Christmas shopping; regardless of whether you love it or hate it, finding the perfect gift for someone can be a tall order. Here are a few suggestions for the health conscious person in your life.

Foam Roll or Trigger Point Massage Ball ($15-$50)

After isolation, many workplaces have been affected and more businesses are shifting to the work from home model. A foam roll or trigger point massage ball would be a budget and size friendly item to gift. We all know we should exercise more but we often do not give as much emphasis to our muscles pre and post-exercise. Regular exercise can cause muscular pain or stiffness for up to three days. A foam roll or trigger point massage ball brilliantly counteracts this by promoting muscle relaxation and reducing muscle tension and soreness.

Steamer Basket ($15-30)

This might sound like an odd gift but it is a must-have kitchen item to ensure you are getting the most out of your vegetables! We all know we should eat our vegetables - but preparation is key. Many water-soluble vitamins are lost during the cooking process. As such, you do not retain as much of the nutritional benefits that you thought you did. A steamer is an easy gadget to use. Simply heat up water in a pot (that fits the steamer), then place the steamer inside, followed by vegetables, then followed by the pot’s lid to ensure a smooth steaming process. Depending what type of vegetable it is, cooking is completed within 5-10 minutes.

Meditation Apps ($13-15 per month)

Stress is a word that is now commonly used. New research highlights that more and more people are having sleep issues. This is a frightening situation. Stress is an important aspect of health, but too much of it can cause dire health consequences. When we are stressed, our fight-or-flight response gets activated. The increased hormones then in turn increase our tendency to grab high-sugary and high-fat foods. This overeating is a risk factor for chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and chronic health disease. Using these apps in the comfort of your home or on-the-go can provide a mindful boost that keeps your mental health in tip top shape to make healthy food decisions.

Food Diary/Notebook ($3-$15)

Research has shown that you are more like to reach your weight loss goals if you write them down. Although there are many apps available that may be helpful, writing things down have shown to be the most useful. This also translates to writing down what you eat. If you take a few minutes to jot down what you are eating before or after each meal, you start to practice mindfulness. Noting your level of hunger at each meal would be another helpful tool to use. In addition, your dietitian can better assess your intake and create a tailored meal plan for you so that you do not have to give up your favourite foods.