Oh what fun I had making this list of my favorite kitchen and exercise tools. In no particular order, here are 10 of my must have’s for this Christmas. *Full disclosure, I truly do own and use every item on the list except the last book… I hope this list helps you with some ideas for giving a healthy gift to a loved one, or you could use it as a not-so-subtle hint to one of your loved ones!
1. The Jungle Gym XT is great for at-home and travel workouts. All you need is a door/bar/beam/tree to attach the straps for push ups, rows, SHELC’s, bulgarian split squats and more! You can call Brad at 303-443-8833 and order one from him, or if you’re not local go online to HealthStyles Exercise Equipment $99.00
2. All my clients received a YogaWrap this summer. I absolutely love using mine in my office chair. Really supports your spine and makes your core work while sitting. Can be used in the car, or on the airplane (feels great). The owner lives in Crested Butte, CO, I met her at the farmers market there this past summer, she’s just lovely and I like supporting her. Get it here: Yoga Wrap $39.00
3. This is my favorite cutting board. With the corner grips it doesn’t slip, and its easy to clean and dishwasher safe, wow! Epicurean on Amazon $29.95
4. I still can’t believe some of you don’t have one of these. It makes peeling garlic so fast and a cinch. Inexpensive, and a fun gift to give or get! Garlic Peeler on Amazon $6.00
5. I think I have about 5 Mark Bittman Cookbooks. You really can’t go wrong with any of them. Currently, I’m reading his book “Eat Vegan Before 6pm”, and I have his Fish book and Kitchen Express (which is full of fast and tasty recipes, really!) Kitchen Matrix is his newest book that teaches you a recipe principle, and then gives you a bunch of variations on the same principle. Check him out On Amazon
6. While I have many America’s Test Kitchen Cookbooks, I really like this one because its the easy prep edition for the Crock Pot. They are the scientists behind good tasting recipes, and they have taught me some great techniques to make crock pot meals even better. Find it here On Amazon $19.00
7. I used to have one of those yellow lemon presses, but was always frustrated that oranges and limes didn’t really work that well. So, just this month I bought an “Old School” glass Citrus Press at Bed Bath and Beyond. I’m amazed at this timeless piece, it works, and its easy to clean. It catches nearly all of the seeds, and pours the juice out the side. This one is really pretty and under $10 At Williams and Sonoma
8. Sometimes I’ll run my freshly squeezed lemon juice through one of the small strainers, and I’ll use the medium sized one to rinse quinoa and rice. A must have for sure! See them On Amazon Set of 3 for $12.99
9. In 2014 I gave all my clients a copy of the book “What Makes Olga Run”. Its inspiring and full of research on how good exercise is for us. A great motivating read! Find it Online at the Boulder Bookstore $15.99
10. One of my clients raved about this book. I haven’t bought it yet, but I’m giving it as a gift to some of my family this Christmas. Get it Online at the Boulder Bookstore $27.00