When I walk through the holiday gift isles of conventional stores I often have to snicker about all the items spotlighted on shelves that I would personally find absolutely useless if I found them under my tree. At best they are just useless to me, at worst they are toxic to my health and that of the planet. Gift baskets full of smelly mainstream soaps and lotions with body glitter come to mind, heavily wrapped in plastic of course. Also those giant makeup and perfume gifts sets that are so prevalent. These are the type of products that will often get buried in a box inside the linen closet. Or maybe they get left under the bathroom sink never to be touched again until a few years down the road when we wonder what the shelf life is on blue eye shadow…

I say bypass all that crap and get your loved ones and friends something outside of the mainstream…something that will help them to be their healthiest and most vibrant selves. We can give gifts that nourish our bodies and spirits and those are the gifts that are truly meaningful. They tell our loves ones in no uncertain terms that we want them to be around for a very long time.

The gifts I have compiled below will be most welcome in the home’s of most healthy living enthusiasts. They are always on the lookout for new ways to get and stay healthy. I would adore any one of these personally. Yet these gifts will also work for those that haven’t jumped on the health and fitness bandwagon yet. They might just find the encouragement they need!

Healthy Living and Giving Guide

Squatty Potty – Okay maybe this wasn’t the best one to start off with. Your loved one might think you are nuts if they aren’t already into the sometimes quirky ways of healthy living enthusiasts. But if they are into heath they will know just important it is to have healthy bowels and this little potty gadget is designed to help them have healthy eliminations.

Never says love like giving someone a product that will help them poo better right? If this one isn’t brave enough for you though you might try a Colema Board instead.

Happy Light – Give the gift of happiness by gifting a mood light. These lights have been shown to be very effective in treating seasonal depression due to lack of sunlight during the winter months. I have one myself that I put on my work desk. I swear by it.

Magnesium Oil or Bath Flakes – Most of us are magnesium deficient and it causes a whole host of problems…fatigue, insomnia, menstrual cramps, migraines, and tooth decay just to name a few. Taking supplements helps but our bodies have a hard time absorbing this all important mineral orally so topical application should be done as well. Just spray some oil on before showering or take a bath with the flakes. The results are amazing.

I recommend the Ancient Minerals brand. It’s all I use.

Earthing Starter Kit – Remember my post about Earthing and how our physical disconnect from the soil is actually hurting us and making us sick?? Well this great kit gives you a mat that you can put under your computer desk or wherever you frequently sit and a sheet for your bed. They “ground” you to the earth and heal your bioelectrical circuitry.

Healthy Kitchen Gadgets – Giving gifts that will the make healthier eating and cooking more easy and accessible just make good sense. I have a long list of recommendations for Real Foods Kitchen items that I think all healthy kitchens need. It has everything from my beloved Vita-Mix, to cast iron, to Ball jars. On my list for this year? The Cuppow lid that fits on Ball jars and turns them into sippy cups for the whole family.

Many of these items can be found second hand too. I often get vintage pyrex from family during the holidays because they know I love it and prefer it to plastic or teflon coated baking dishes. See below some of my early Christmas presents to myself…Fire King bakeware and a foodie oil painting, bought at auction.

Hand Crafted Kitchen Gifts – Not all items need to be mass produced though. There are some items you can make yourself or buy from craft sellers. My picks? A hand sewn cast iron skillet handle cover or a tea and coffee cozy.

Water Alkilizer - Cancer thrives in an acidic body and acid does a number on our cells in general. This is why it is important that we eat a variety of alkaline foods to counteract the acids ones we may eat (meat, grains, dairy). It is also important to make sure our water is on the alkaline side and these nifty filters do just that.

Water Purifier – Taking a step back it is also important to make sure our drinking and cooking water is healthy and free of contaminants that make us sick like lead and chlorine. I have and love the Zuvo UV/Ozone Water Purator Water Filtration System.

Salt Lamp - These lamps are made of natural salt crystal from the Himalayan mountains and they work much like the air ionizer/purifiers that I have in my home. They purify the air by emitting negative ions into the air and the light is therapeutic to reduce stress and increase energy. They are gorgeous too!

Fitness Equipment – Even the most avid gym goers occasionally like to get their sweat on at home. Some good gifts include cast iron kettlebells or maybe an eco yoga mat for yoga or doing planks.

Healthy Cookbooks – You may need to know a little about the diet of the giftee but a healthy cookbook is always a good bet. For vegans and vegetarians I recommend Crazy Sexy Kitchen. For meat lovers I recommend Practical Paleo and Paleo Slow Cooking. For Asian food lovers I recommend A Spoonful of Ginger.

Gift Certificates for Healthier Living – Lots of options here! Try a GC for grassfed meat stores, coconut oil products, supplements suppliers, gym memberships, Whole Foods, or even a CSA Membership.

I hope this helps you find the perfect gift. Skip the glitter body lotion and go for something that promotes health and wellness instead. Or if you are commonly the recipient of such gifts, forward this post to your family and friends. Enjoy!

When we think of spices we often think about them in terms of flavor. We think about how we can incorporate them into our foods so that the mealtime experience is more tasty and enjoyable. Perhaps what we should be thinking about though is what we should be eating (in terms of spices) that will promote health and fight disease because not only do they elevate the flavor of our food they also heal what ails us. Spices are powerhouses whose health enhancing compounds rival or even surpass vegetables and fruit. Getting to know how spices can enhance health make us better informed about natural health and more able to make food our medicine. I know I would much rather makes daily visits to the ‘Farm’acy and never have a need for more modern medicine.

Here are some of the common spices we use in our cooking and how they may benefit our health and fight disease:

Cumin is what gives Mexican food it’s fire. It has also been shown in studies to reduce levels of bad cholesterol, reduce inflammation in our cells, and significantly lower blood sugar. This makes it a powerful fighter in the war against  type 2 diabetes.

Ginger - This spicy herb has been known to treat migraines as effectively as modern medicine. This suggests that it not only helps inflammation, but inflammation specific to the head and brain. Try brewing some ginger tea the next time you get a headache.

Fennel Seed – Instead of reaching for the Midol during that time of month go for some Fennel seed instead. Several studies have been done with test groups taking a fennel extract while another group takes ibuprofen. The groups taking fennel relieved their menstrual cramps and pain just as effectively and sometimes more effectively than those using the drug.

Chile – This is the hottest spice in the world and it packs a wallop in the health department too. It increases metabolism, decreases appetite, encourages fat burning, and can reduce insulin resistance. It is an important spice in the fight against obesity.

Horseradish is natural antibiotic and infection fighter. It can be taken to fight everything from bronchitis to UTIs. A study done in Germany concluded that horseradish was just as effective as a prescription antibiotics when it came to healing sinus infections, bronchitis, and urinary tract infections. It is also powerful in preventing infection so if you are prone to getting UTIs then it would be a good idea to keep horseradish around.

Marjoram – This spice is a powerful antioxidant. It helps stop cell damaging oxidation that leads to disease. This makes it powerful in fighting Alzheimer’s, cancer, and heart disease.

Oregano – This spice does wonders for gut health. It can kill parasites and bacteria such as E.coli and Salmonella (preventing food poisoning), as well as heal ulcers and calm colitis. Women who get frequent yeast infections will also be glad to note that oregano oil is also very effective in treating and preventing candidiasis.

Rosemary – Meat lovers everywhere are very put off by the studies that show grilling our favorite meats can make them unhealthier for us to consume. High temperature grilling can cause some foods to break down and form toxins called HCAs (heterocyclic amines). Eating lots of these foods has been associated with increased risk for cancer. This is where Rosemary enters in…it should be making an appearance at all our cookouts. Studies have shown that it’s cancer killing capabilities make it an antioxidant that can wipe out HCAs or greatly reduce them.

Sage - There is a reason why wise people are called “sages.” Sage, like rosemary, inhibits the breakdown of acetylcholine. It is rich in antioxidants as well. The inhalation of sage essential oil is also helpful for enhancing mental clarity.

Next time you sit down to plan out your meals think about what healing elements you may want to add into the equation…

Recommended: The Spice Bible: Essential Information and More Than 250 Recipes Using Spices, Spice Mixes, and Spice Pastes

Mint is often associated with freshness and vitality and is probably one of the most recognized and popular flavors in the world. You have the “sweet” mint found in candies, cocktails, iced tea and soft drinks, and ice cream (Peppermint) and you have the “savory” mint found commonly in spicy dishes (Spearmint). Sweet or savory, mint has healing properties and health benefits. Some you may be aware of and some may surprise you.

Digestive Health

• Peppermint is commonly used to help with IBS or Irritable Bowel Syndrome. I used it myself when several doctors told me I had IBS and it does help relax the muscles in the GI tract. Though in my case it turns out the IBS was actually cancer but either way the peppermint helped with easing symptoms.
• Magical mint also helps with indigestion. It is no coincidence that many restaurants commonly offer mints as an after dinner treat. This practice has been passed down over generations because it helps with bloating and post meal tummy aches.

Respiratory Health

• Mint has menthol in it. This is the same stuff that is in vapor rubs that you buy to help with chest congestion except mint is natural and those chest rubs typically aren’t. The mint helps with congestion and helps to reduce coughing.
• It’s great for people with asthma and allergies as well as common colds. Mint stops the release of histamine, the chemical that causes itchy, watery eyes and congestion.

Whole Body Health

• The cold sensation from the methol provides pain relief. This is why it is commonly placed in topical pain relievers like Icy Hot.
• Spearmint has been shown in some studies to help with PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) by reducing the overabundance of testosterone found in women with this condition.
• Breastfeeding moms can use mint tea topically to get some relief from sore nipples. Just rub it on and allow to air dry for some sweet relief.
• Peppermint and Spearmint have both been shown in animal studies to slow the growth of certain cancers or even kill it outright.
• Peppermint oil kills bacteria in the mouth and helps prevent plaque buildup. This would of course be why mint is so commonly found in toothpaste and mouthwash.

Mental Health

• We commonly feel invigorated when we eat mint or inhale it’s fragrance. The invigorating properties sharpen our minds and make us more alert which makes it great for improving performance at work or in school.
• Mint inhalation helps with stress and anxiety. I know I cannot help but feel calm and happy when I smell mint!

How  To Get More Mint in the Diet:

Mint marries very well with curries, crabmeat, peas, lamb, yogurt, mango, and cranberries. Add mint to dishes with peas, make lamb with mint sauce, and eat mint raita (cucumber and yogurt).

Small sprigs from the garden can be frozen into ice cubes for a refreshing drink (tea, lemonade, water). You can also substitute mint for other spices. Mint plays well with basil, cumin, rosemary, thyme, lemongrass, and chile.

You may want to grab an Indian or Mediterranean cookbook for ideas, as these two cuisines often feature mint dishes. Enjoy!

Vibram Five Fingers are one of my fave shoes brands. They are minimalist shoes that are oh so so comfy and good for the health of your feet. I credit them with helping me regain balance and strength in my toes and feet like I had in my younger years when I would go barefoot all the time. I wear toe shoes literally every single week day…to the gym where I run in them, jump in them, and lift heavy weights in them. My husband also wears them and he has the men’s version of the ones seen above.

Our only issue is that these shoes are notoriously expensive so we only buy during Cyber Monday sales which usually mean a 40-50% discount. For the next few days though you can get them for 50% off at Zulily. Just wanted to let other barefoot shoes fans out there know!

Now extended through Monday November 5th!!

For 5 days only, 27 prominent Healthy Living authors have joined together to bundle 34 of their most popular eBooks, valued at just over $300, for the incredibly low price of $29. You have likely seen most of these books being promoted around the blogosphere and wanted them. I know I have! I have a few of them but I would love to have nearly ALL of them. Well, now is the perfect time to buy because you can get all of them for one incredibly low price. Even though there a couple that are not applicable to me (pregnancy/baby) the price makes it worth it to buy the bundle.

That’s only $0.87 per book to gain inspiration, encouragement, and the practical resources you need for your own healthy lifestyle. Plus, you receive $49 of additional FREE Bonuses, and you are entered to win one of 3 great prizes.

What’s Included in the Sale?

When you purchase the Healthy Living eBook collection, you will get instant access to each of the 34 eBooks listed below.

PLUS $49 of FREE Bonuses

Each Healthy Living eBook Bundle comes with $49 of FREE Bonuses from several of our favorite healthy living companies. Offers include a variety package from Redmond Trading ($21 Value), a FREE 3-Month subscription to Plan to Eat ($15 Value), and a FREE Sourdough Starter or Traditional Buttermilk Starter from Cultures for Health ($13 Value).

PLUS get entered to win one of 3 Great Prizes

Each person who purchases a Healthy Living eBook bundle is automatically entered to win any one of the following 1 Excalibur 9-Tray Dehydrator, 1 Omega VRT350 Masticating Juicer, or a R1 Royal Berkey Water Filtration System.

Please note: This collection is only available from 8 a.m. EST on October 29th to 8 a.m. EST on November 2nd. There will be no late sales offered.

Real Food Meals for the Whole Family

Have Your Fruits… and Veggies, Too! by Laura Coppinger @ Heavenly Homemakers ($5.95)

Real {Fast} Food by Trina Holden @ Trina Holden ($6)

20 Minute Meals by Leigh Ann Dutton @ Intentional by Grace ($4.99)

Real Food… Real Easy by various bloggers @ The Humbled Homemaker ($9.95)

Baking, Snacks and Desserts

Smart Sweets by Katie Kimball @ Kitchen Stewardship ($8.95)

Healthy Snacks To Go by Katie Kimball @ Kitchen Stewardship ($8.95)

Sourdough A to Z by Wardee Harmon @ GNOWFGLINS ($20)

Homemade “Everything” (Condiments, Pantry Basics, etc.)

Restocking the Pantry by Kresha Faber @ Nourishing Joy ($7.99)

Easy. Homemade. by Mandi Ehman @ Life Your Way ($3.99)

Grain Free and Paleo/Primal Eating

Grain Free Meal Plan Cookbook by Cara Faus @ Health, Home & Happiness ($18)

Toadally Primal Smoothies by Todd @ Primal Toad ($9.95)

Simple Food {for spring} by Shannon @ Nourishing Days ($10)

Simple Food {for winter} by Shannon @ Nourishing Days ($10)

Well Fed (Paleo Recipes) by Melissa Joulwan @ The Clothes Make The Girl ($14.95)

Saving Money on Real Food

Real Food on a Real Budget by Stephanie Langford @ Keeper of the Home ($18.99)

Plan It, Don’t Panic by Stephanie Langford @ Keeper of the Home ($4.99)

Don’t Compost It, Cook It by April Patel @ An Apple a Day Wisdom ($2.99)

Skincare and Beauty

My Buttered Life (Baby edition) by Renee Harris @ Hard Lotion ($5)

My Buttered Life (Gift edition) by Renee Harris @ Hard Lotion ($5)

My Buttered Life (Summer edition) by Renee Harris @ Hard Lotion ($5)

Simple Scrubs to Make and Give by Stacy Karen @ A Delightful Home ($3.99)

Food on Your Face for Acne and Oily Skin by Leslie @ Crunchy Betty ($7.99)

Holistic Mama’s Guide to Homemade Skincare by Roxanne King @ The Holistic Mama ($19)

Homesteading, Gardening and Preserving

Your Custom Homestead by Jill Winger @ The Prairie Homestead ($4.99)

Guide to Gardening and Preserving by Laura Coppinger @ Heavenly Homemakers ($7.95)

Apartment Gardening by Jami Leigh @ Young Wife’s Guide ($2.99)

Healthy Lifestyle

Simple Living by Lorilee Lippincott @ Loving Simple Living ($2.99)

Herbal Nurturing by Michele Augur @ Frugal Granola ($8.95)

Simple Natural Health by Nina Nelson @ Shalom Mama ($17)

Healthy Homemaking by Stephanie Langford @ Keeper of the Home ($12.95)

Music: An Essential Ingredient for Life by Resound School of Music ($6.99)

Pregnancy and Babies

Breast to Bib by Kate Tietje @ Modern Alternative Pregnancy ($8.95)

Healthy Pregnancy Super Foods by Kate Tietje @ Modern Alternative Pregnancy ($8.95)

Unbound Birth by Jenny Yarborough @ The Southern Institute ($4.99)