Expert: Tal Ben-Shahar, psychologist and author of Happier: Learn the Secrets to Daily Joy
Gift: "Give someone you care about the gift of time," Ben-Shahar says. "Spend time with him or her exclusively—without interruptions of people or technology."
Expert: Michael Roizen, chief wellness officer at the Cleveland Clinic and author of RealAge: Are You as Young as You Can Be?
Gift: A garlic press. Research suggests that raw garlic helps prevent cancer, and freshly pressing it releases allacin, a substance that improves the immune system. Roizen will also be giving out hula hoops, which he says boost heart health, muscle tone, and flexibility, and can help you burn up to 420 calories per hour.
[See Best Heart-Healthy Diets.]
Expert: Tara Lipinski, gold medalist in figure skating at the 1998 Winter Olympics
Gift: "I love spin and yoga," Lipinski says. "Buying a package of classes for someone would get them hooked on a fun form of exercise."
Expert: Maksim Chmerkovskiy, professional dancer on Dancing With The Stars
Gift: Dancing lessons. "I don't think people realize how many physical, mental, social, and personal benefits dancing offers," Chmerkovskiy says. "You can't really understand it until you try it."
Expert: Mark Ballas, professional dancer on Dancing With The Stars
Gift: Concert tickets. "Music is good for the soul," he says. "What could be healthier than that?"
Expert: Travis Stork, emergency physician and host of The Doctors
Gift: A spa day and golf lessons. "I'm a big fan of gifts that provide an experience and a health benefit, without cluttering your closet," Stork says.
Expert: Marie Savard, internist and women's health expert
Gift: Savard will be giving a batch of her homemade "heart, colon, and waistline" granola, which is packed with fiber and nuts. She wraps up a big serving for family members and friends, along with the recipe and a reusable container. Another healthy gift idea? Savard suggests offering your time to promote someone's health like going with someone to a doctor's appointment.
Expert: Lisa Leslie, former WNBA player and four-time Olympic gold medalist
Gift: The NuWave Oven, which Leslie uses to cook healthy meals for her family. "It's a gift every mom would love," she says, since it helps make dinner prep fast and easy.
Expert: Devin Alexander, host of America's Chefs on Tour and author of the Biggest Loser Cookbook series
Gift: Mini wine glasses, martini glasses, or ramekins, which allow you to indulge without overdoing it. Alexander will also be giving Kangoo Boots, which are thought to help walkers burn calories.
Expert: David Grotto, registered dietitian and author of The Best Things You Can Eat, out January 8.
Gift: Edible arrangements, or the Harry & David fruit-of-the-month club. Other ideas: Vitamix blenders, Hungry Girl cookbooks, a crockpot, a bento box, a portion plate, a mango corer and splitter, or a pineapple peeler.
Experts: Chris and Heidi Powell, trainers on Extreme Makeover Weight Loss Edition
Gift: Accessories that make working out more fun—like an iTunes gift card to spice up that exercise playlist, or even a new iPod.




Reader Comments ( )