Disclosure: I received The 30 Minute Mediterranean Diet Cookbook and a Panache sports bra mentioned in this post. I was not financially compensated for writing this post . Opinions are my own. Some of the links may be affiliate links and I earn a small commision off the sale of these items, but the price you pay is not affected.
The holidays are here! It’s time to knock out your shopping so you can enjoy the rest of the season at an effortless pace. It’s fun to give gifts, especially when you get it right and see the joy in your recipient.
How do you make gifts meaningful? I find the best way, is to really know the person and pick something that suits their unique interests and personality.
Now I cannot promise I have the perfect gift for Aunt Suzi, but I can tell you I have some amazing picks for the gals on your list who are health enthusiasts (or any gal pal who is ready to make the commitment to the priceless endeavor of better health).
Let’s jump right in. 
Pick number one, The 30 Minute Mediterranean Diet Cookbook. This cookbook is hot of the press, authored by Deanna Segrave Daly, RDN, and Serena Ball, RDN. Both are colleagues of mine with over 20 years of food, nutrition and communication experience (you might have seen their blog, teaspoon communications).
This isn’t just a cookbook with 101 Mediterranean recipes, it’s a lifestyle guide for a way of living associated with lifelong health. I love these inclusions: how to stock a pantry, money savig tips (like substituting peanut butter for tahini ), and how to shop in the grocery store. While I haven’t tested every recipe just yet, the two I’ve made so far have been BIG hits at my house: Greek Antipasto Salad and Paella Soup! You can order the book here.
Pick number two, the Panache Sport Bra. I’ve been a BIG fan of this piece of sports apparel since I 
purcahsed my very first three years ago. I was originally attracted toPanache Sport by their vibrant colors, edgy accents and prints. But it wasn’t until after wearing a Panache Sport bra through bouts of intense exercise, that I understoond why it’s award winnning (besides style). This bra gives my breasts support at the top , bottom and side without compressing them. During intense exercise my focus is where it should be, on my technique and form. I am told, this black with nude peeking through ( right image) is a new style for spring.
But there’s more you should know! Here’s why I #lovepanache and why Panache Sport is matchless: their commitment to enableing women of all sizes to participate in any sport at all levels. That’s right, large women can find their fit with sizes B to J! Do you know any women avoiding exercise because ‘the bounce’ hurts. Or any women frustrated by the lack of choice they have in sports bras simply because of their size? A gift of Panache sport will be life changing and can be purchased here. Oh, btw, there is no shame in getting one for yourself too!
Pick Number 3, Nike Metcons. There was a time I wore running shoes not only for running, but for all of my cross training activities. 
What made me change? Enter Nike Metcons. There are advantages to wearing this shoe for metabolic conditioning , pylometrics, functional fitness and weigh training: hind foot stability for side to side movement; flexibility in the forefoot for versatility; minimal heel to toe pitch; flat platform and rubber heel keeps you on the back of your foot with weight lifting (minimizing the loads on the patella femoral joint). This last point has been extremely helpful for me as I am challenging myself with heavier weights. If you know someone who combines strength training and/or functional fitness, this is the shoe for them! It’s also is a great looking shoe to wear with athleisure and casual attire because it fits snug around the ankle, more like a sock for a tapered look. You can get them here .
Pick number 4, Smith’s Minted Rose All Purpose Lip Balm. Do you have a friend who loves to exercise outdoors no matter how cold it gets? This 
all purpose lip balm is a lifesaver for those hard core sports enthusiasts. It’s not just for your lips, it works on chapped hands and cheeks . If you are like me and get dry skin under your nose from blowing to frequently, you’ll love it! Order the peoples choice lip balm here .
Pick Number 5 Instant Pot. It’s the appliance for the gal with a busy lifestyle. Not only does it help get meals made fast, it combines seven appliances in one: Pressure Cooker, Rice Cooker, Slow Cooker, Steamer, Saute, Yogurt Maker, and Warmer. Get it here.
Pick Number 6 TrailHeads running Gloves. Believe it or not, these lightweight gloves have touchscreen fingers! Yep, no need to take off gloves when using phone. Priceless, right? Order here .
Pick number 7, the Beats over the Ear Headphones. Do you know someone who goes to the gym to get a good lift in or an intense workout done? Of course you do, and chances are, they’d love to lessen the distracting gym noise. These custom fitting headphones are the ticket, allowing wearers to listen to their fav tunes without outside noise. Help someone get a workout in with less interruption, order here.
BONUS PICK an Umutima apron. Just before Thanksgiving I purchased one of these at Lillies and Lace, in Lumina Commons. 
It’s now my new uniform in the kitchen. I am so happy to be able to get out of tee shirts and sweat pants when I cook, and not soil my clothing. The side thumbnail shows how I wore it for Thanksgiving. What a pleasure it was to be the hostess wearing something more that ‘run ready’ clothing! This apron is reversible, so I’ll will be wearing it on the solid purple side over a red Xirena dress for the Christmas holidays.
BTW, this is a gift that keeps on giving because purchasing Umutina products helps provide a brighter future for vulnerable women in Rwanda. They also make everyday totebags, beach bags, travel bags and clutches. A great way to embrace women helping women.
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a healthy, happy New Year,
Diane
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