Last Updated on 11 January 2023 by Brisbane Livewell Clinic
Christmas just got healthier with our top tips on food, gifts and fun for the season. Stay on Santa’s Nice List by sharing the gift of well-being with your loved ones. We’ve covered you from plates to presents and places to go!
Food Ideas
Food is always part of the fun and festivities. Why not make it a feast for the eyes, too – incorporate a Reds and Greens theme into your cuisine? Could you highlight your side dishes, nibbles and salads with rich red and deep green hues? There are plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices that can add zest to your guests. While your choice of protein on Christmas day might be pretty traditional, side dishes are meant to be a match made in heaven, so think about what pairs well with your protein and get creative! Mocktails can also be a crowd-pleaser for those in-between mealtime occasions, keeping your guests hydrated and satisfied.
Red foods:
- Beetroot
- Sweet potato
- Red capsicum
- Red-skinned potatoes
- Purple cabbage
- Tomatoes
- Radish
- Pomegranate arils, molasses or juice
- Cherries, cranberries, strawberries and raspberries
- Dried goji berries
- Fresh or smoked salmon and trout
- Red quinoa or red rice
- Balsamic vinegar
- Red spices like saffron, sumac or paprika
Green foods:
- Asparagus
- Green peas and beans
- Green capsicum
- Baby spinach
- Leafy green salad leaves
- Cucumber
- Tabouli
- Pesto dip
- Pistachios
- Pumpkin seeds
- Green olives
- Avocado
- Dill
- Lime wedges
Gift Ideas
Healthy gift-giving is something we think pays dividends. Bringing out the best in others is not only rewarding, but it also puts you in good company for sharing healthy habits all year round.
Kitchen Classics – It’s amazing how a little push in the right direction can transform your loved ones eating habits!
- Mortar and Pestle
- Recipe book with a healthy theme
- Food processor
- Teapot set
- Spice rack
Sporting Goods – If your gift recipient is starting a more intense exercise routine think about a Livewell Massage Gift Voucher for those tired muscles too!
- Yoga mat
- Mountain Bike
- Fit Ball or Dumbbells
- Quality running shoes
- Home gym equipment
Essential oils – Scent sparks a memory, so what better way to make happy memories this Christmas
- Citrus scents like Bergamot, Grapefruit or Mandarin to keep it uplifting
- Geranium or Rose Geranium for something fresh
- Peppermint for that candy cane scent
- Frankincense and Myrrh to keep it traditional
- Ginger or Cinnamon for a warming note
Holiday Essentials – Keep the good times going by getting prepared for Summer fun
- Camping gear
- Beach umbrella, shelter or cabana
- Oversized bag
- Travel-sized toiletries (natural and organic)
- An IOU Day Trip or Weekend Getaway to get back to Nature
Your idea of Fun
If you’re finding yourself with a bit more time on your hands over Christmas and the holidays, strike a balance. Have a busy day followed by a relaxing day. Socialise and then do something just for you. Break a sweat then have a spa day.
If on the other hand you are catering to many different tastes with a young family or hosting guests, find your own fun in simple ways. Power walk while window shopping, experiment with some new healthy recipes with your crowd of critics or simply support a local café, design a fun craft project for the kids and join in – extra points if you emphasise an eco-friendly theme.
If the beach is in reach make the most of it and BBQ’s are always a crowd-pleaser. Make exercise a priority but think outside the box – a special day of horse riding is hard work for those muscles, kite flying at the local park keeps you active and even tenpin bowling counts as exercise!
May the holidays keep you and your loved ones in good spirits and good health for the season!
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