Hi, friends!
Are you sick of all the crazy consumerism occupying your feeds these days?
Seems like every “influencer” on the planet has a “gift guide,” and many of them are stacked with affiliate links to more pointless STUFF:
- Stuff disguised as “life hacks;”
- STUFF disguised as “essentials” for a complete (fill in the blank: pantry storage solution, bathroom storage solution, playroom storage solution*);
- STUFF disguised as a solution to a problem you didn’t even know you had!
*whatever happened to just dumping all the toys in an old bin and calling it good?
What if, instead of filling our carts with fleeting trends and “solutions” that give us even more work on the back-end (I will not be unloading my package of String Cheese into an acrylic cheesestick organizer in my refrigerator for easy dairy dispensing, thankyouverymuch)…
…we focused on things that truly add value to our lives: experiences, connections, and investments in our well-being?
And while I can’t help with the experiences and connections, I can help with the “investments in our well-being” … meaning, yes, I’ve created a Gift Guide (as a [reluctant] “influencer,” I will lose my Internet Badge if I don’t)…
BUT I’ve tried to create one that reflects my commitment to less crap, more self-improvement.
At 40+ years old, what I care most about is, frankly, aging like a badass and feeling good while I do it. And I know a lot of you are right there with me!
So I’ve curated my absolute favorites here to help you do the same—with an eye toward sustainability, health, and longevity—and left the rest. (Read to the end to hear why a few viral items didn’t make it here.)
Better You Gift #1: LNDR workout attire. (No affiliation)
Why do I recommend this (pricey) brand, rather than flooding you with “Amazon Dupes?” Because this is a woman-owned brand with incredible customer service, an eye toward sustainability, and sculpting-as-hell, squat-proof, high-waisted workout pants that will last forever.
Why do I love these? Because I’ve got that delicious jiggle, and I HATE “featherweight” pants that make me feel like my gorgeous jelly is running in all directions. When I run, jump, and sweat, I don’t need any additional bounce. I like being held in place. If you’re like me, this brand will be your new obsession.
Better You Gift #2: Xero shoes. (No affiliation)
Xero is a company with incredible founders, a sustainability focus, and damn good shoes with zero drop soles and wide toe boxes. And they’re cute!
If we’re going to care for ourselves like we should, we’ve got to think about our feet. No more foot cages! No more pinchy toe boxes! When our feet can move right, we can walk, run, and exercise for the long haul with fewer issues, from our knees to our hips to our lower backs. Show your kinetic chain some love!
They’ve got kid’s shoes, too!
Better You Gift #3: The Walking Pad (I’m an affiliate!)
*use code REALFOODLIZ for a big discount!*
I affiliate with very few brands, but a partnership with Walking Pad was an absolute no-brainer. Why? Because I use mine every. single. day. (I’m using it right now, as I write this post!)
Aging well and walking are like peas and carrots. But at this stage of life, when we’re busy as hell, we can’t always just head out on a nice, extended walk. I habit stack (especially in bad/cold weather) by working on my walking pad, taking calls on my walking pad, and even folding laundry and meal prepping on my walking pad. I have made walking a non-negotiable, daily habit, and alongside resistance training, that’s my anti-aging Rx.
It’s also foldable and stows away so easily.
Better You Gift #4: IdealAge Daily Aminos+
*use code LIZ for 10% off!*
You know I had to add this, right? This is my product (my passion, in fact) and the first in a line of supplements I’m designing with the best formulators in the world to support women as they age. My brand is called IdealAge, and this product is the badass secret ingredient to supporting your energy, workout recovery, and metabolic health.
(They’re great for everyone, but I care the most about us!)
These are the perfect stocking stuffer, and the best addition to a New Year’s routine dedicated to a better you. Plus, you’ll be supporting my small (extremely small) woman-owned business!
Better You Gift #5: The Science of Stuck by Britt Frank
I’ve been diving into self-improvement (audio) books for the last year, and lemme tell ya: I’ve cracked open some real duds! This, however, is one of my absolute favorites. It’s engaging, it’s raw, and it’s narrated by the author (who is highly credentialed), which I love.
If, lately, you’ve found yourself thinking I’m (x) years old. When am I gonna get my sh!t together? This is the book for you. (If you’re giving it as a gift, make sure your giftee won’t be offended at the suggestion that they need help.)
And as far as what’s missing, that you’ve probably seen elsewhere? Here’s my quick rundown:
What I’m NOT gifting or guide-ing:
Fem-Tech: A year or more ago, I sang the praises of an Oura-ring-like product for tracking biomarkers of health for women. It just didn’t pan out well, and it was way too buggy. For now, I advise folks to wait until the next generation of these devices are released.
CGMs: I KNOW they’re having their “Holiday Gifting Moment,” but CGMs measure glucose levels in interstitial fluid, not the blood, which can be inaccurate; AND given the web-based hysteria over “glucose spikes” (which is actually a more nuanced topic than the internet wants us to believe), I think a few other measures—like getting an RMR, V02 max, and possibly even a DEXA scan—is far more useful in deciding how to craft your approach to long-term wellness. Locally, I go to a place called DexaFit (no affiliation). Perhaps there’s somewhere similar near you?
Amazon “Dupes?” I know we’ve all gotten used to being served Amazon product links lit-rally all day long, and yes, there are some great “dupe” fitness brands on Amazon, but I think we’ve all got enough workout tanks by now, no? (Remembering the days of going to spin class in my old basketball shorts and a cotton T-shirt…I survived.)
Happy Gifting!
