There are times when we walk past the vitamin store in the mall, we recognize a friend browsing the shelves with their basket already half full of supplements.  They are the health freak; that friend of ours who is always trying out the latest diet or newest exercise fad.  Or, perhaps they’re new to the whole health scene.  Or maybe they represent those among us who are trying to lose those extra pounds…for the third year in a row.  No matter what, we all know someone who is “carb conscious.”  So, when their birthday comes around, it can be challenging to get them a gift that meets their healthy living. In fact, this give you a good starting point in deciding upon a gift.  You can take this information and turn it into a gift that will inspire them.

A great gift idea is to get them a membership to a local health club or gym.  They’ll be among others with the same goals, and plenty of equipment to help them take on their challenges.  Some of the equipment can be intimidating or tricky looking, and the staff is always willing to demonstrate how to work them.  Many health clubs will also offer trainers to guide customers in a work out regime that best suits them.  Getting a friend a membership is a great way to motivate someone to get out of the house and get started on shedding the pounds.  Even if your friend already has a membership to such a club, you can still give them a free month, or even a gift certificate to be used at the club for additional services or products.

If a gift of a club membership is a bit more than you planned to spend, there are other gifts in the same spirit.  A stop at your local sports shop is always a great place to find loads of gift ideas for your health conscious friend.  Health stores offer loads of ideas that can suit almost anyone’s interests.  You might find a video guide on a popular exercise routine or an inspirational book.  

Just because they want to lose weight doesn’t mean they can’t eat.  There are a lot of books that can be found in sports shops or even health clubs with recipe guides and nutritional information.  These books are a great idea for those who are fine when it comes to working out, but have trouble controlling their diet.  The sports shop has new ideas at every turn including pedometers and heart rate monitors making your gift hunt much easier.

If you want your gift to express more of a personal touch, try sending a gourmet fruit basket. Fruit can become an extremely healthy habit.  Think of the food pyramid that you may have first glimpsed when you were in grade school.  Fruit is healthy.  Fruit is one of the healthiest foods around; it provides essential vitamins and energy not to mention is cholesterol-free.  There’s no question that a fruit basket would be loved by your health conscious friend.  Fruit baskets can come in several different assortments that will provide your friend with his favorite treats.  One exception to keep in mind, however, often people who are just beginning a low carb diet are not permitted fruit.

So whether they’re just getting into fitness or have been exercising for years, showing your support for their efforts to drop some weight by getting them a healthy gift is a great way to wish them a happy birthday.

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