Appetite for Knowledge

The holidays seem to bring an abundance of sweets and we also tend to enjoy larger plates of food during this time. Common holiday gifts include foods that are high in added sugar, solid fats, and sodium, which is what the United States Department of Agriculture recommends that we try to limit. But this doesn’t mean you should throw the treats out, just remember to fill up on the nutrient-dense foods first before the energy-dense foods that don’t provide your body with the nutrients it needs to function optimally. During the colder months, we also tend to spend more time indoors, making it harder to reach the recommended physical activity. When we aren’t able to stay active during our long winter months, we start storing excess energy as adipose tissue (aka fat). So what is something you can do to prevent this? To help you and your loved ones stay healthy this season try sharing your love for them with these health-promoting gifts!

Nutrition Related Gifts

• Fruit basket
• Nuts and seeds
• Reusable water bottle(s)
• Seeds for garden or fresh herbs
• Healthy cookbook
• High-quality olive oil
• Kitchen utensils
• Homemade roasted chickpeas
• Infusion water pitcher
• Cutting board
• Dried fruit
• Homemade salsa

Fitness Related Gifts

• Health tracker (pedometer)
• Gym/Pool membership or class pass
• Foam roller
• Pouch belt
• Gym bag
• Yoga mat
• Resistance bands
• Outdoor water filter
• Workout videos (Zumba, etc.)
• Dance lessons

Other Gifts

• Lotion
• Candle
• Humidifier
• Massage pass/coupon
• Pedicure and/or manicure coupon
• Bath bomb
• Car air freshener
• Mints

Stay Healthy Through the Holidays

Whether you’re able to gift a few of these health-promoting items this year or not, remember that small changes can make a big difference over time. If you’re already finished with your shopping this year, remember these gift ideas for other occasions throughout the year. You can also enjoy this holiday season by staying active with those who are in your company. Even though it might be a bit chilly outside, if you dress appropriately, once you start moving, your body will warm right up!

Holiday Gift Baskets

Items:

• Basket, close to size of items
• Basket filler (shredded card stock, kitchen towels, etc.)
• Cellophane or tulle
• Bow or string
• Choose your items or theme of choice:
  • Example 1:
    • Healthy cookbook
    • Kitchen utensils
    • High-quality olive oil
    • Dried herbs
    • Kitchen towels
  • Example 2:
    • Lotion
    • Candle
    • Pedicure and/or manicure coupon
    • Bath bomb
    • Mints

Assembly:

1. Place basket on top of your tulle or cellophane.
2. Arrange large items in your basket, surround with basket filler.
3. Fill the basket with filler as needed to support items.
4. Place remaining smaller items into the basket.
5. Pull tulle or cellophane up around the basket, securing the top with a bow or string.

Written By: Shelley Balls, University of Wyoming Extension- Nutrition and Food Safety Educator