The holidays are upon us, and you may be wondering what to buy if you are shopping for someone who has diabetes, cardiovascular disease, is trying to control their weight, or if you are just wanting to treat yourself healthfully in the spirit of the season. Last year a popular post reviewed some great healthy food-centered gifts such as specialty nuts, coffee and teas, spices, fancy olive oils and vinegars and fruit baskets. Let’s review some additional delicious and nutritious delights for the holidays. Check out five more great ideas for healthy holiday food gifts below!.
Wholesome Baking Mixes
Baked goods are always a crowd pleaser but not everyone has the time to bake from scratch and those who are watching what they eat may feel they need to avoid them altogether. Luckily there is a wide variety of baking mixes that cater to those who are short on time and health conscious. Everything from cookies and cakes to quick breads, muffins and pancakes are available in premade mixes for easy preparation and address diet concerns such as low carbohydrate, low fat, high fiber, gluten free and more.
You can even make a homemade healthy, whole grain cookie, pancake or quick bread mix in a mason jar, layering the ingredients and completing the gift with decorative labeling and wrapping, based on your favorite healthy recipe. Another benefit of a fun gifted baking mix is your recipient can wait to make and enjoy them well after the holidays as many keep for 6-12 months.
Decadent Dark Chocolate
Nothing beats delicious dark chocolate for a treat! When eaten in moderation, it can be part of a nutritious diet. A typical suggested portion size is about 1-2 ounces, to enjoy its benefits but keep calories, fat and sugar in check. Dark chocolate contains powerful plant antioxidants called flavonoids that have been shown to be protective against heart disease, diabetes and cancer. For the most health benefits, choose dark chocolate with at least 70 percent total cocoa content. Artisan dark chocolate bars with ingredients like nuts, dried fruit, and coffee make unique gifts for chocolate lovers as do truffles, baking chips and hot cocoa mixes as well. For those watching blood sugars there are many lower sugar versions available to choose from.
Convenient Meal Service Subscription
Over the last few decades, meal preparation kits have become extremely popular, namely for busy individuals and families. Meal kits generally include pre-portioned ingredients with corresponding recipes that are delivered to your home which make for easy fuss-free home cooked meals. There are meal kits available for almost every diet preference such as plant-based, lower carbohydrate and more. In addition to kits that you prepare yourself, there are also meal delivery services that drop off entirely prepared meals that just need to be heated and served, along with chilled items such as salads. A subscription to one of these services can be a wonderful gift to provide nutritious meals to a friend or loved one, or even for yourself to encourage more healthy eating at home.
Creative Charcuterie
Charcuterie boards have been all the rage in the last few years at parties, social gatherings and even as gifts. While the word charcuterie means cold cooked, cured, or smoked meats, they have evolved into far more than just meat platters, with adding crackers, cheese, fruits, veggies, nuts and more. You can order a healthier charcuterie board or create one yourself featuring lean meats and lighter cheeses for protein, olives and nuts for healthy fats and nutritious high fiber carbohydrates like whole grain crackers, chopped fruit and vegetables. You can even include healthy dips and spreads like hummus, Dijon mustard and low-fat cream cheese. A festive, tasty and nutrient packed charcuterie board is sure to be a party pleaser or thoughtful perishable food gift for your recipient to enjoy pronto!
Inspiring Cookbooks
A good book is always a welcome gift, so why not consider a cookbook for a health-conscious foodie you know? Nothing inspires good nutrition like sifting through pages of delicious recipes to inspire new meals and snacks. There are countless cookbooks available for any and every dietary preference, so you are sure to find one that fits with the needs of those you are shopping for. Another option is a subscription to a healthy cooking magazine to provide great ideas all year long!
There is no need to pass up food themed gifts for the holidays. With a little planning and creativity, you can give gifts that are both healthy and delicious.