By Dr. Joey Shulman D.C., RNCP

Looking for the perfect gift this holiday season? For less than $50 you can give your loved one a healthy gift basket. Creating a homemade natural gift basket filled with foods that are delicious and nutritious is not only healthy—it is simple and very affordable too! Simply choose a pretty basket and get some clear wrapping paper and ribbon and you are ready to start.

The next step in creating your natural gift of health is to visit your local grocery store for nutritious food items to fill your basket. The following suggestions look beautiful and are loaded with essential vitamins, minerals and fats and possess anti-aging properties.

Extra-virgin olive oil
Olive oil is a monounsaturated fat with numerous health benefits, such as protecting against heart disease, lowering the bad cholesterol (LDL) and aiding with the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Olive oil is very heat stabile, suitable for cooking at low, medium or high temperatures. When purchasing olive oil, it is best to select a virgin, unrefined olive oil, meaning it has been extracted from the first pressing of the olive. Organic oils are also available. Flavored olive oils can add a nice touch to your gift basket; look for oils flavored with chili peppers, lemon or basil. Remember, light and heat are the enemies of all oils. Keep your oils tightly sealed in a cool, dark place.

Herbal teas
With the cold weather upon us, herbal teas are a healing and warming luxury to help us get through the winter. In addition to tasting delicious, herbal teas also provide a natural therapeutic effect. Feeling stressed? Try some chamomile tea to relax. Having trouble with digestion? Grab some mint tea to soothe an irritable bowel. Herbal teas are available in a multitude of flavours ranging from fruity, such as lemon, cranberry and blueberry, to delicious cinnamon, chai or vanilla teas that can curb a sweet tooth and be a substitute for a fat-laden desert.

Nut butters
Instead of commercial peanut butters that are loaded with sugars and “funny fats,” include natural nut butter in your gift basket. There are a variety of natural nut butters to choose from, such as almond, soy, cashew, hazelnut or peanut butter. In addition to being a good source of protein, natural nut butters are high in antioxidants, low in saturated fat and sugar and contain no trans fatty acids.

Sparkling apple cider
For a unique addition to your holiday basket, purchase a bottle of sparkling apple cider. In addition to its sweet, bubbly taste, organic apple cider made from whole, ripe apples is also a good source of vitamin C. Have a few extra dollars to spend? Visit your local liquor store and purchase a silk bag to put the cider in. Add a couple of martini glasses to complete your elegant look.

Dark chocolate
Yes, it is true, chocolate lovers. Researchers in Italy and Scotland have found that dark chocolate has more antioxidant properties than white chocolate. In other words, eating a small amount of dark chocolate daily may help to prevent heart disease and even cancer. Although chocolate appears to be beneficial, it is important to remember it is not a replacement for fresh fruits and vegetables. For delicious, healthier holiday desserts, visit Tasty Truestar Desserts.

Cost of Dr. Joey’s healthy holiday gift basket:

• Olive oil: $10.00
• Herbal tea: $3.99
• Nut butter: $5.00
• Dark chocolate: $5.00
• Sparkling apple cider: $8.00
• Basket: $3.00
• Clear wrapping paper: $3.00
• Total cost: $37.99

For a personal touch, include some of your favorite healthy recipes using the items in your basket. Visit Truestar Healthy Holiday Recipes for ideas. Simply print the recipes on pretty paper, or neatly write them on recipe cards.

In addition to your holiday gift basket, give yourself or someone you love the Gift of Health, including personalized meal plans, weight loss programs, shopping lists and one-on-one guidance from the top experts in the field by visiting Truestar Health.