There was a time when we only heard about the importance of good health at our annual medical exam.  Today we’re barraged with information about our health but we don’t seem to be healthier.  In fact, it seems we are suffering from high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes in greater numbers at earlier ages.  We all know that genetics plays a factor in our risk for developing these chronic conditions but lifestyle choices can have a bigger impact!  A good eating and exercise plan can help you and your loved ones achieve and maintain good health. During this gift-giving season why not give a gift that will promote positive lifestyle changes for a lifetime of good health.  Here are a few suggestions that will promote healthy eating & exercise for anyone on your shopping list this season:Healthy Eating:

• Cookbooks are a great way to inspire the meal planners & preparers on your list.  There are books for beginners to the most experienced cooks & chefs.  New menu ideas & recipes will excite any cook to get back into the kitchen.  Choose cookbooks that are right for the cooks experience level and schedule.  For a busy cook choose something like Cooking Light’s 5 Ingredient 15-Minute Cookbook or Brenda J. Ponichtera’s Quick & Healthy Recipes. For more experienced cooks perhaps Julia Child’s Mastering the Art of French Cooking.
• Cooking lessons can be just what the non-cooks on your list need to get started and they can be the inspiration for experienced cooks to try new recipes & techniques.
• A personal chef or dinners from a meal prep & assembly kitchen (Dinners by Design, Dinner’s Ready) for a night, week, month or year can be the next best thing to ‘home-cooked’.  You can choose healthy recipes that usually include vegetables.  We know that family dinners promote all kinds of good things in addition to better health.
• A consultation with a registered dietitian (like Barb or Lisa from Sound Bites).  We can help with meal planning, adapting recipes and cooking instructions & techniques.  Prefer more of a ‘party’ atmosphere - arrange to have an in-home group event with a registered dietitian from Sound Bites.  We can provide a cooking demonstration, recipes, healthy eating tips & education on a variety of subjects.  You just need to invite your friends or family.

Exercise:

• Agree to be an exercise buddy.  This arrangement can be a gift for you, too.  Exercise buddies provide encouragement and keep us going even on those days when we don’t particularly want to move.  You could train for a 5k, marathon or triathlon depending on fitness level.
• Clothes & shoes for exercising.  For some on your list the last time they bought ‘workout’ clothes spandex tights, leotards & leg warmers were all the rage.  Introduce them to ‘workout’ clothes made out of fabric that wicks the sweat away & keeps them comfortable and dry
• Exercise video, gaming system, pedometer or heart rate monitor can all be ways to motivate more movement.  Videos and games are great for beginners and those with hectic schedules (exercise can be done anytime).  Pedometers and heart rate monitors can help increase fitness and intensity of workouts.
• Sessions with a personal trainer or a gym membership can help new exercisers get started or help lapsed exercisers get back on track.  Good personal trainers can layout the appropriate plan and reduce the risk of injury.  They can also provide motivation!

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