Healthy Holiday Gift Guide

This holiday season, we teamed up with Marisa Hochberg, founder of MJH Wellness to bring you the ultimate healthy holiday gift guide. Since we already agree that there is no better gift than the gift of health, we’re here to give you some healthy holiday shopping hints. Whether for you health manifests in a food product, a provocative read, or in a new set of workout gear to help you reach your 2016 fitness goals, we have conjured up a list that both the health nut and the nutrition newbie can work with.

1. PANATEA ceremonial grade matcha gift set

PANATEA is one of our favorite matcha brands! They source their high quality matcha from the tea fields of Japan. One of the reasons we’re proponents of the matcha movement is because of the sheer antioxidant capacity of the tea. Remember, antioxidants act as our body’s “clean up crew” by protecting us from free radical damage, which can otherwise lead to tissue damage and even aging. As opposed to conventional steeped green tea, drinking matcha allows you to consume 100% of the nutrients.

Holiday gift sets include their ceremonial grade matcha, custom measuring scoop, glass siping bowl, and bamboo whisk. Use the code “HealthyHoliday10” at checkout for a 10% discount.

2. Tovita Nutrition package

How many times have we told ourselves, “I’ll start on Monday?” Whether you’ve been meaning to lose those extra holiday pounds or you need some guidance when it comes to eating clean, there’s no longer a reason to put your health on hold! 

3. Massage at Equinox

While we all need a little “me time” to relax and unwind during the holiday season, too often we push that aside to take care of others. Gifting a massage at Equinox will give your loved ones a perfect excuse to treat themselves guilt-free. The Equinox spa offers something for everyone- from pre-natal to sports massages, your loved ones can personalize their relaxation experience.

4.  Rowley Fitness

Fashionable fitness lines are pretty much de rigueur these days, but they're still not the kind of couture that gets people buzzing during Fashion Week. Unless, of course, the line comes from an A-list designer like Cynthia Rowley. She’s not simply hopping on the fashion-meets-fitness bandwagon, though: Rowley, an avid surfer, has been designing wetsuits for years. This season, she decided to go all out.

The line adds a distinctly designer twist to workout gear, like metallic-embellished shorts and tanks, zebra-print wetsuits, slouchy track pants and zipper-accented backpacks. If your friends or family have fitness goals for 2016, give them a jumpstart to the gym with active wear they’ll want to show off.

5. 20 Pounds Younger by  Michele Promaulayko

We all know the feeling of wanting to press the restart button come New Years. Keep your loved ones from painful attempts at cleanses and detoxes, and use these books as a guide. Michele Promaulako from Yahoo Health has collected the advice and tips from top experts in nutrition, fitness, and anti-aging to answer all of our pressing questions in her book "20 Pounds Younger".

5. Treehouse retreats

Treehouse retreats are the ultimate girls wellness weekend that will give your girlfriends something to look forward to when the winter seems unbearable. Treehouse retreats occur each summer in the Hamptons and offer an intimate, women only weekend with a maximum of 6 guests. You and your best friends can stay in the cozy accommodations with New York’s best fitness instructors and foodies. Retreats are tailored for each group to create the perfect getaway. If a day of nourishing and healthy meals followed by yoga, paddleboarding, surfing and tennis sound right up your alley, the Treehouse retreats are definitely worth looking into.

6. The spiralizer with the Inspiralized Cookbook

We admit it, we are spiralizing addicts. Zucchini noodles, carrot and beet ribbons on salads, or baked sweet potato shoestring fries are all weekly staples thanks to our handy spiralizer. This is perfect for those friends who like to get creative in the kitchen, without spending tons of time or money. Pair the kitchen toy with the Inspiralized Cookbook to offer some recipe inspiration!

7. Swell water bottles

Help save the world by gifting a Swell water bottle, beautifully crafted out of non-toxic stainless steel.  In the US alone, 50 million plastic bottles are dumped in landfill sites each year, and over 200 billion globally.  Swell water bottles replace those plastic bottles while looking sleek and  keeping drinks cold for 24 hours or hot for 12. Swell also gives back to those in need by donating to UNICEF to help provide clean water to the world’s most vulnerable children. Now there’s a gift you can feel good about.

8. Lifeway Kefir holiday flavors

We couldn’t be more excited about Lifeway’s Kefir holiday flavors, Cranberry Creme Brulee, Eggnog, and pumpkin spice. Rather than bringing a bottle of wine to your next holiday party, surprise your guests with a bottle (or two!) of your favorite kefir smoothie! Aside from being rich in protein, calcium, and vitamin D, Lifeway’s kefir is a good source of probiotics, which are those beneficial microorganisms found in your digestive tract that help to boost immunity and support digestion. Let’s face it, we could all use a little immunity boost during the cold holiday season!

9. Jax Coco Global

Launched in Hong Kong in 2012 by Jane Gottschalk & partners, Jax Coco is known globally for producing the highest-quality coconut products, including the world's first premium glass-bottled coconut water.

Inspired by the crisp coconut water that it champions, Jax Coco offers Pure Coconut Water, Flavoured Coconut Water, Jax Kidz, Extra Virgin Centrifuged Coconut Oil, Jax Coco Toasted Coconut Chips and now, Jax Coco EVCCO Snaps. With the cold weather creeping in this holiday season, the it is extra important to keep skin moisturized and to stay hydrated and we can’t think of a better way to do this than with Jax Coco products! The luxe packaging makes for the perfect gift and decor in homes and bathrooms this holiday season and beyond!

Celebrity fans include Stella McCartney, Sienna Miller, Elton John, Cara Delevigne, Elizabeth Hurley and Matthew Williamson

10. Tata Harper Daily Essentials Kit

There is good reason Tata harper has gained popularity among celebrities and beauty experts. Her products are 100% natural and nontoxic. The formulas use the most advanced natural skincare technology to bring the most effective products on the market. If you’re not sold already, Tata’s products are completely environmentally sustainable;  they buy renewable energy from the state of VT to run their facilities and use recycled glass and paper to cut down on their carbon footprint.

11. Subscription to Daily Burn

We all know the benefits of exercise, but finding the time and money to spend on a gym membership can be obstacles for many. Daily burn is a no-excuse, accessible way to workout. All you need is an internet connection. For $12.95 per month, your loved ones will have access to all a large variety of workout videos led by expert trainers plus access to an interactive workout community.

12. "It Was Me All Along" by Andie Mitchell

This amazing memoir is perfect for those on your list looking for inspiration to become healthier. The New York Time’s best-selling author, Andie Mitchell recalls an honest account of her struggles with binging, obesity and the traumatic childhood that led her to seek solace in food. A definite must gift for anyone on your list looking for inspiration and a remarkable story during the holiday season. Stay tuned for Andie’s highly anticipated cookbook, "Eating in the Middle" coming out on March 29th.

13. "They All Fall Down" By Anna Kohanski Mason

Anna Kohanski Mason is a former bond trader turned leading force in the health and wellness space. After leaving the corporate world of Wall Street, Anna co-founded BurnThis, one of the leading apps for fitness. Through BurnThis, Anna established herself as a maven in the health and wellness space. Anna’s new book is perfect for the family member or friend who might work in the corporate world but whose passion lies in leading a healthy lifestyle.

Tovita Inspired Cocktail Recipes Created by Absolut Elyx

Here's the truth: We all enjoy a cocktail (or two), especially around the holidays. So let's cut to the chase and discuss how to do it without sugary sodas and syrups. We had some fun with our friends at Absolut Elyx by challenging them to incorporate a list of our favorite superfoods in their cocktails.  We have to say, we are very impressed with what they came up with! After having our friends taste test and vote, the Citrea cocktail was the winner. You will have to try and tell us which is your favorite!

We are not by any means implying that the following cocktails are healthy, or that they have any magical anti-hangover properties. We are just having some fun and taking taking alcohol off of the "things nutritionist don't talk about" list. These are also great cocktail ideas for any holiday parties you may be hosting this season!

Virdiris

Matcha powder is made from the green tea leaf. By creating a powder, you are able to consume 100% of the antioxidants and benefits from the leaf, rather than just what is steeped outside of the teabag. 

• 2 oz Elyx
• 1 oz PANATEA Matcha-infused Plymouth
• .5 oz Cocoa nib-infused Lillet Blanc
• Garnish: Lemon oil
• Served up in a cocktail coupe

Citrea

We are BEEyond in love with Manuka honey.  It is produced by bees in New Zealand and has anti-bacterial, antibiotic, and anti-inflammation properties. Manuka honey has higher levels of a compound called methylglyoxal than other types of honey. This compound is responsible for the antibiotic effect of Manuka honey that makes it a natural healer.  Did you know that bee pollen is considered one of nature's most nourishing foods? It is 40% protein and contains almost all of the nutrients required by humans. Half of the protein is in the form of free amino acids meaning it can be used directly by the body. 

• 2 oz Elyx
• 1 oz Pineapple juice
• .75 oz Tangerine juice
• .75 oz Lemon juice
• .5 oz Chamomile/Manuka honey syrup
• 2 dashes Lavender Bitters
• Garnish: Bee pollen, Lavender frond
• Served Tall over crushed ice (or as a slushy)

Dulcedo

Beet juice contains natural nitrates which increase nitric oxide in blood vessels. This opens up blood vessels to allow more oxygen flow and can help lower blood pressure. Beet juice can actually help you exercise longer due it the increased oxygen flow (not when paired with alcohol!) 

• 1.5 oz Elyx
• .5 oz Amontillado Sherry
• 1.25 oz Beet juice
• .75 oz Pink Grapefruit juice
• .75 oz Lemon juice
• .5 oz Manuka honey-syrup
• Garnish: Freshly-grated cinnamon, Rosemary Stick

Sitting Down with Jessica Mandelbaum, Co-Founder of PANATEA

Who better to sip matcha lattes with than the queen of matcha herself, Jessica Mandelbaum.  Jess and her husband Dave are the founders of PANATEA, which in our opinion, is the Beyonce of matcha brands. They have successfully made the ancient art of drinking matcha a relevant component of modern culture. So much so, that they have even launched a culinary grade matcha, meant to be used in original recipes and cooking. Here you'll learn why we stand behind the matcha movement and be sure to check out the recipe we concocted when we were left in the kitchen with a can of their new, culinary grade matcha powder. Guess what? Now you can get creative in the kitchen with your own matcha powder! Use the code tovita10 for a 10% discount. We can't wait to see what you come up with!

What led to the creation of PANATEA?

It was really out of necessity. Dave (my husband) and I have always lived generally healthy lifestyles. Coffee doesn't agree with us; it makes me feel jittery and it hurts Dave’s stomach, so we were always looking for healthy alternatives. We randomly discovered matcha here in NYC, at a random spot in Chinatown. We bought a package and started drinking it every morning. It wasn’t high grade matcha and we didn’t have a whisk to make it properly, but we experimented. We loved how it made us feel. Our skin was better and our energy levels were more sustained. We began investigating the market and realized that there was a clear opportunity to create a relatable and approachable matcha brand, with superior quality matcha. And thus, PANATEA was born.

Where and how do you source your matcha?

After teaming up with our Japanese tea master, who has over 20 years of experience, we traveled to Japan together. She guided us through the matcha farms and helped us find the most exquisite tea leaves. It has always been a priority for us to stay true to Japanese culture by not bastardizing the tradition, while still providing a modern spin on the whole process. Matcha has been around since the 12th century. Buddhist monks used to drink it before meditation and Samurai warriors before battle, to help them get in the zone and feel focused energy. PANATEA brings this ancient superfood to the modern healthy consumer.

How does PANATEA compare to conventional green tea? Or coffee?

With matcha, you’re consuming the full leaf. Matcha leaves are hand picked, steamed, dried, and then ground into fine a powder. When you drink conventional green tea, you only consume what’s steeped outside of the tea bag into your water; 10% - 20% of the nutrients depending on the variety and preparation. Whereas, with matcha, you consume 100% of the benefits. It's considered the ultimate superfood because it enhances antioxidant activity, supports metabolism and promotes energy and alertness.

In terms of caffeine, matcha has less caffeine than coffee. It contains about ½ the amount as espresso or ⅓ cup of coffee. It’s digested differently in your system though, giving you 4-6 hours of sustained and focused energy. Matcha also contains amino acids that help to give a calming effect...no jitter and no crash!

How else do you use matcha in your diet?

Right now I use our Ceremonial Grade matcha traditionally with water, or make a latte with a nut milk like coconut milk. I also love shaking up matcha with lemonade. It’s a really versatile ingredient too - you can add it to your morning smoothie, yogurt, pancakes, waffles, and even salad dressing. This is where our brand new Culinary Grade matcha really comes in!

What’s in store for PANATEA?

Our Culinary Grade matcha officially comes out this Fall! We actually just gave our community an early look this week though (check it out). We took a survey and found that 90% of customers are using our Ceremonial Grade matcha in their cooking/baking. We therefore decided to source a Culinary Grade matcha geared more toward this type of use. While it has a comparable nutrition profile, the flavor profile is stronger, so it’s better suited for cooking and baking as an ingredient in food, versus drinking it straight. The new white tin is double the size and lower in price too, more ideal for everyday food consumption.

Favorite PANATEA recipe?

I love smoothie bowls. They’re fun to make, they’re pretty, nutrient-dense and delicious! You get a lot of bang for your buck because you can mix in protein, greens, matcha, etc. For these, I use our Culinary Grade matcha, because it's mixed in as ingredient. I also love our matcha waffles.

If you were on an island and could only bring 3 things:

1. A soma water filter

2. My phone ( + a MEGA mophie)

3. My husband, Dave

Food or ingredient you would never touch?

Mayonnaise.

What is it like working with your husband?

The highs are high and the lows are low. It works for us. He handles more of the bigger picture vision and marketing, while I handle more of the day to day operations. I trust and respect that he’s doing a better job at his responsibilities than I could ever do, and vice versa.

Your motto to live by?

The journey is the reward. It’s not always about what's waiting at the end, but rather about enjoying everything along the way and taking away from it whatever you can.

PANATEA is all about “A Ritual For Life.” This has also become a motto for me personally. It’s important to have a routine for yourself and carve out time to do the things that make you feel good. Part of what differentiates us (aside from quality) is that we encourage you to bring matcha into your own home. We have tons of cafe partners, from Fika to Hu Kitchen, so you can try PANATEA in different forms. But at the end of the day, our goal is for you to be able to make it your own way, in the luxury of your own home. Drink it, shake it, bake it, mix it - we hope you make it a part of your everyday routine.

Lastly, I always say “everything in moderation,” including matcha :)

With all of the amazing recipes PANATEA has to offer, we had to get creative to come up with a matcha recipe with the Tovita touch. What did we come up with?  Matcha breakfast tacos!

MATCHA BREAKFAST TACOS

Ingredients (serves 4):

For tacos:

• 2 bananas
• 4 eggs
• 1/2 cup quick oats
• 1 tablespoon of Panatea culinary grade matcha powder (link)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• dash of cinnamon
• For cooking- coconut oil or olive oil based cooking spray

For Fillings (get creative!):

• 1 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup almond or peanut butter
• 1 cup berries
• 1/4 cup shredded coconut
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds

Directions:

1. In a blender, mix together all of the taco ingredients until pancake dough-like consistency. The tacos should be a nice bright green color due to the  matcha powder 
2. Heat skillet with coconut oil or cooking spray and cook 1-3 tacos at a time to avoid breaking. You should get about 8 tacos from the dough
3. Spread either nutbutter or greek yogurt (or both!) on the taco, and fill with berries, coconut, chia seeds, or whatever other toppings your heart desires.
4. Fold and eat like a taco. Enjoy!