Give thoughtful healthy gifts this holiday season
This holiday season, give a gift that will encourage a healthy lifestyle for the recipient. Best of all, with these gifts there's no worry about getting the right size or color. Here are some ideas.
Pedometer -- A pedometer, or step counter, keeps track of the number of steps taken. Health experts recommend 10,000 steps a day. Increased physical activity can help lower the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes, as well as other chronic diseases. A pedometer may encourage one to make a little extra effort to move more. Inexpensive pedometers can be found that clip on the belt or waistband. Some can be worn on the wrist or upper arm. Pricey models with built-in GPS are also available.
Stationary bike frame -- Turn an ordinary road bike into an indoor stationary bike. Check options and styles available online or at a sports equipment store.
Fitness videos -- A variety of videos and DVDs can be found. It will be helpful to know if the intended recipient prefers stretching and flexibility exercises, or working out with weights, or aerobic activities.
Rice cooker/steamer -- Dietary guidelines tell us to include more whole grains in our diets. This appliance is great for cooking brown rice and other whole grains to perfection. Also, it can be used for steaming seafood and vegetables.
Grill pan -- Fat will drain off meats when cooked on a grill pan. Stovetop as well as electric models can be found.
Athletic wear and gear -- Comfortable clothes and properly fitted shoes make workouts more enjoyable. Consider giving a gift card to an athletic store to insure the right sizes.
Healthy cookbooks -- The American Heart Association and the American Diabetes Association put out several cookbooks of healthful recipes. Or, give a subscription to a magazine which features light recipes. Nutrition information with each recipe can be very helpful.
Exercise or resistance bands -- These are light, inexpensive, and can be used for a wide variety of upper and lower-body exercises. Available in varying strength levels, they're a handy way to work in some exercise between other tasks or while watching television. They're also handy to pack when traveling. Look for other equipment such as balls and mats which can make exercise more enjoyable.
Kitchen gadgets -- Make healthy cooking easier and more fun with tools such as an egg separator for separating the lower fat white from the yolk, or a garlic press to easily add more flavor to dishes. A collection of salt-free spices might inspire the recipient to start the new year using less salt.
Food thermometer -- A food thermometer is the only way to tell if food has cooked enough to be safe to eat. A thermometer also prevents overcooking which can make meat dry and tough. The doneness of breads, cakes, and other baked goods can even be determined with a food thermometer. There are many different kinds of thermometers on the market. Large-dial oven-safe or oven-probe thermometers may be used during the cooking. An instant-read thermometer can be used as the food is removed from the oven. There are also thermometers for use in the microwave.
Vegetable steamer -- Steaming is a healthier and tastier way to prepare vegetables. Steamers are available as a small aluminum basket that expands to fit in a saucepan. Two-piece units are available with a steamer pan that sits on top of a saucepan.
Enjoy the holiday shopping!
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Editor's Note: Ann Ludlum is a K-State Research and Extension Agent assigned to Bourbon County. She may be reached at (620) 223-3720 or E-mail: aludlum@oznet.ksu.edu.