INDUSTRY TIPS: Give the gift of good health

Retailers looking for ways to merchandise their products for the season can take note from suggestions that are given to consumers who want to give health-related gifts for the holidays.

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Give the gift of good health

By Fran Berkoff Nutrition File

Last Updated: 20th December 2009, 11:11am

This season — give the gift of good health. And it’s easier than you think.

If you’re running around doing some last minute holiday shopping and are short on good gift ideas, you can never go wrong by giving those close to you the gift of good health. We’re not talking the latest dieting book, or a personal blood pressure machine (well, maybe if it’s blinged!)

All kidding aside, there are many things that you can put together that convey good health in a warm loving way. Here are ten suggestions: 1. A set of 4 smaller plates, often called salad plates, is a great versatile gift and you can buy them in many pretty patterns at most retailers or kitchen stores. Eating off smaller plates has been shown to be a good way of reducing your portions of food.

2. Most book stores have beautiful journals that are reasonably priced and make a lovely gift. Keeping a food journal is one of the keys to keeping weight under control and/or trying to identify and change eating habits. Some people do it on their computer, blackberry, or I-phone but there are still lots who like to pick up a pen and write down their thoughts.

3. A gift certificate for a cooking class that teaches you to make healthy and delicious foods is always a welcome gift. Or, how about a gift certificate for a couple of sessions with a registered dietitian (Dietitians.ca or 1-888-901-7776.) or a personal trainer to help get the new year off to a healthy start.

4. If you have friends with food allergies, intolerances or special diet needs, a gift certificate to the Specialty Food Shop is a great idea. They have amazing products, cookbooks, and even prepared foods that will fit most special diet needs. Located on the main flood of the Hospital for Sick Children, you can contact them at 416-813-5294 or visit online at specialtyfoodshop.ca.

5. Cooking up one of your healthiest, tastiest meals is a lovely gift for family and friends, can be easier on your budget and perhaps can start a tradition of sharing healthy meals together that lasts over the coming years.

6. A great portable water bottle, made of metal that can be washed out and reused over and over is a fun and environmentally friendly suggestion. It's important to stay hydrated all year round, but at the office your choices are often limited to sugary drinks or bottles of water that can be expensive if you buy a few every day.

7. A pretty teapot filled with an assortment of teas and a tea strainer or infuser will be welcome by the tea lovers on your gift list.

8. As a hostess gift, instead of a bottle of wine, wrap up a bottle of olive oil and a flavourful balsamic vinegar.

9. If you want to healthy-up a friend’s kitchen, some of my favourite kitchen things are a handheld blender, a salad spinner (throw in a vegetable brush or peeler), salad servers, a coffee grinder or a pepper grinder (also grinds spices, herbs, flax), a non-stick pan, a grill pan, a steamer or a crockpot.

10. If you want to give a great healthy eating book, dietitian Leslie Beck’s The Complete A-Z Nutrition Encyclopedia (Penguin Canada 2009) has been recently updated and revised. This book tells you everything you want to know about diet and nutrition, herbal medicine and natural medicine as well as comprehensive nutrition information on over 75 health conditions. And while your doing shopping for everyone, don’t forget to put yourself on the list for these goodies, too!

Source: SunMedia