I recently did a wellness seminar that was centered around gift ideas for the holidays. In preparation, I researched the topic and found several articles with similar titles to “Gift of Health.” However, this is quite impossible, as we cannot give anyone health – even if we give a loved one with diabetes a kidney, if they do not control their blood sugars, they will not enjoy health, and will likely damage the new kidney quite quickly. So, what can we do if we want those who we care about to be happy and healthy? I would suggest that we give them opportunities to make healthy choices. Perhaps you buy your nephew a month’s worth of classes at a local martial arts studio, or your sister a few pounds of heirloom beans and your favorite soup recipe. Your mom might enjoy a 30-day pass to a heated pool at a gym near her home, and your brother could use a gift card toward new running shoes. You may decide to gift your neighbor with a batch of homemade salad dressing in a great glass bottle (several recipes on this very website). The possibilities are virtually endless when you shift your focus to looking for ways to offer opportunities for making healthy decisions…

Timaree Hagenburger, a registered dietitian, certified exercise physiologist with a master’s degree in public health, is a nutrition professor at Cosumnes River College and sought after speaker. She is so excited about the Plant-Based Nutrition and Sustainable Agriculture certificate program that she and her colleague started there, and also conducts local events, corporate wellness work, has a regular segment on California Bountiful TV, is a frequent podcast guest, and published her innovative and practical cookbook – The Foodie Bar Way: One meal. Lots of options. Everyone’s happy. available at www.FoodieBars.com, which also makes a FANTASTIC GIFT! Find details about Timaree’s upcoming events (cooking demos, book signings and talks about the incredible power you yield with your fork!), and if you missed any of her newspaper columns, podcast interviews or TV appearances, you can find them here at https://www.thenutritionprofessor.com/