Ideas for pampering gifts? Everyone eats, and these suggestions are accompanied by health benefits—a gift of constant giving.
Edible gifts may seem simple when you are not sure what else to get, but they are often not the healthiest. For example, people with type 2 diabetes may not fully cherish chocolate and baked goods, and a good bottle of bourbon or wine may not be suitable for those who quit drinking.
"If you are planning to buy gifts, it is important to pay attention to the health goals of the person receiving the gift," said Angel Planells of RDN, a registered dietitian in Seattle. Facts have proved that there are many delicious dishes suitable for a healthy lifestyle. We went straight to the source and asked 10 registered dietitians about their favorite gift foods. Their answer will make you forget the fruit cake.
Planells says that for the spice lovers in your life, you can't beat hot sauce. "It can enhance the flavor of your favorite food, it has very low calories, and it does provide a small amount of vitamin C," he said. According to the US Department of Agriculture, one teaspoon of chili sauce contains slightly more than 1 milligram (mg) of this very important antioxidant. In addition, he added that capsicum contains capsaicin, and a study on Open Heart in June 2015 showed that capsaicin may be beneficial to metabolism and cardiovascular. Just pay attention to sodium, sometimes the sodium content in bottled sauces can be high.
Spicy Hot Sauce Gift Box Set, US$54.95, FuegoBox.com
According to past research, everyone likes chocolate. Because of its high concentration of flavonols that are good for heart health, black things have some benefits. A small study of 18 women published in the International Journal of Sports Science in April 2021 even showed that eating dark chocolate might slightly increase resting metabolism. Honey Mom’s chocolate has the benefits of cocoa powder and does not contain soy, eggs, dairy products, gluten or grains. It is made of only five ingredients, none of which is refined sugar.
"Honey Mama's is the most amazing chocolate bar on the shelves. Once you realize how beautiful they are and take a bite, they taste even better than they look," said Brigitte Zeitlin, RD, MPH, Women's Health Coach and BZ Nutrition The founder. "For friends or family who love sweets, the sampler pack is a great add-on."
Single-serve variety pack, $30, HoneyMamas.com
Related: When they don’t want to cook, RD will cook 8 meals
SideChef Ambassador and Chelsey Amer of RDN said: “For the gourmet in your life, a great holiday gift is to subscribe to premium fish and seafood services.” “Most Americans don’t eat the recommended two servings a week. Fish, these fish provide anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids, protein, vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D, iron, and zinc." Subscription services such as SizzleFish will deliver a variety of sustainable and wild-caught seafood according to your choice. Go to your door and provide recipe suggestions.
Wild seafood favorite box, 10 to 14 servings, $119.95 and above, Sizzlefish.com
“Cooking subscription boxes are a great way to try new meals at home and involve the whole family,” said Erin Palinski-Wade of RD, CDCES, a nutritionist, certified personal trainer, author of "2 Days of Diabetes Diet". If you are currently To find interesting gifts for children, Basketivity provides similar services for young people. “Each set comes with delicious recipes (including all ingredients) that children can make individually or under the supervision of their parents, as well as educational activities,” Palinski-Wade said. Who wouldn't have fun making Duff Goldman's snowball biscuits or soft pretzels?
Children's Baking Set, $29.99 and above, Basketivity.com
For Sandra Arévalo Valencia, RDN, and CDCES, director of community health and wellness at Montefiore Nyack Hospital in New York, homemade gifts are the best choice. "When you make it yourself, I think you inject a little bit of your personality and love into every gift," she said. "In addition, people are very grateful for your time and effort to make your own." She likes to make fresh fruit baskets with mangoes, apples, pears, kiwis, peaches and boxes of berries. “The more variety, the better, because the brighter the color of the basket, the better, and in terms of health benefits, the more types of colors, the more nutrients it contains,” she said. She also uses popcorn kernels, biscuits, cheese, biscuits, kimchi, low-salt potato chips, sesame sticks and olives to make snack baskets, and maybe a can of sugar-free lemonade powder. You can adjust the size according to your budget and do whatever you want. Choose your favorite food, then wrap your basket in cellophane, put a beautiful bow and a card that guarantees the winner.
Related: How to make holiday gatherings safer in the age of COVID-19
"A good aged balsamic vinegar is an indulgence. You may not treat yourself well, but you must cherish it-this makes it a perfect gift," said Kelly Kennedy, a daily health employee nutritionist. Aged in oak barrels for at least 12 years, this vinegar is so sweet and rich that it shines alone without the need for any olive oil. "For people who want to enjoy a delicious salad but pay close attention to calorie intake, this is a good choice," Kennedy said. "With this balsamic vinegar, you can reduce the amount of oil used, or even completely eliminate it." It is also great to pour on ice cream, yogurt or berries.
Dafni balsamic vinegar (250 ml), $30, DafniGreekProducts.com
Cooking spices not only add flavor to your cooking. A study published in Current Nutritional Developments in June 2021 found that a high-spice diet (6.6 grams per day) can lower blood pressure in people with obesity and other cardiovascular risk factors. High-quality spices are perfect for the adventurous chef in your life, registered dietitian and former pumpkin creator Maggie Mikhalchik said. This creative blend includes spinach and kale, so it is also a great way to get more leafy greens in your life.
Kelly Savory Seasoning, $8.99, Williams-Sonoma.com
In terms of health benefits, few beverages can beat tea. Who doesn't like comfortable cups at this time of year? However, by eliminating messy tea bags, this gift becomes even better. "I like these bagless organic whole leaf teas, especially unsweetened teas," said Dawn Jackson Blatner of RDN. "The tea is pressed into a cute shape, you just need to sip it in hot or cold water. This is the perfect gift for comfort and health."
Unsweetened citrus ginger tea drops, $15, MyTeaDrop.com
Related: Holiday travel in the age of COVID-19: 10 safety tips
Give some extra health allowances to the caffeine devil in your life, and grow beans for maximum antioxidant effect. "I like to gift Purity Coffee to all my family and friends who love coffee," said Vandana Sheth, registered dietitian, RDN, and CDCES.
"It tastes great, is organic, rich in antioxidants, and very fresh. When I have time to crush and make a fresh jar or use their individual pods, I particularly like the ability to use coffee beans (in It’s very convenient when you’re out).” You can also purchase a monthly subscription to keep your brewing smooth.
Original Roasted Whole Bean Coffee (12-ounce bag), $24, PurityCoffee.com
This natural sweetener does more than just taste. A review published in Pharmacognosy Research from April to June 2017 concluded that because of its antioxidant and antibacterial properties, honey has the potential to be used as a drug treatment for many diseases. It has many uses. "Whether it's poured into a steaming tea cup or creamy Greek yogurt, honey is our staple food and the perfect gift," said Bonnie Taub-Dix, RDN, creator of BetterThanDieting.com and author of Read It Before, says you eat It-takes you from the label to the dining table. "Most of my honey is purchased from East End Apiaries-their clover honey is very popular in our house."
East End Apiaries premium raw honey, $15, EastEndApiaries.com
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