10 Gifts SparkPeople Has at the Top of Their Wish List
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Jen Mueller, Community Director and Fitness Expert: Magic Blanket
Many nights, sleep and I are not friends. Sometimes I have trouble winding down after a busy day, and other times I wake up in the middle of the night with my to-do list racing through my mind. I've heard great things about this blanket, so I asked Santa to bring me one this year. Hopefully I'm on his "nice" list!
The Magic Blanket, Available at Amazon starting at $114
Photo courtesy of Amazon.
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Alicia Capetillo, Editor-in-Chief: Food Processor
All year I've been bookmarking and printing out whole food and vegan recipes, dreaming of a day when I'll have the motivation and drive to start cooking healthier. As I started flipping through my cookbook and virtual rolodex of recipes, I noticed one tool come up over and over again: a food processor. From healthy desserts made with dates to creamy sauces from raw cashews, a processor comes in handy when you're working to reinvent old classics and comfort foods. Here's to healthier cooking and experimenting in the new year!
Hamilton Beach 8-Cup Food Processor Available at Amazon starting at $39.95
Photo courtesy of Amazon.
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Chris "SparkGuy" Downie, SparkPeople Founder and CEO: GoFit Balance Board
I love balance boards for core strength and general balance; they really help with certain sports like tennis and basketball. They are also great for feeling a strong sense of balance during everyday life. You can do this low-impact exercise outside in the sunshine or while watching TV. There are other brands that are cheaper, but I had a balance board from this company that lasted longer than 10 years with a good amount of usage. I love this type of exercise equipment that is relatively inexpensive and leads to real results.
GoFit Balance Board Available at Amazon, $49.25
Photo courtesy of Amazon.
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Kelly Kramer, Human Resources Coordinator and Office Manager: Apple Watch
I've had the same FitBit fitness tracker since 2012 and, while it's been very reliable and motivating, my needs have changed. I need something that will let me know what my heart rate is during my workouts. I want to make sure that I am maximizing my time spent during a workout and not just counting my steps.
Apple Watch Series 1 Available at Amazon, $259.99
Photo courtesy of Amazon.
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Instant Pot
Melissa Rudy, Staff Reporter: This really is on my actual Christmas list, IRL. Like you, I've been dreaming about cooking more and healthier…and giving up my takeout queen crown. I've convinced myself the Instant Pot is the key. As a person who has no desire to assemble recipes, I love the idea of tossing ingredients in a pot and having a delicious, healthy meal 30 minutes later. I have a CrockPot, but rarely plan well enough to have all the ingredients on hand (or remember to put them in) eight to 12 hours in advance. With Instant Pot, I can cook spur-of-the moment, without actually cooking.
Denise Tausig, Resident Expert/Coach and Support Director: I've been hearing all kinds of great things about the Instant Pot all year long from friends who have one. I've seen the meals (and desserts) that my friends have been able to make, and they make it sound so easy! Anything that saves time and makes cooking easy is something that I would love to have in my kitchen.
Becky Hand, SparkPeople Registered Dietitian: I just gave Santa my wish list and the Instant Pot is at the top. My retired friends adore theirs, and my friends with children say they can't live without it. Why? Well, Instant Pots deliver home-cooked meals in a flash with a variety of functions. This pot does it all—pressure cooking (with no fear of explosions), slow cooking, roasting, sautéing, steaming and even yogurt making.
Instant Pot Available at Amazon starting at $69.99
Photo courtesy of Amazon.
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Alex Louis, Web Developer: Canyon Endurace Bike
Canyon just started selling bikes in the U.S.A. this fall. Don't let the name fool you: They are a German manufacturer and the most talked-about cycling brand in the world right now. My current road bike is a little worn out, to the point where I have to manually shift the gears on the big ring. The Endurace AL Disc checks off all my boxes for new bike features, but with a $1,499 price tag, this is still on the wish list for now. Still, being the first one on my block to own this German bike would be pretty slick.
Canyon Endurace AL Disc 7.0 Available at Canyon starting at $1,499
Photo courtesy of Canyon.
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Merle King, Customer Support Specialist: Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Single-Serve and Full Pot Coffee Maker
I mostly like plain old coffee to start my day, and I start the day with a lot of coffee. Occasionally, I like a cup or two of fancier, flavored coffee, but I'm never in the mood for a whole pot. This single-serve and full-pot combo coffee maker is the perfect solution.
Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Single-Serve and Full Pot Coffee Maker Available at Amazon, $76.69
Photo courtesy of Amazon.
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Mike Honkomp, Ad Operations: TRX Suspension Training
It has been nearly a year since I underwent vertebrae fusion surgery and I am finally feeling stronger and more myself and ready for a challenge. TRX is a great fit for me as it low-impact and only uses your body weight—both good factors as I continue my recovery. Also, this equipment is small I can use it at home or take it with me when I travel. I am looking forward to the sweat, tears and fatigue as I work through the winter months.
TRX Suspension Basic Training Kit Available at Amazon, $149.95
Photo courtesy of Amazon.
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Kevin Carroll, Head Data Scientist: Blackstone 36-Inch Outdoor Flat Top Gas Grill Griddle Station
I have always enjoyed watching people cook on a flat-top grill. I like how much attention is given to each morsel of food—it is like watching an artist paint a picture, and I want to be that artist!
Blackstone 36-Inch Outdoor Flat Top Gas Grill Griddle Station Available at Amazon, $247
Photo courtesy of Amazon.
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Elizabeth Lowry, Editorial Project Manager: Hiking Boots
I have been putting off getting a "real" pair of hiking boots for years. I rarely hike, so I don't really think about needing them until I do, and by then it's usually the morning of the hike (and I use that term loosely, as it's more of a mile or two jaunt through some nearby trail with my kids) and it's too late. I decided this is the year I finally bite the bullet and get some grown-up hiking boots. After all, even though I will rarely use them for actual hiking, they will come in handy for many other events, such as cheering on my son at cold-weather soccer games and outdoor occasions that require more than a gym shoe to keep my toes warm and my feet comfortable.
Merrell Women's Moab Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot Available at Amazon, starting at $94.38
Photo courtesy of Amazon.
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Hey SparkPeople, What Gift Is on Your Wish List?
Remember a time when something as practical as socks seemed like the worst gift ever? Not so, anymore. The SparkPeople staff has one thing on their mind and that's getting healthier in the new year. Gadgets and gizmos aplenty, all aimed at eating healthier, getting stronger and living better. From weighted blankets to food processors and TRX systems, you might want to steal some of these nutrition, fitness and wellness items for your own wish list.
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Jen Mueller, Community Director and Fitness Expert: Magic Blanket
Many nights, sleep and I are not friends. Sometimes I have trouble winding down after a busy day, and other times I wake up in the middle of the night with my to-do list racing through my mind. I've heard great things about this blanket, so I asked Santa to bring me one this year. Hopefully I'm on his "nice" list!
The Magic Blanket, Available at Amazon starting at $114
Photo courtesy of Amazon.