The holiday season is in full swing. Between shopping, wrapping gifts, and avoiding the cookies in the break room, it is hard to find the time or motivation for healthy living this month. Sometimes it is difficult to view the holiday season as more than a list of "things to do" on top of an already busy day. To keep the focus on healthy living this season, we would like to share some ideas for gift giving that you might even want to put on your own wish list. 

If you are a regular visitor to our web site, you have read a lot about the health benefits of regular exercise. However, the biggest hurdle for most women is finding the time to exercise regularly. The keys to establishing an exercise routine is finding a venue that works for your schedule, developing a workout routine that you enjoy, and keeping yourself motivated. You may not have the luxury of a babysitter, so you may need to carve out some time at home to put in an exercise tape or walk on a treadmill. Great gift ideas include exercise equipment such as a treadmill, jump rope, or videotape, workout clothes, headphones or energizing music selections on CD or tape. Are you on a budget? Look in the want ads for used exercise equipment -you will probably find many low mileage treadmills for sale that have been used primarily as clothes racks by their previous owners. Also, do you know someone who needs to get out of the house to exercise because once they get home the couch is just too inviting? How about a membership to a gym? Some facilities offer month long trial memberships at reasonable rates, or take a friend to your gym for several visits. Maybe you have a friend who would love to take a yoga class once a week, but cannot find anyone to watch the kids. Your gift could be a gift certificate for the class or six homemade coupons that offer your services for free babysitting so she can go! What about your elderly neighbor who needs some yard work done? Forget the fruitcake! Grab the kids from their computer games and get to work raking leaves! 

What can be harder to resist than holiday cookies and cakes? Even the strongest resolve is challenged at holiday luncheons, not to mention the temptation of the drive-through lane for dinner after a long day of running errands. There are many great ways for healthy eating to find its way onto your gift or wish list. You could start with the basics and send a friend for a nutrition consultation. What better way to start the New Year than with a game plan for healthy eating? If you already have a game plan but find it difficult to follow through during hectic times, you are not alone! Why not choose a gift that makes healthy dining a snap? A busy person would adore a gift from one of those services that brings healthy meals prepared for a week to your home. If you are handy in the kitchen, you could prepare your own meals-to-go. Know someone who is scheduled to have a busy week with a work deadline or a family member heading into the hospital? Who wouldn't love to have a freezer full of healthy selections at times like those? Thumb through a healthy lifestyle cookbook (also a great gift idea) like What's Cooking at the Cooper Clinic and you will find straightforward recipes for Zucchini Lasagna, Mom's Meatloaf, Banana Streusel Cake and Chocolate Cherry Muffins. All the gift recipient has to do is add a salad and a piece of fruit and she's set! Speaking of fruit, who wouldn't enjoy a basket of juicy oranges?

The list goes on and on. Just put on your thinking cap and you are sure to come up with some healthful ideas of your own. Good luck and Happy Holidays!