The healthy holiday gift basket

This year, why not give your family and friends the gift of health? Naturally delicious treats that will benefit them inside and out.

This year – why not give the gift of health? Instead of sending your friends and loved ones baskets and tins filled with white floury baked goods and candied fruits that typically go to waste (or to your waistline!) – give your loved ones some naturally delicious treats that will benefit them inside and out.

So….what are the top natural gifts that should go in your health basket? Here are a few of my favorites:

The blessing basket – Of all of my holiday finds so far…this one is definitely my favorite. Blessing baskets are hand woven and beautifully painted baskets made by women living in poverty stricken areas around the world. By purchasing these beautiful baskets you are helping to reduce poverty in developing countries and supporting artisans who are paid fare wages to make these baskets. This unique financial model creates a cycle of entrepreneur driven growth resulting in permanent financial independence for artisans. Trust me …each basket is more beautiful than the next. www.blessingbasket.org

Candy Cane Lane by Celestial Seasonings Tea – What better way to warm up on a cold, winter night than with a hot, steamy cup of herbal tea. Candy Cane Lane by Celestial Seasonings Tea is the perfect tea to keep in your cupboard over the holidays. Its blend of decaffeinated green tea, peppermint, vanilla and cinnamon puts you in the holiday spirit and ensures you are getting only natural flavors and ingredients. www.celestialseasonings.com/

Dr. Joey’s Skinnychews –To avoid the holiday food binge (which leads to the holiday hangover), try not to go to your festivities hungry. Instead, keep Dr. Joey’s Skinnychews in your purse or in the car to help take the edge of your hunger and “kill” your craving for sweet. With 4 grams of inulin fiber per serving, naturally sweetened, gluten free and less than 20 calories per chew (only 17!) – they are the perfect option for 3pm or nighttime cravings. www.drjoey.com

Cocoon Apothecary– The ingredients found in this kit are fantastic! Each starter pack contains a Petal Purity Facial Cleanser, a Rose Dew Facial Toner and a Rosey Cheeks Facial Cream. Perfect for storing at home and for traveling, this organic starter kit is a great option for normal to dry skin and the fragrance is clean and refreshing. http://cocoonapothecary.com/

Organic blue corn tortilla with flax by Neal Brothers – The delicious taste found in Neal Brothers corn tortilla chips makes it hard to believe that only 5 ingredients went into making them – blue corn, sunflower oil, flax seeds, sea salt and a trace of lime. And best of all – the flaxseed is organic. These are a great alternative to the high fat chips that many of us are used to seeing at our holiday parties. www.nealbrothersfoods.com

Cacao Mint Bounce Balls – Bounce balls have come out with a new delicious chocolate mint flavored ball. Each ball contains 9g of protein making it a great easy-to-grab snack that will fill you up and keep you satisfied. The perfect combination of cacao and mint found in these balls not only makes this protein bar delicious, but also provides a source of antioxidants and nutrients. www.bouncefoods.ca

Organic agave nectar – Agave syrup is a deliciously all-natural sweetener made from the juice of the agave plant. It’s perfect for hot or iced tea, or for making the ultimate tea martinis. David’s teas agave nectar is certified organic, with a nice, light flavor – use it sparingly, because it’s even sweeter and tastier than sugar. And the best part? It doesn’t cause sharp rises or falls in blood sugar which is great for energy and weight loss. Taste the difference! www.davidsteas.com

Happy holidays!
Dr. Joey