5 Gifts to Help You Lose Weight Under $100: Ask for these this Christmas

Still looking for something special, yet supportive for a friend or loved one that is making great changes to their diet and lifestyle this holiday season? A way to say "keep up the great work" without implying that there was work to be done?

Here are five health-supporting gifts under $100 for the shrinking person on your list.
1. Electric Grill. Grilling is such a healthy way to cook. Very little added fat is required (just a spritz from your olive oil sprayer), and any fat released from the food is collected in a tray and does not make it on to your plate.

My personal favorite: the Griddler by Cuisinart. The Griddler opens flat for asparagus, and closes for paninis and salmon burgers.

Upgrade your gift: Add a Cuisinart Oil Spritzer.

2. MP3 Player. Nothing gets you moving and relaxing into your fat-burning rest and digest mode like good music! Whether it’s on your run or walk, to focus at the gym, or to listen to the latest podcast from Oprah, an MP3 player is an accessory that is hard to do without.

My personal favorite: Pyrus. This little guy also has a voice recorder, video screen, and camera. Take pictures from the top of that staircase you just climbed!

Upgrade your gift: Add an iTunes gift card.

3. Blender or Juicer. No greater way to start a health-promoting day than with freshly made juice or a whole foods smoothie. It's such a great way to intake a whole whack of nutrients without a whole whack of extra calories.

My personal favorite: the Magic Bullet! No excuses about mess (put cups in dishwasher) or time (throw everything in and take it with you)!

Upgrade your gift: There are so many options to blend up besides smoothies in the Magic Bullet Cookbook.

4. Body Fat Monitor and Scale. We’re always looking for a way to monitor progress, and the easiest way has always been a traditional scale. We know of course that as we exercise and get more fit, we build muscle and lose fat. Muscle weighs more than fat, so even though we’re doing everything right, the number on the scale doesn’t want to move in our favor. A scale is a start, but a body fat monitor measures your fat mass and water content as well, so you can see progress in the important areas.

My personal favorite: The Tanita Duo Scale Plus Body Fat Monitor lets you measure more than one change in your body.

Upgrade your gift: Include a MyoTape measuring tape for an even greater way to see change, and add a journal for tracking progress.

5. Fitness Video Game. So many families have at least one video gaming system that adults should totally take advantage of. What a great way to get your whole family active. It's not just for kids!

My personal favorite: Wii Fit has enough choices to keep even the finickiest of armchair athletes out of their seats.

Upgrade your gift: Add on a Wii Fit Workout Kit to keep the challenges coming!

There are so many great health and weight loss promoting gifts out there, that there’s no excuse for not being supportive. They will love the fact that you care enough to actively support their goals and paths. Remember to make holiday meals and grazing a healthy experience as well. Nothing says festive holiday season like red peppers, white cauliflower, and green celery dipped in homemade spinach dip. Now we’re talking Happy New Year!