Ten Healthy Stocking Stuffers

Sick and tired of putting the same junk year after year in your loved one's stockings? This year pave the path of health and reclaim the spirit of Christmas by indulging in little environmentally conscious and nutrient-filled gifts with big impact.

This may sound great in theory, but what do you get loved ones that are used to a stocking full of candy and cheap trinkets? Integrative Nutritionist, Danny Arguetty, says that people often have the intention of being healthy but have a hard time getting started.

"Encouraging their process along by getting them healthy stocking stuffers is a great opportunity to show your support."

Here are Arguetty's top ten health-fill stocking stuffers recommendations worth chewing on:

• Fresh Fruit. 'Tis the time of year when those wonderful little clementine oranges and pomegranates are in season. "Both are exploding with vitamin C and antioxidants and when eaten daily will help you get through the winter flu-free," says Arguetty.
  
  
• Jump Rope. Start the year off right by reintroducing jump roping – a nostalgic yet highly effective form of exercise that is great for adults and kids alike. Current research is showing that high cardio activities, such as jumping rope, can also help maintain and/or build healthy bones. Plus jumping rope is great for city dwellers because it takes up very little space and you don't need an expensive gym membership.
  
  
• Polycarbonate water bottle. Does your family need to drink more water but don't want to prevent them from drinking the toxic chemicals leached from most standard water bottles? Enviro Products makes a 1-liter water bottle that is made with non-porous materials that are safe to use over and over, helping ease landfill overflow.
  
  
• TreeTubes. Help the earth's climate by dedicating a tree. TreeTubes contain a certificate you can complete with a special message and a map of the forest your tree is planted in so it can be visited. You can easily order TreeTubes online through The Carbon Neutral Company.
  
  
• Beginner's yoga series gift certificate. Has your loved one been expressing interest in starting yoga but need a little nudge? "Giving them a introductory series at their local yoga studio is a great way to encourage them to follow through with their intentions," says Arguetty.
  
  
• Natural bristle dry skin brush. Available in most health food stores, dry brushes not only feel good and exfoliate dry skin, but they even stimulate the lymphatic and circulatory systems. Arguetty claims that five minutes of dry brushing a day, starting with the soles of the feet and moving all the way up the body, will improve your immunity and long-term wellbeing.
  
  
• Fresh ginger root. Ginger is one of the oldest most effective, natural, and tastiest remedies out there. "Add a slice of fresh ginger to hot water to make a digestive aid tea, or add it to soups for its warming effects, or juice it to make a ginger tonic to help relieve sinus and bronchial congestion," says Arguetty.
  
  
• Meditation CD. Winding down at the end of the night with a soothing and calming guided meditation CD is the best way to prepare your body and mind for a rest-filled sleep.  Check out Todd Norian's "Ecstatic Meditations for Enhanced Living, Volume 1" or "Savasana: Guided Relaxations for Enhanced Living, Volume 1."
  
  
• Earth friendly toothbrush. With all the holiday sweets being consumed, a new toothbrush could be the best-used gift of the year. Preserve, the maker of enviro-friendly bath products offers a variety of funky colored toothbrushes making brushing less mundane and more festive.
  
  
• Himalayan sea salt. This pretty pink salt, available in most health food stores, not only seasons your food deliciously, but is actually good for you too. Studies have shown that Himalayan sea salt is the purest salt in the world with amazing health benefits. "Himalayan sea salt aids in the healing and prevention of respiratory related illnesses, sinus infections, and vascular disease to name just a few, because it is made up of 84 natural minerals all of which your body needs," says Arguetty.

This holiday season show your love and support by giving gifts of health that keep on giving. "Remember that it is the little things that count and while small earth friendly and healthy stocking stuffers may seem insignificant, they could inspire big change with long lasting effects." Said Arguetty. So stuff away!