Wish lists and holiday gifts are heavily circulating between friends and family this time of year. With less than a month of shopping left, it’s crunch time!
I put together a list of healthy living products that are currently on my wish list as well as items I’ve grown to love and use often. All of the products on this list will help you kick off the New Year in a healthy and happy way (perhaps getting us one step closer to achieving our ‘healthy’ New Year’s Resolution).
I hope the guide will help you as you develop your wish list, or help you when shopping for that someone special.
ARTISANAL BAMBOO SALT CHEST ($130)
I love experimenting with different salts while cooking. Even just a pinch of salt can make a big difference in the flavor of a dish. Most of my recipes in The Healthy You Diet cookbook includes salt and pepper as I think it adds just the perfect touch. So when I came across the Artisanal Bamboo Salt Chest (including 24 varieties from around the world), I was super excited! Having a wide assortment of spices can satisfy any mood or craving and make for a memorable meal!
BREVILLE JUICE FOUNTAIN PLUS ($150)
As you probably know, I love to juice in the mornings. Since sharing several juice recipes from my cookbook, I often get the question “What kind of juicer to you use?” Buying a juicer can be quite confusing, and quite frankly daunting, as there are so many different kinds at a wide variety of prices. I have tried many different brands of juicers over the years, but recently started using the Breville Juice Fountain Plus, which I absolutely love! It does everything on my check list. If you are in the market for a juicer, I suggest reading as many reviews as possible. Also, if you are interested in a Breville, I found the comparison guide on Amazon very helpful!
SODASTREAM (starting at $80)
I am a BIG proponent of drinking lots of water throughout the day. But I know that water can sometimes get boring and often suggest adding fruit or veggies (like cucumber, lemon, lime, etc). I also love ordering sparkling water while dining out — it tastes good and makes water more interesting! The more interesting it is, the more you'll drink. So you can imagine how excited I was to stumble upon SodaStream. With a touch of a button, SodaStream allows you to turn tap water into sparkling water in an instant. Their slogan, “water made exciting” is the perfect way to sum it up! Not sure which sparkling water making is right for you? Compare their models here.
Photo credit: sodastreamusa.com
COOKING LIGHT SUBSCRIPTION ($18)
Cooking Light is my all-time favorite magazine! I get so excited when it comes in the mail and I read it cover-to-cover immediately. I keep recent copies on hand as I refer to them often. Cooking Light offers everything from healthy and fast recipes for the novice to more skilled, detailed recipes for the veteran chef. It also provides decorating inspiration, beauty and fitness tips and travel and entertaining ideas. Everything you could ever want in one place!
EPICUREAN CUTTING BOARD ($11.95 – $34.95)
I currently own a bamboo cutting board that has to be hand washed. Then I stumbled upon this dishwasher-safe cutting board that immediately went on my wish-list. This Epicurean Cutting Board is a wood-fiber composite that is often used in commercial kitchens. The best part? The wood-fiber composite won’t harbor bacteria, absorb unwanted flavors or odors or dull your knives!
FITBIT FLEX ($99.95)
Fitbit’s holiday slogan: “Small gifts. Big impact”. I couldn’t agree more. This is a trending item for this year’s holiday season and definitely on my wish list. I love the idea of wirelessly tracking my everyday activity including steps walked, distance, calories burned, active minutes, and sleeping patterns (all from wearing a conspicuous wrist band!). It also allows you to set goals and syncs your stats wirelessly so you can see your real-time progress on your computer or wireless devices. How cool is that?!? This is just the thing to make me a little more mindful of my everyday activity and the motivation I need to keep me moving.
GREEN HERBAL TEA KIT ($40)
Once the kids are asleep, I love winding down after a long day with a cup of hot herbal tea. I agree with UncommonGoods.com when they say, “waiting for the tea to steep gives your mind a moment to rest.” In this tea kit, there is a wide varity of flavors and every herb is labeled with its unique blend of health benefits. The kit comes with reusable tea bags, but if you are looking for a tea infuser to go along with it, Teavana has a great selection.
KITCHINAID ARTISAN 5-QUART STAND MIXER (prices vary)
The KitchenAid Artisan Series Mixer is every cook’s dream. With 10 speeds and the option for additional attachments (food grinders, pasta makers and more), this appliance mixes, kneads and whips, making any recipe a breeze! The “legendary” KitchenAid mixer has been on my wish list for awhile now – perhaps 2013 is my year for it!
MOLCAJETE ($34.95)
The Mexican molcajete is handcarved tool made of natural volcanic stone. The molcajete is used for grinding herbs and spices and blending sauces and pastes. What do I want to use it for? Fresh guacamole! Not only does it make a perfect guacamole, but the presentation at a gathering or party is like no other! (Molcajete comes with instructions for seasoning the stone prior to use).
WILLIAM-SONOMA SMART TOOLS FOR iPAD ($199.95)
Exclusive to William-Sonoma, this gadget makes it easy for you to read recipes and follow while in the kitchen, watch cooking videos, listen to music and even video chat. This three-piece set includes a Bluetooth speaker, stand for iPad (can hold device horizontally or vertically), and screen shield (items are also sold separately). Efficiency and entertainment in one cool device – yes please!
THE HEALTHY YOU DIET ($14.95)
You know I had to :) Start the year off with inspiration for eating healthier and cleaner. The Healthy You Diet is jam packed with tips for eating well and ultimately leading a healthier lifestyle. The book also includes a two week meal plan and amazing recipes for breakfast, lunch and dinner!
DEAR SANTA! (STOCKING STUFFERS):
Growing up, my favorite part of Christmas was opening up my stocking first thing in the morning. And truth be told, it still is! Here are some great stocking stuffers to keep with our healthy holiday gift theme.
FOODIE SURVIVAL KIT ($26)
Although labeled as a ‘mobile’ kit, I’m not sure I would personally travel with this in my purse. As a self-proclaimed foodie, I would however, love to have this variety of spices in my kitchen cabinet for easy access while cooking. I love the size of the containers and the easy stack display. This would also make a great host/hostess gift!
SPONGESTER ($28) 
The kitchen sponge is one of my biggest concerns when cleaning up after a meal. The “Spongester” by uncommongoods.com seems like a great solution! It offers to shelves – one for the “good sponge” (for counters and dishes) and the “evil sponge” (for sink and drain). Love this idea!
BOBBLE BPA FREE WATER BOTTLE ($9.99 – $12.99)
The bobble is a reusable bottle that filters water as you drink by its replaceable carbon filter. The carbon filter removes chlorine and organic contaminants. As you know, I am a big proponent of drinking water all day long. This allows you to fill up anywhere and drink filtered water on the go.
PERSONALIZED WINE STOPPERS (SET OF 2, $19.50)
This mango wood and iron wine stopper is beautiful and will be used again and again. It can also be monogrammed to make it more personal. (Also great as a housewarming gift)
AVOCADO TOOLS ($9.95 – $17.95)
I am convinced these tools would be some of the most used in my house. With as many avocados as I eat, I am always looking for the easiest way to cut, pit and slice them. I think I found my answer! (Tools found at Williams-Sonoma and Crate&Barrel)
