“It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness.” - Charles Spurgeon

Christmas gift ideas specifically for sporty and health-conscious people

This edition of the newsletter is filled with Christmas gift ideas specifically for sporty and health-conscious people like you.

Here are my top 3 drinks to buy as gifts for health-conscious people.

I am not being paid to recommend any of these products (no kick-back), I do so because I think they are good and that you may gain benefit from them.

Let me know what you think of the ideas by replying to this blog, or emailing me (james@nutritionforenergy.co.uk)

My top 3 drink related gift ideas for sporty people

1. How to make an espresso martini even better

Most health-conscious people don't over indulge in alcohol. In my opinion the best way to enjoy alcohol is to have less of it but ensure that what you are having is of the highest quality. Then you don't need as much and you can get more enjoyment from it without waking up with a horrid hangover the next day.

This recommendation is targeting those of you who have people in your lives (this may indeed be you) who love a cocktail (did someone say espresso martini), but still want to eat healthily and train hard. (Less, but better is the answer).

How to level up your espresso martini?

Firstly for something like an espresso martini, start with the coffee. This is the ingredient which is going to be bringing a lot of the flavour to the drink. In most cases this would also be bringing a big hit of caffeine too, which when you think about it is not ideal if you drinking this in the evening, want to get a good nights sleep so you can et up and train the next day.

The solution, is to get a good decaf coffee. It is worth spending a bit of money on decent decaf, as you do get what you pay for with the cheaper brands using a chemical wash to extra the caffeine, whereas others may use the swiss water extraction method (much better). I personally love the brand "Dockmasters" their decaf beans are incredible (whether you are having it as your normal coffee, or if you want to have them in your martini).

Secondly, improve the quality of your coffee liqueur. I have been experimenting with brands over the years I have adopted this less but better approach and have landed on one called "Mr Blacks". It has been cold brewed and has is deeper flavour than your classic Kahlúa, and also has the added benefit of looking waaay classier in your drinks cabinet. This can be a perfect gift for a health conscious individual who enjoys a cocktail.

Here is the link to the Mr Blacks Coffee Liqueur.

2. What to buy when gifting matcha?

I am sure you have heard about the health benefits of green tea. If you are gifting for someone who already drinks green tea, it is likely they will like the taste of matcha. This opens up a window for you to make an awesome gift purchase for them without spending the moon. Matcha is a special type of green tea grown in the shade, and the leaves are only picked from the top of the bush. This means you only eat the young leave with the most nutrients in them. Matcha is all these leave ground into a powder. Now, you could just buy a fancy brand of matcha, but if the giftee is not set up from drinking matcha then they may not actually use your gift.

So here is my recommendation of what to buy alongside some nice matcha so your friend/family member or partner can make themselves a brew that day (if they liked).

I recommend this gift set because it contains all the bits you actually need. The bamboo whisk (essential), this is for mixing the powder and water together. A bamboo whisk stand, the reason I think this is a helpful gift is because without one, the bamboo whisk will lose it shape, so personally I think the stand is needed. The other bit of bamboo is to portion out your matcha serving, you don't strictly speaking NEED this bit, but it looks quite nice. And finally a little bowl for whisking the water and matcha together. Most people have plenty of mugs, so although you could get a lovely new matcha mug, it's not essential. Or you could find one you particularly like the look of and add it to your gift bundle.

Here is the link to the gift set I like the look of which contains all these bits.

If you want to buy matcha to go with the gift set, I would strongly suggest going for ceremonial grade. This is the best, highest quality grade matcha and will froth nicely with your bamboo whisk. There are also multiple grades of Ceremonial matcha, and from experience you do get what you pay for. There are many brands out there, but I like this one as it is good value for money and organic!

Matcha and Co - Ceremonial Grade Matcha

3. For those who love a chai latte

Now, I feel I may have created a blog just as an excuse to talk about how much I love the Chai Guys Massala Chai. Woza - YUMMY! If you know of a friend who loves to order a chai latte when others are opting for a flat white, then this is the present for them. Honestly with this mix they can make themselves a Chai that is THAT good. 

I would recommend going for the masala chai blend that includes the tea, this makes it so much easier and you will get the proportions right. All they have to do is follow the instructions on the pack and they will have a drink which they will forever thank you for introducing them too.

If you want to go fancy you can get the tin, which they can then buy refill pouches for, or just follow the link bellow to the refill pouch which is the 50-50 spices and tea.

Massala Chai - Chai Guys

Let me know what you think

Drop me a message on Instagram if you end up getting any of these. I would love to hear your feedback (if it has been a present for yourself), or if the person you are buying for enjoys it.

Instagram : @nutrition.for.energy

Energetically - James