Valentine's Day is around the corner, and if your significant other or loved ones are into health and wellness, you may want to start thinking about some creative and healthy gift ideas.
The traditional Valentine's Day can be unhealthy with eating out, being inactive (for those that go to movies or plays) and the typical conversation heart candies that are often given as gifts. So instead, try thinking of healthier alternative date and gift ideas to 'wow' your significant other while also helping them live longer, healthier lives.
Hot Tea Gift Basket
Hot tea is a great gift for the wintertime and is one of the healthiest drinks available. Certain teas can prevent cell damage and keep your heart healthy. They are full of antioxidants that help neutralize free radicals so that they aren’t stable. In doing so, they help slow cell damage. Additionally, drinking a few cups of hot tea per day ensures that you stay hydrated. Many times, when people think they are hungry, they are just thirsty. So, by drinking lots of hot fluids throughout the day, you'll lower the risk of overeating. Why not throw in a beautiful mug with either a picture or a sentimental saying, to make the gift extra special.
Dark Chocolate
Chocolate is synonymous with Valentine’s day, but much of that chocolate is overly processed and full of saturated fats and unhealthy chemicals. The cocoa bean itself is rich in a class of plant nutrients called flavonoids. Flavonoids act as an antioxidant, helping protect us from environmental toxins and repairing cell damage. So, when it comes to health, the darker the chocolate the better to keep the flavonoids intact. Aim for about 60-65 percent cocoa or higher. In addition to having antioxidant qualities, research shows that flavanols have other potential influences on vascular health, such as lowering blood pressure, improving blood flow to the brain and heart and making blood platelets less sticky and able to clot.
Red Wine
Any alcohol helps to increase HDL, the "good" cholesterol that helps prevent plaque buildup. But red wine can offer additional benefits too. The key is compounds called polyphenols that help keep blood vessels flexible and reduce the risk of unwanted clotting. These polyphenols have been shown they can be as effective as aspirin. Keep in mind, however, that more wine doesn’t equal greater health benefit! More than one glass of vino a day increases the risk of breast cancer for women and chronic heavy drinking can damage the heart. Why not throw in a wine aerator too? Aerators transform any wine to a great wine instantly by enhancing the flavor and creating a fuller bouquet. Your valentine will certainly enjoy the thoughtfulness.
A Massage
The New Year is a time when many of us try to focus on health and being our best selves. This year for Valentine’s Day, give a gift that not only can make you feel amazing, but can truly improve your health too. Massage is an effective treatment for reducing stress, pain and muscle tension, so it’s a perfect gift for someone whose been working overtime at the gym. Massage may also be helpful in reducing anxiety, digestive disorders, fibromyalgia, headaches and insomnia related to stress, among others.
SSHE Gift Certificate
A Seattle Sutton's Healthy Eating gift certificate is the perfect gift for those who want a time out from thinking about and preparing healthy meals. Everyone can benefit from freshly prepared, healthy and delicious meals, so give the gift of healthy eating to your loved one.
Don’t get your loved one the usual heart-shaped candy or processed chocolate this year, instead give a gift that will continue their aim for health and wellness and they will be forever grateful.
Looking to give your significant other the perfect gift to show they are appreciated? A gift certificate from Seattle Sutton is exactly what you are looking for so send a gift that will help your loved ones live longer, healthier lives. Happy Valentine's Day!
