Black Friday Gift Ideas: My Top 10 Nutrition & Wellness Products In 2023
It’s the holiday season! And whether you’re buying gifts for others or you’re expanding your self-care toolkit, I hope this list of my favorite nutrition & wellness products inspires you as we wrap up 2023.
#1 Contoured MZOO Sleepwear Mask
A good night's sleep is crucial for overall health and well-being and is something that I encourage each and every one of my clients to practice. Many of us are missing out on essential deep rest that would otherwise have us feeling our best. This might include things like nighttime distractions, visual fatigue, light pollution, or disruption of our natural melatonin production (hello, TikTok). This is one very affordable wellness product I highly recommend if you’re trying to optimize your mental clarity, emotional regulation, cortisol cascade, and even recover from exercise & strengthen essential tissues.
Whether sleeping peacefully at home or on the go while traveling, my fiancé and I LOVE our Contoured MZOO Sleepwear Masks ($22) for improved sleep quality. While other sleepwear masks can put unnecessary pressure across the eyes and nose bridge, this mask is super breathable and the contoured, lightweight foam prevents discomfort while sleeping. By providing complete darkness, enhancing relaxation, and reducing eye strain, this sleep mask makes for restful sleep anywhere we go. You need this one for your next big trip.
#2 Orgain Protein Powder Subscription
I know, I know— protein powder is nothing new & notable and you’ve probably heard this recommendation from me already. BUT, my stance remains the same as it did when I first started using Orgain protein powder 3-4 years ago. It’s the best in flavor and macros. I’ve tried tons of plant-based protein powders and I still stand by my plant-based vanilla & berry smoothie because this protein powder is just so good. Pair Orgain’s 21g of protein with a cup of low-fat milk or nut butter, and you’re looking at a 30g breakfast smoothie. I can’t believe I missed this one on my first top 10 kitchen essentials blog post from 2020.
One of the major benefits of Orgain is their emphasis on using clean and natural ingredients. It’s free from artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. Additionally, it is non-GMO, soy-free, gluten-free, and contains no added sugar. If you’re trying to gain entry to the ‘100 grams of protein per’ day club, adding a supplement like this is a fantastic option for you. Did I mention it has over 40,000 5-star reviews? Do yourself a favor and order this as a subscription (save 5-15%) for a reduced price! John and I go through one container every few weeks, so thank you Amazon scheduled delivery!
#3 Kettle & Fire Bone Broth Subscription
Okay, so you added protein powder to your daily regimen. Here’s another trick to boost your protein intake and join the 100g/day club: Kettle & Fire bone broth on repeat. At this point, we know all of the wonderful benefits of sipping on liquid gold (gut health & immune support, flavor and richness, boosting joint and bone health, sports performance recovery… the list goes on). What’s incredible is that bone broth has about 9-10x the amount of protein compared to other boxed broths and stocks you might be buying from the store. And here’s the kicker— you don’t have to sip on bone broth if that ain’t your thing.
You can reap the benefits of bone broth in other ways:
Cook your grains (like rice, quinoa, barley, couscous, etc.) in it
Use it as the base of sauces, soups and stews (these don’t even have to be homemade— you can soup up store-bought canned or jarred sauces by simply heating them together with bone broth in a sauce pan or in the microwave)
Elevate your holiday mashed potatoes by boiling your potatoes in collagen-rich and super flavorful bone broth
Swap out your pasta water with bone broth. And then swap out your regular dried pasta for high-protein pasta. Barilla (yellow box) is my fav!
Poach your weekend brunch eggs in bone broth (yum) and break that yolk over some whole grain toast
My clients get bone broth packages shipped to their homes or 30% off their orders, so here is another perk if you were thinking of working with me on your nutrition & wellness!
#4 Aroma Rice Cooker
Y’all— if you know me, you know I cook BAD rice. Even in my trusty Le Creuset, my rice never comes out right. Last year, I humbled myself and finally added an Aroma Rice Cooker ($19) to my kitchen appliances and my life hasn’t been the same since. It cooks all types of rice to the perfect temperature every time: sushi rice, basmati, short-grain, wild rice, anything. They’re all amazing.
How it works: an automatic rice cooker makes perfectly consistent rice by heating the contents (rice and liquid— another option for bone broth here!) to reach the correct internal temperature. Once the cooker’s sensor recognizes the temperature change, it automatically turns off or switches to a warming setting. Either way, the rice is done and in its resting stage at this point. Easy peasy. All you need to do is ensure you add the correct amount of liquid, switch it on and forget all about it until you hear the timer go off. I highly recommend this one because its super affordable (under $20) and compact (1.5 quarts and makes up to 6 cups of cooked rice). I store mine in a cabinet and pull it out when I need it!
#5 NutriBullet Blender Combo
If you enjoy making smoothies, protein shakes, sauces, creamy soups, homemade breadcrumbs, cocktails, dips, juices, and MORE— this 1200 Watt Nutribullet Blender Combo is for you. At $119, this ones a bit more of an investment, but it’s top quality and so versatile. And if you’re anything like me, you’ll appreciate that this blender base is compatible with both a classic 64-ounce pitcher and multiple sizes of blender bottle cups because of the detachable blade. Round of applause for modern technology here. Even if you add one smoothie per week to your diet with this appliance, your body will be thanking you and this investment will be worth it. But, I promise you’ll be using it way more than that. Check out my blog post The Perfect Smoothie: 8 Things to Keep in Your Pantry for Nutrient-dense Smoothies for all the smoothie-making hacks to get started.
#6 Grace & Stella Under Eye Patches
Hanging out in the wellness realm for a moment more… these Grace & Stella Under Eye Patches can be a staple for folks of all kinds. I use these weekly for dark circles, reducing fine lines, puffiness (hi weekend warriors: if you have cocktails on a Friday night, you should be applying these on Saturday morning) and just to feel fancy now and again. These can be a perfect stocking stuffer this holiday season and gift all-year-round. When I know my family members or close friends are going through it, I like to ship a pack of these to them as a little surprise gift to remind them to relax and do some self care while they need it.
If you’re into sustainability, I’d also recommend trying reusable under eye patches! I also keep these in my freezer for mornings when I need to bring out the big guns. Apply them with your favorite moisturizer, rinse with soap and water, and put them right back to chill in the freezer. Future you will thank you.
#7 Stanley Water Tumbler
We’re staying hydrated in 2024! I’m loving the sleek stainless steel technology and fun colors of Stanley ($35) tumblers lately. Before I jump into the non-negotiable discussion on WHY we should be drinking water— think of it like this: this is an emotional support water bottle. It’ll travel everywhere with you. Make it cute and convenient.
Anyway… water is an essential element for our bodies to function optimally. It plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health and well-being. It helps regulate body temperature, enables nutrient absorption, aids in digestion, and lubricates joints. By staying properly hydrated, you will support immune system during sick szn, prevent constipation, and promote healthier skin. Water enhances kidney function by flushing out waste and toxins, reducing the risk of kidney stones and UTIs. Free cleanse!!
Here’s a little story: One of my clients has been working to increase her water intake this month. During our last check-in, she proudly shared that she is drinking close to 100 ounces of water per day with her new Stanley. This was a huge jump from her previous 20-30 ounces/day. Go girl!
#8 Cushion Slides
Comfy and supportive footwear is a MUST. I purchased my first pair of cushion slides ($24) two years ago and never looked back. As someone with super high arches, the classic indoor slippers didn’t work for me and I was always dealing with foot pain. I stand while taking meetings (see my desk recommendation as product #9), meal prepping and cooking, doing chores around the house, and more. And I was wearing sneakers indoors because I needed the support! Finally, I tried a pair of these and my foot pain went away almost immediately. The soles are super thick and soft, they are lightweight, and even have a wide toe box so that you can flex and spread those toes. These really are pillow slippers for your feet and come in the cutest neutral colors. Def recommend.
#9 Standing Desk and #10 Walking Pad
Attention: WFH folks!! If you’re still sitting all day long while you work from home, listen up. It’s time to work on that stand goal with an electrical standing desk ($160). If you’re experiencing any of the following—
Achy legs
Back pain/shoulder/neck pain
Tightness in the hips/hip flexors
You’re feeling antsy throughout the day
You’ve got that mid-day energy slump (hello, 2-3pm coffee run)
And you’re having trouble concentrating on your tasks
—you will probably benefit from moving your body around, even if it means standing for 5-10 minute intervals throughout the day. As a virtual registered dietitian, I am on my computer 9am-5pm meeting with clients. I knew it was time to get myself a standing desk when it actually started to feel uncomfortable to sit! I’ve had a standing desk for a while now and let me tell you, it’s a game changer. And it’s so, so good for you.
Now, let’s talk steps. I’m on the walking pad ($240) train now and I’m never getting off! By pairing my electrical standing desk with my walking pad, I’m able to get my steps in even on my busiest days. Both of these at-home wellness products can be a bit more costly, but I want you to remember this— Americans are estimated to spend an average of 90,000 thousand hours working throughout their lives. We have tons of data to show that exercise and staying active is good for our health and longevity. If you’re feeling crunched for time and you’re looking for ways to sneak in some healthy habits, why not try and hit two birds with one stone? Get your bag and start habit stacking at the same time!
Now, I don’t recommend this one for every single person (I’m an eating disorder dietitian & body image coach) and I urge you to dig deep and ask yourself if this purchase would be helpful or harmful for you or the person you’re buying it for.
How to know if it’s right for you:
YES: If your step count is under 4,000 steps/day and you’d like it to be higher
YES: If the thought of moving your body while you work sounds fun and exciting
YES: You want to move your body to feel good, energized & strong
YES: You enjoy cozy cardio & would be okay with categorizing this movement as a workout (especially if you can’t get the time to exercise at another point in the day)
NO: Your goals to use this while working from home are solely weight loss-or calorie-driven
NO: You are unsure if you have the tools and accountability to cap your use (some of us can overdo it!)
NO: You will feel guilty if you don’t get to use it every day
NO: You’re buying this for someone else who has made it clear that they don’t enjoy being told to exercise/they struggle with their relationship to food/movement/their body
And that’s all for now, folks! I hope my recommendations are helpful if you’re looking to treat yourself this Black Friday, or if you’re hoping to get the perfect gift for that wellness-lover in your life!
