Not your sweet Valentine

How many of us end up buying chocolates, cookies and other sweets as last minute gifts when we run out of time and ideas? The truth is that a lot of us also buy chocolates as intentionally planned presents.

I started thinking a lot about giving sweets last holiday season when I was buying presents for multiple daycare teachers, house cleaners, colleagues, etc. Why do we do that? Why do we give others all those chocolates and cookies when most of us are trying to avoid those foods in our diets? Do you get very excited when someone gives you a box of cookies and chocolates? Honestly, even though I really appreciate the gesture, I wish I didn't have that chocolate on my desk or on the kitchen counter. And I bet at least some of you share this feeling.

Therefore, I made a commitment to myself not to give sweets as a gift. There will be exceptions, of course, like that friend who absolutely loves macaroons and can eat hundreds of them without any damage to her lean figure, or someone specifically asking to bring a particular treat from one of my trips. But as a general rule I decided to give anything else but sweets. And if I want to stick to food related gifts, there are plenty of specialty stores for that, such as specialty oils and vinegars, spreads, honey, fruit arrangements, meal kit deliveries, and many more. And besides that, there is a never ending list of non-food related items. 

Let's make it easier for each other to stay healthy and feel good about ourselves, especially during the holidays when we already eat more and are more likely to skip a class or two at the gym.

 Do you have any other great suggestions for sweet gift alternatives that were a success? I would love to hear from you!