Did you wait until the last minute to buy holiday gifts? Would you still like to give something thoughtful and also something that can help someone you care about reach their goals? In my opinion, giving someone something that will help them improve their health, manage their stress and overall wellbeing is one of the greatest gifts you can give. Especially if it’s something that they may not buy for themselves or can’t afford.
Some other things I would recommend for your loved ones are:
* any book by Dr. Wayne Dyer- my favorite author who passed away this year. He even has awesome children’s books (I got a couple for my 7-year-old nephew). He is an inspirational and easy-to-read author. I hope my nephew will grow up and read all of his books as an adult too.
*Bullet blender- this is quite possibly the best gift that Aaron ever bought me. Of course, every time the commercial came on tv I went on about how I wanted one and when we walked by it in the grocery store, I stood by the display petting it. I had the knockoff version previously which didn’t have the power I needed for what I use it for. I use it almost every day and I love it. I make my protein shakes, green smoothies, as well as use it for cooking dinner for my family on a weekly basis to make things like health queso or alfredo (dairy free of course), healthy chocolate mousse, healthy crepes- I use it all the time. (if you get one and you need some healthy recipes, look on my website www.lizjones.co)
*fruit basket for your coworkers or friends, or a basket of healthy items to an elderly person who could use a lift and also the nutrition. Nourishing people is a wonderful gift. I may be known as the sugar police at work, but if it means someone may bring a fruit tray instead of a cake to someone that is struggling with their weight, I’m OK with that. I actually never judge or say anything if someone brings or eats desserts. I have, however, been known to put a diabetes education flyer on top of a chocolate cake someone brought in.
*personal training sessions or nutritional therapy appointment (guys- this DOES NOT mean a membership to Weight Watchers unless it is something that your lady asked for!!)- personal training is a great investment, especially when someone is truly ready to make changes in their life. What can be an even better gift is to buy them as a couple to train with someone together, or to learn about nutrition together. For me, it is really important to have my partner in life also be my partner in the gym and it is a good way to bond and spend time together while working on something that improves your health and will improve your life together. One thing I see many people struggle with is first of all not being ready to change and never committing to the training plan, a lot of times it may be due to a lack of emotional support. Training together can be a great motivator and highly increases your chances of success. Buying training or nutritional education to do together sends a very different message than buying someone a Thigh Master that they didn’t ask for.
*weight lifting gloves (I got some new ones for my birthday and I love them, need some in leopard print too). I love workout tank tops with inspirational (or sarcastic) saying too. Yoga pants are pretty awesome too.
A few other good ideas:
• *gift certificate for yoga classes (I don’t usually recommend gift cards or gift certificates but this is a good one- lots of great deals on Groupon too!!)
• *Jawbone fitness tracker or Fitbit (also Groupon deals on these)
• a basket of Epsom salt, bubble bath, relaxing music
• *fitness, gratitude or general journal
Christmas doesn’t have to be fudge and fruitcake. Help the people you love (or at least like) work toward their goals, rather than away from them. Wishing you and your family a happy healthy holiday and a wonderful and successful 2016.
Liz Jones is the Wellness Coordinator for the City of Mesquite and a wellness professional in Rockwall, Mesquite, Wylie and surrounding areas. She is a writer, certified yoga instructor, personal trainer, certified master workplace wellness ambassador and wellness coach. She holds a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership and Strategic Management, with a graduate certificate in Ethics and Leadership. Her undergraduate studies included communication, business, writing, art, fitness, and dance. Liz Jones can be reached at: [email protected].
