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With Black Friday behind us, it's time to start that holiday shopping! If you're thinking of wrapping up some sweets for your loved ones or co-workers, this may be the year to reconsider. Everyone (yes, everyone!) is worried about adding on a few extra pounds over the holidays. Give healthier versions of some goodies to your loved ones and they'll probably be relieved to receive a gift they can actually enjoy rather than a gift that is going to amount to wars of willpower and added pounds.

Below are a few of my favorites treats. These are great as gifts or as an addition to a gift bag or stocking. They taste like a delicious splurge but they all pack a much more powerful punch in terms of nutrition compared to their normal counterparts. Keep reading for special holiday deals and discounts!

purely elizabeth Cookies, Muffins, and Pancakes

Taste: Yum! I taste tested the chocolate chip cookies and had to pack them in the freezer so I wouldn't eat them all!
Nutrition Profile: These are fabulous mixes that are free of refined sugar, dairy, gluten, artificial flavors, colors and sweeteners. So, what's in there? Nutrient rich flours, unrefined sweeteners and even some powerful superfoods (like chia seeds).
From the CEO/Founder: Elizabeth Stein says: "Our goal at purely elizabeth is to make the most delicious, gourmet mixes loaded with health benefits. We use the highest-quality natural and organic nutrient-rich ingredients, with a commitment to healthy eating, healthy living and a healthy planet."
Where to buy/Special Deals: Check out the website to order or to find a retailer near you. And follow purely Elizabeth on facebook to stay tuned to holiday deals starting on black Friday! The packaging is adorable, so these make for beautiful gifts!

Zing Bars

Taste: Lots of delicious flavors like chocolate peanut butter, oatmeal chocolate chip, or chocolate coconut. Each flavor is savory, moist, and slightly chewy. These definitely don't taste mass produced, they taste fresh, wholesome, and richly satisfying.
Nutrition Profile: Aside from being 100% natural, one of the huge benefits of this bar over others is that it uses low glycemic ingredients. It's gluten, soy, and corn free and is high in protein and fiber.
From the CEO/Co-founder: When asked what sets Zing apart, David Ingalls, RD, says "It boils down to our tagline: Complete Nutrition that tastes amaZing! Zing Bars provide optimum nutrition. Because they are made in small batches with the highest quality natural ingredients, they always taste fresh".
Where to buy/Special Deals: Zing is located in Seattle, WA and is mainly distributed on the West Coast in natural foods stores like Whole Foods Market. To order in other areas, visit their website. Order online before December 31st and receive a 15% discount! Enter code 'andreadavis' at checkout (I have no affiliation with Zing just a code in my name, so my recommendation is independent).

Peeled Snacks

Taste: Simple, clean, and delicious. Yum!
Nutrition Profile: These guys keep it simple...the fruit snacks consist of fruit, and nothing else! Go figure! That means fiber and vitamin C in a handy little snack pack. Many of the dried fruits on the market have added sweeteners and preservatives so this is a novelty!
From the Team: "Real food begins with pure ingredients. We strive to bring you fruit and nuts from organic and sustainable farms to ensure that our products are good for you and good for the environment".
Where to buy/Special Deals: Peeled snacks are at many common stores these days (like Starbucks), but find a store near you. Adorable holiday gift sets are now available. Also check out their Deals of the Month. Of note, while these are a bit on the pricier side, some packages includes 2 servings.

Organic Dark Chocolate

You can never go wrong with dark chocolate as a treat. Look for roughly 70%+ cocoa content. Some tasty brands include Green and Black's, Nibmor, Endangered Species, Viviani, Trader Joe's brand (if you have a store near you) and the list goes on and on!

This is reprinted from my blog on FOX NY.

Have a healthy holiday season!
Andrea
www.andreadaviswellness.com
Check out my 8 Week Nutrition Tune-Up Program!