December 2007 Holiday Gift Ideas

December 2007:Holiday Gift Ideas: 'Tis the season when we can all use some holiday gift ideas...to give or to get! I have been browsing catalogs and the web for gifts that are earth friendly, unique and fun - see below for some of the great items I discovered!

Brain Power! "Use it or lose it" doesn't only apply to our physical bodies, but to our brain as well. This article is full of ways to keep your brain stimulated and healthy! See Brain Power.

Coming January 1st: Watch for two new articles, the first is on Stress - the affects it has on the body and how to reduce it in your life! The other will be on Adrenal Fatigue and how this ailment can lead to imbalance in the body. We will also offer many great ideas and suggestions as to how you can make 2008 a happier, healthier year!!

*If you would like to be notified when updated information is posted to Heal With Hope please contact me: andrea@healwithhope.com. And your general comments and suggestions are always welcome!!

Holiday Gift Guide

Here are some great gift ideas to consider for that hard-to-buy for person, or to treat yourself to!! Remember we do not accept paid advertising or endorsments, all products presented are based on my personal preferences and previous positive experience with the company!!

update I just discovered a great new website, Organic Style, offering clothing, bedding, flowers and plants, organic gourmet foods, pet items and much more...all appear to be eco-friendly, and fair trade. Check it out for yourself at: www.organicstyle.com.

 

HuggerMugger: www.huggermugger.com 1-800-473-4888
This catalog/online company offers unique clothing, jewelry, yoga gear, and much more!

*Yoga Bath Kit
This great set comes with a Waterproof Clean & Serene Bath Book, 2 oz. lavendar candle (to soothe the mind) and Healing Himalayan Rock Salt (to soothe sore muscles). Cost is $37.95. If you add an organic cotton towel, price is $69.00.

*Abundance Necklace
This beautiful necklace is sterling silver, 16", with a heart and feather charm which symbolizes love and abundance. Cost is $64.00.

*OM Keychain
This sterling silver keychain is handcrafted by Katharine Donan. It expresses the infinite sound of "om" that underlies all sound, all beings and the Universe. Cost is $49.95.

*For the Kids: Yoga Zoo Animals
This stuffed animals are hand stitched and each is inspired by the yoga pose for which it is named - Downward Dog, Up Dog and Lotus Bear. $19.95 each.      

*Peaceful Valley: www.peacefulvalleygreetings.com 1-866-263-3321
This site is full of great gifts - from organic clothing and jewelry to recycled gift wrap, cards, stationery, plus organic coffee and teas, and home and garden items. My picks on this site are:

*Simplicity Tea Set
This beautiful teapot is lead-free and made in Shanghai, cost $44.00. Other unique teapots are available ranging in price from $23.95 to $44.00.

*Numi Organic Tea Bamboo Book
A selection of regular and caffeine-free teas in a lovely bamboo package. Did you know that bamboo is the world's most sustainable and abundant natural resource.

*The Amias Project Items
A variety of products (jewelry and handbags) made in East Africa by the Barabaig tribe which provides them with income during times of drought, to send their children to school, etc.

All Natural Cosmetics www.allnaturalcosmetics.com 1-888-586-9719
This is my favorite website, not only because they sell only pure and natural cosmetics and personal grooming products, but because the people are wonderful and exemplify the meaning of customer service! In addition to cosmetics you will find some great books, gift sets and perfume. And you can never go wrong giving one of their gift certificates. My gift picks here are:

* The Rough Guide to Shopping with a Conscience book @$16.99
The author gives both sides of the debate. From helping your community by buying locally made goods to helping the poorest of the poor in a far off corner of the globe by allowing them to enter the Western market. What kind of diet is most ethical, environmental, economical? Factory-farmed meats, organic meats,  or no meat.  All of the pros and cons are presented, and most importantly, we get to decide for ourselves.  Also there are lots of websites, great articles on individual companies, and some good overall portraits of entire industries including the beauty industry.  Soft cover, 304 pgs.

Perfume Gift Bag by True Aroma @ $12.50
A wonderful gift idea for the natural perfume lover! The set includes samples of all 6 of our blends packaged in a delightful lavender draw string bag!

Gaiam www.gaiam.com 1-877-989-6321
This company offers a large variety of natural and health living products such as clothing, jewelry, furniture, home decor, exercise equipment and much more.

chair     *Meditation Chair
Doesn't this chair look like a wonderful place to meditate and relax?? It's regular price is $299, but is currently on sale for $249. Gaiam also offers a selection of Mediation CD's you can give with this great chair. For more information on the importance of meditation see: Meditation and Relaxation Techniques.
 

The Y Catalog www.theycatalog.com 1-866-462-YOGA
This company has a nice choice of clothing, jewelry, yoga equipment and much more.They offer a large selection of malas, a great item to help draw positive energy and assist in your meditation. The cost of a Red Carnelain Mala is $63.95. This stone is said to help increase energy, lift depression and increase patience!!

Wishing you and yours a happy, healthy, and hopeful holiday!!!! ~Andrea

10 Tips to avoid the holiday spread
by Rebecca Gerard, Registered Dietitian

It’s that time of year again; family gatherings, office parties. What does that involve? Eating and drinking! The average weight gain from Thanksgiving to New Years is 8-10 pounds. Gaining 5% of our weight can significantly increase our risk for disease, and clothes don’t fit. Some reasons for this weight gain may be 1. We are now busy with new obligations so we are not paying attention to nutrition and exercise. 2. More high calorie food around. Here are a few suggestions to avoid the “Holiday Spread”

1. Exercise: Add additional physical activity to help with additional calories consumed. The average recommended amount of exercise for weight loss is 2000 calories burned in a one week period. 1 pound of body fat is 3500 calories. So if you do not want to gain weight in the next 6 weeks, just burn what you are eating in calories.
2. Water: Continue drinking the recommended amount of fluid which is ½ your body weight in ounces/day. Water helps to fill you up so that before parties or when at work around the goodies you are not as tempted. Drink 16 oz water 30 minutes before eating.
3. Drink a healthy shake before going to a party (research suggests that those who consume at least 1 shake/day as a meal replacement have better weight loss results and long term weight management success).
4. Don’t skip meals all day with an attempt to save the calories for later. You are more prone to making poor food choices and overeating. If your holiday meal is at 2pm then at least have a sensible breakfast and snack or shake before.
5. Don’t go back for seconds and thirds.
6. Opt for high density nutrition and low calorie foods at parties, if not available then eat less: i.e. Veggies and dip (use only 1 tsp of dip/20 pieces of veggies), fruit, and wine spritzers (50 calories) instead of straight wine or liquor (100 calories)
7. Try low calories recipes/substitutions. For example substitute skim milk and less butter in mashed potatoes and leave the skins on.
8. Certainly if you are preparing the meal, then you have more control but if not then just remember portion control and above suggestions before going to the event.
9. Limit office goodies to 2 items/week. By eating balanced meals and snacks you are less likely to want goodies. Goodies may be a slice of pie, 2 small cookies.
10. Lastly, remember that consistency is the key to great health and weight management.

Some healthy snack alternatives

Cinnamon popcorn: Heat 1 tsp olive oil with 2 T popcorn seeds, pour popped popcorn into a paper bag of 1 tsp cinnamon, 2 tsp sucanat (raw sugar) and shake. This snack can substitute sweets. It’s high in fiber, low in calories and sugar. Serving= 2 cups

Yogurt, Mustard Dip: for high grain crackers and veggies: Mix 1 cup Dijon mustard with 1 cup lowfat, 1 cup organic plain yogurt

Rebecca Gerard is a liscensed dietician with over 12 years of experience working with clients to create customized nutrition programs. For more information you can reach Rebecca at 407-426-2691 or email her at eathealthy@bellsouth.net.