Well, it's that time of year again - the Christmas shopping season in full force. Have you thought about what to get those people on your "difficult to buy" list? Instead of another tie for dad or a music CD for sister, why not give them a truly unique and priceless gift? Give them the gift of better health and fitness.
The gift of fitness is something you can give to virtually anyone on your shopping list—from your parents to your spouse, boyfriend, sibling, employee or co-worker, and even your children. And it is a gift that is priceless. After all, who doesn't want to look better, feel better and be healthier?
And it's a gift you can be really proud of. When you give someone the gift of fitness, you help open the door to better health (both physical and mental). It's a gift that really shows the recipient how much you care about their well-being. By giving them the gift of fitness, you give them unlimited health benefits.
Of course, we all know that exercise can help people stay slim and fit. But do you also know about all the other great benefits of exercise? Daily physical activity reduces stress and can help you sleep better. Fitness is associated with reducing the risk of many diseases and warding off depression. Researchers believe that strength training can help prevent osteoporosis. Not to mention, exercise also improves self-confidence and increases stamina.
I'm sure many people on your shopping list will find these fitness benefits incredibly invaluable. If the people on your list are like most of us, they've probably even mentioned how they want to lose a few pounds or just get in better shape. In fact, experts say that about 62% of Americans are currently on a diet. By giving them the gift of fitness, you help give them motivation (which is one of the biggest obstacles to getting fit). They'll be more motivated to start an exercise program if they get a gift to help them get started right away (gift certificates for personal training and gym memberships are especially good for helping with motivation).
While fitness gifts are incredibly valuable, they don't have to be expensive. Gifts can cost as little as $5 or go up to $100. Here are some suggestions for different price ranges.
Many people believe that the way to a person's heart is really through the stomach. Enjoying the company of family and friends is a great opportunity to share fresh, high-quality, and nutritious food and drink. By giving them as gifts or enjoying them together, you can help encourage nutritious eating habits this holiday season. A healthy diet can help reduce the risks of heart disease, high cholesterol, and diabetes, to name a few.
Subscribe to the delivery service of fresh products (fruits and vegetables).
Create a gift basket of complimentary teas and tea accessories such as cups and saucers, infusers, or a small kettle or one-cup cooker. Stock it with a variety of beneficial teas – green tea (antioxidants), cranberry tea (antioxidants and urinary tract health), peppermint tea (for fresh breath and nausea relief), and ginger tea (for digestive health).
Give a heart-healthy gift basket: pack an attractive basket with heart-healthy goodies like dried blueberries, almonds, dark chocolate, and red wine.
Gifts like handy kitchen tools – a juicer, apple peeler, corer, or slicer – make healthy snacking easier.
Enhance your loved one's repertoire of healthy recipes by gifting a healthy cookbook (such as a cookbook from the Heart and Stroke Foundation or Diabetes Canada). Cookbooks with descriptive photos or illustrations can tempt hesitant cooks to a greater adventure in the kitchen. Or you can lovingly handwrite and illustrate your own favorite nutritious recipe to put together a charming home cookbook.
Home stores, garden supply stores, or health food stores often stock window or potted garden creation kits. Find one that has a range of cooking herbs – a mix of salty basil, oregano, and thyme could inspire culinary creativity.
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