moms’ Kitchen and coauthor of “Eat and Color the Alphabet”
7. A Monthly Baking Subscription
“Sure, I might be biased because my son is affiliated with the company, but I’d still love to give and receive a subscription to Baker’s Cousin, which hosts nation-wide themed baking competitions each month that are judged by culinary pros. It’s a fun and unique way to submit and vote on your favorite recipes and be a part of monthly challenges that result in delicious baked goods delivered right to your door. As a nutritionist, I take pleasure in enjoying decadent desserts in just-right portion sizes. And, this is a gift that keeps on giving since it includes the recipes for each mouth-watering treat within its beautifully-wrapped box.”
— Bonnie Taub-Dix , registered dietitian nutritionist, creator of BetterThanDieting.com and author of “Read It Before You Eat It”
8. A Monthly Literary Subscription
“I plan to give a few of my book-loving friends monthly literary subscription boxes and gift cards for use at independent bookstores. During the holidays (and now in this very tense post-election time period), many of us feel sad, confused or uneasy. Instead of resorting to chocolate or booze to feel better or escape, I say read a good book. It provides a great (albeit temporary) respite from problems and concerns.”
— Elisa Zied, registered dietitian nutritionist and author of “Younger Next Week”
[See: Holiday Vices: How to Have Fun Without Overdoing It.]
9. Personal Training Sessions
“I love lifting weights, but I don’t push myself as hard as someone else would. I would love to receive a gift certificate for personal training sessions so that I could have someone tell me what to do at the gym on a weekly basis. Even though I’m a trainer as well, it’s such a treat to not have to think about what I’m doing at the gym and to just do what someone else says. Plus, when I’ve had a trainer in the past, my fitness level skyrocketed.”
— Alissa Rumsey, registered dietitian nutritionist and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
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