Christams Gift Ideas To Fight Obesity

Main Category: Obesity / Weight Loss / Fitness
Also Included In: Nutrition / Diet
Article Date: 02 Nov 2007 - 3:00 PDT

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For a healthy kick-start to 2008 choose Christmas gifts that promote healthy habits and fight obesity, says Australia's leading nutrition organisation, the Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA).

Accredited Practising Dietitian and Spokesperson for the DAA, Melanie McGrice, says, 'Christmas is often a time when people struggle to maintain their weight and health, so why not spoil those around you with a healthy and fun gift to help them start the New Year on the right foot. Here are some gift ideas for everyone.'

For the cooks and foodies:

-- Beautiful gift basked of:

- Seasonal fruits like mango, pawpaw, berries and cherries
- Scented and herbal teas
- Gourmet dried pasta, wild rice and exotic legumes
- Gourmet condiments like chutneys and relishes

-- Pots of herbs - traditional English or Asian or a mushroom farm
-- Planters with seeds for summer garden favourites like strawberries or tomatoes
-- Flavoured vinegars and oils to add flavour and taste to cooking
-- Healthy cooking classes.

To get everyone moving more:

-- Pedometer, aim for 10,000 steps per day
-- Hand weights
-- Beach volleyball set
-- Introductory session at the gym or try new activities like aqua aerobics, Pilates or yoga
-- Introductory dance class, try flamenco, salsa or belly dancing
-- Gift vouchers for roller skating, ice skating, swimming pool entry or horse riding
-- Backyard sports and games like a cricket set, football, skipping rope or hula hoop
-- If buying DVDs for children make sure they encourage dancing and movement.

The Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA) is the professional body representing dietitians nationally. Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) is the only national credential recognised by the Australian Government, Medicare, the Department of Veterans Affairs and most private health funds as the quality standard for nutrition and dietetics services in Australia.

http://www.daa.asn.au