Give the Gift of Nutrition

(ARA) - From cookies to candy canes, food is often the centerpiece of holiday festivities. This holiday season, the American Dietetic Association encourages everyone to share more than just holiday cheer with your guests: share the gift of good nutrition.

"There are so many ways to make healthy eating and active living a part of your holiday festivities," says registered dietitian Roberta Duyff, author of the American Dietetic Association Complete Food and Nutrition Guide (3rd edition). "Get creative with veggie appetizers or snacks and serve crisp pepper or jicama sticks with hummus. Prepare common vegetables in uncommon ways for your holiday meal by adding cooked sweet potato cubes or tangerine slices to your salad."

Presents emphasizing nutrition and physical activity make great stocking stuffers and easy gifts that offer benefits that will last long after the holiday season is over. Friends and loved ones will enjoy gifts like these, which encourage a healthful lifestyle, all year long:

* Gift certificate to local gyms or exercise classes.
* Exercise apparel such as gym shoes or running pants.
* A yoga kit with video and yoga mat.
* A pedometer to help everyone meet a daily goal of taking 10,000 steps (or about five miles).
* Cooking class gift certificates.
* Basket of unusual fruit (check with your store's produce manager).
* Gifts for kids that encourage activity, such as a jump rope, ice skates, bike helmet or dance classes.
* A copy of the ADA Complete Food and Nutrition Guide, available at bookstores and online booksellers, offering practical and positive advice for people of all ages who are trying to make healthy choices with good nutrition and great taste.

"Contacting a registered dietitian in your area can also be a great step to get on track for your new year. Remember that even just a few simple changes can help ensure that you and your loves ones will spend many more holidays together," Duyff says."The holidays are about giving. Show that you care about your family by sharing gifts that help them make healthy eating and active living choices, not just during the holidays, but all year long."

With approximately 65,000 members, the American Dietetic Association is the nation's largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. ADA serves the public by promoting optimal nutrition, health and well-being. To locate a registered dietitian in your area, visit the American Dietetic Association at www.eatright.org.

Courtesy of ARA Content