11 Healthy Gift Ideas for Your Holiday Wish List

The holidays are upon us, which means loved ones are probably starting to ask what’s on your gift wish list. Whether you’re a full-on foodie or you’d just like some help in the kitchen, consider asking for one of these 11 healthy holiday gift ideas. They’re perfect for putting together your Nutrisystem flex meals! Shopping for friends and family? These creative ideas are ideal for all of the home cooks in your life.

Here are 11 healthy gift ideas that are perfect for your healthy holiday wish list or any foodie in your life!:

1. Measuring Cups

If you don’t own a good set of measuring cups, you should add them to your healthy holiday wish list this year—especially since incorrectly estimating portion sizes is a quick way to sabotage your slim-down. Already own a set? Consider adding a second set to your list. That way you can leave them in your desk drawer at work and beat portion distortion wherever you are. Just make sure you ask for dishwasher-safe options so cleaning them is a breeze.

2. iPad Fridge Mount

No more dripping ingredients on your iPad while cooking. Play music, watch a movie or read through a recipe while you cook with this handy device that lets you mount your iPad directly on your fridge. Tools like this will help make your kitchen a pleasant place to spend time—so you’ll want to keep up on your healthy cooking habits.

3. Dehydrator

Although you can create dried fruits and veggies in your oven, it can tie it up for several hours and you will have to keep checking on your treats. Dehydrators are great ways to have some fun with your fruits and veggies. From dried strawberries, apples and pineapples, to healthy fruit roll ups and sun-dried tomatoes, you can create all kinds of snacks and add-ons. And the best part is, you can just load it up and let it go, just like you would a crock-pot. No babysitting needed.

5 Awesome Dehydrator Recipes to Add to Your Menu

Read More

4. Herb Garden Starter Kit

There’s nothing better than having fresh herbs on hand—especially in the colder months. With an indoor herb garden, you’ll be able to help yourself to all your favorites whenever you’d like to spice things up.

5. Popcorn Maker

Skip the microwave in favor of a good old-fashioned popcorn maker. The little ones in your life will love watching the kernels pop, plus you’ll be able to top your treat with healthier extras you choose (think cinnamon, sugar-free chocolate syrup, hot sauce or black pepper).

How to Pump Up Your Popcorn 4 Ways

Read More

6. A Good Blender

There’s no better way to squeeze fruits and veggies into your day than to pile produce into smoothies. Look for options powerful enough to crush ice and harder fruits like apples.

7. Julienne Peeler or Spiralizer

If you love pasta, than this one is a no-brainer. Both of these tools help you make delicious noodles out of your favorite veggies like zucchini, sweet potato, carrots and more. Some spiralizers even come with additional blades so you can create a variety of “noodles.”

8. A Self-Timing Slow Cooker

Whether you’re extremely busy or just feeling a little lazy, this convenient kitchen tool makes meal prep a breeze. Just toss a bunch of veggies and some chicken or veggie stock in the slow cooker in the morning along with some seasonings, and let it cook all day while you’re at work or running around. You’ll love the way your house smells when you return. The best part? You’ll have leftovers for days!

5 Awesome Dehydrator Recipes to Add to Your Menu

Read More

9. A High-Quality Knife Set

Although perhaps a bit expensive, a good set of knives will last you a very long time, and will help you stay healthy, slicing, dicing and mincing your own foods. Tip: Before you buy a knife, always hold it in your hand—it should feel natural.

10. Cutting Boards

To prevent cross-contamination, you should have one cutting board for raw protein and one for produce and cooked foods. Request two different colors for yours so that you can distinguish between them. You can choose extremely affordable plastic cutting boards made of polyethylene plastic. Polyethylene plastic is non-porous, meaning potential bacteria can’t penetrate the surface. Just be sure your boards are dishwasher safe.

11. A Salad Spinner

To stay healthy and lose weight, you’ll want to add in all kinds of greens to your menu. The salad spinner makes cleaning greens like lettuce easy and quick. After washing lettuce from the garden, farmers market or grocery store, just place it in the salad spinner to quickly and efficiently dry the lettuce and serve up a fresh salad for lunch or dinner. This is a one of our favorite holiday gift ideas that most people don’t have in their kitchen!

Get back on track after the holiday season with a little help from Nutrisystem. Click here to learn more about our programs! >

10 Ways to Prepare for a Healthy and Happy Holiday Season

Read More

The post 11 Healthy Gift Ideas for Your Holiday Wish List appeared first on The Leaf.