10 healthy holiday gift ideas from our wellness team

The holiday season doesn’t have to be a time to break ALL the rules. Sometimes the best gift is something that supports a healthy lifestyle. But what gift should you pick? We asked our wellness team for their top healthy holiday gift ideas.

Personal blender with portable container – with love from our dietitian, Lindsey Wohlford

Give your family and friends a huge hit of vitamins and nutrients for their healthy holiday with a personal blender. Add in a recipe book so they can try exciting new flavors throughout the new year. Tell them to follow these tips to make sure their smoothie is giving them the biggest health bang for their buck.

Lacrosse ball – with holiday wishes from our wellness specialist, Evan Thoman

No, this is not a gift for your dog. Lacrosse balls are great for loosening up tight muscles. Position the ball between a wall  and your back. Lean against it with a presure that is comfortable for you and roll those tight shoulders to your holiday heart’s content. Just about any muscle can be massaged using a lacrosse ball. Ask a fitness trainer for full instructions.

Travel water bottle – holiday hydration from our health fitness specialist, Jessica Bevills

Drinking more water can help you stay full and in control of your weight. Plus, keeping your muscles hydrated makes physical activity easier and more effective. Using a steel or BPA-free water bottle will help your friends and family save money and avoid exposure to toxins. Now there’s a great gift.

Protein shaker bottle – with best wellness wishes from senior health fitness specialist, Cameron Kainer

“It’s relatively cheap and very useful,” says Kainer, who spends his time helping our patients and caregivers stay fit and healthy at the holidays and all year round. These shaker cups contain a mixer inside, like a whisk ball or spokes, that breaks up ingredients to create a smooth and silky protein drink. Use these tips to make your blended drink as healthy as possible.

Adult coloring book – get creative with this idea from our wellness program manager, Fareeda Momin

Give your friends a reason to turn off the TV, take a deep breath and color their way to happiness. Doing artwork can be a simple and fun way to de-stress. Do it with the family and add in some holiday bonding time. Reducing stress is key to staying healthy and reducing your cancer risk. Is all this shopping stressing you out? Try these simple meditations to get you back in a festive mood.

Fruit and nut gift basket – a tasty treat from our Fitness Center program manager, Tori Delmonico

Finally we get to some food! Fruits and nuts can be just the thing to keep away the cravings and holiday indulging. Nuts fight inflammation because they have vitamin E. Walnuts are especially good because they contain omega 3 fats as well. Reducing inflammation can reduce your cancer risk.

Health tracking device – holiday steps to health from Corinna Medina, our fitness specialist

Wearing a tracking device can help your friends and family see where they are with health essentials like exercise, heart rate and sleep. Help them get started with our health tracking dos and don’ts. Support healthy new year’s resolutions too, these devices are great for goal setting.

Resistance training bands – get holiday strong with this simple gift from Bret Belfer, director of HR Wellness and Recognition

Resistance training bands mean strength training is available anywhere. “I can take bands with me if I’m traveling, and I also take them to the gym if I’m not feeling like a freeweight workout,” says Belfer. Strength training is a crucial part of any exercise routine. Check out the truth behind these 6 strength training myths to see why.

Potted herbs – more holiday love from Lindsey Wohlford, dietitian

Potted herbs are beautiful and tasty. Plus using herbs and spices in your food helps you cut out added salt and lower your cancer risk.

Healthy cookbook – classic gifting from Lindsey Fenton, a health fitness specialist

Some say there’s nothing more important for your health that what you eat. So what could be better than the gift of nutritious options throughout the year? Encourage your friends and family to cook more at home and eat foods that can lower their cancer risk.