The Holidays are fast approaching, give a healthy gift.

Here are some suggestions for gift giving that are healthy and guilt free:

Good quality dark chocolate (you can even find organic): Notice this is the first choice 😮 Make sure there is at least 70 percent cocoa, it is a really healthy treat due to the high amounts of polyphenols, the antioxidants found in red wine and green tea. The fat in chocolate is mostly stearic acid, which doesn’t raise cholesterol levels. And the flavonoids in dark chocolate are actually good for the heart – reducing the stickiness of platelets, inhibiting blood clotting and reducing the danger of coronary artery blockages. For those on your holiday gift list who like chocolate, especially women who tend to crave it, splurge on high quality, imported from Belgium, France or Venezuela.

Plants and Flowers: Plants add good Qi (energy) to a home and cleanses the air. Flowers make people feel good, lifting spirits by the beauty and fragrance, especially women. I know, I know, it is easier to buy women gifts.

Acupuncture or Massage: Gift certificates for an acupuncture and/or massage are truly gifts of health. We have gift certificates available here at AbsoluteQi if the person on your gift list is near Somerset, NJ.

Music: Everyone loves music, even my 7 month old daughter calms down when we play music. Music inspires and uplifts us, it changes our moods and can even alter consciousness. Almost everyone would like CDs, a gift certificate to iTunes or an MP3 player. For special people on your list, tickets to a concert that you can even enjoy together, is a sure win for a memorable experience.

A Session with a Personal Trainer: This is tricky because the person needs to follow through, but it is a great gift for someone who wants to get more exercise in the new year.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A bottle of high quality extra virgin olive oil is sure to please the health-conscious and “foodies” on your list. Go to a gourmet market, if your budget allows you can put together a sampling of two or three bottles or a basket with a few other healthy gourmet items, like dark chocolate and/or nuts.

Nuts: Walnuts, almonds, pistachios and cashews contain healthy monounsaturated fats that can lower your risk of heart disease and heart attack. Remember they are high in calories so know who you are buying for, nuts may not be the best gift for those who would overindulge.

I hope this helps.

In good health,
Rhonda

Rhonda returns to AbsoluteQi Acupuncture and Wellness Center in Somerset, NJ

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