Kristen Norton - Well Balanced Nutrition

2025 Well Balanced Holiday Gift Guide: The Best Gifts for Body, Mind, and Home

by Kristen Norton | Nov 11, 2025 | Well Balanced Wisdom

The holidays are a time to gather, share, and savor. And while shiny new gadgets and trendy gifts often get the spotlight, some of the most meaningful presents are those that enrich daily rituals like the morning cup of tea, a family dinner, or a quiet moment with a good book.

We love giving (and receiving!) gifts that nurture well-being in ways that feel both practical and deeply personal and support overall wellness in ways both big and small: the foods we eat, the spaces we gather in, the rituals that ground us, and the hobbies that bring joy. These are the kinds of presents that make everyday life a little brighter, cozier, and more nourishing – long after the holiday season has passed.

Whether you’re shopping for a home cook, a wellness enthusiast, or someone who simply loves cozy rituals, here are some thoughtful ideas to inspire your holiday gifting this year.

Food & Beverage Favorites

Few things feel more special (or useful) than gifts you can taste, savor, and share. Food gifts are classic for a reason – they delight the senses, disappear (avoiding clutter!), and often inspire time spent together in the kitchen. Choose quality over quantity and opt for small-batch, ethically sourced, or locally made items that reflect care and craftsmanship.

Tea Samplers – A calming ritual in a cup. A collection of high-quality teas makes a soothing gift for anyone who loves a calming ritual. Whether it’s a robust black tea for morning energy or a caffeine-free herbal blend for winding down, a tea sampler invites moments of pause in a busy season.
- Asheville Tea Company – their warehouse was destroyed by Helene, so 2025 would be a great year to support this NC company and share their tasty teas with your loved ones.
Nut Butter – A high-quality pantry staple that turns toast or oatmeal into something extraordinary.
- Big Spoon Roasters started in Durham and offers small-batch, flavorful blends that elevate breakfast toast, oatmeal bowls, or even a mid-afternoon spoonful straight from the jar.
CSA / Local Farm Subscription – A beautiful way to give the gift of fresh, seasonal produce all year long. A CSA encourages cooking with the rhythm of the seasons and trying new-to-you fresh produce (with variety that can support your gut microbiome) and supports local farmers – making it a delicious, healthy, and sustainable choice that supports your community.
Gift Certificate for Local Produce
- Coach Kristen loves the flexibility and convenience of Let It Grow Produce in Winston-Salem
- In Durham, there’s so much to love about Perkins Orchard.
Quality Olive Oil – A drizzle of good olive oil elevates any meal and is a great source of heart-healthy fats. A kitchen essential worth splurging on that can support heart health is a win-win!
Spices – Bright, fresh spices can completely transform cooking by adding depth and dimension to any dish. A beautifully packaged spice is both useful and inspiring for anyone who loves to cook (or wants to cook more) and a great way to encourage culinary exploration.
Dark Chocolate – High-quality dark chocolate isn’t just a sweet treat, it’s a moment of joy – a little indulgence, rich in flavor and antioxidants.
- French Broad
- Escazú
Pears (Royal Riviera / Comice from Harry & David) – Perfectly ripe Comice pears are a classic holiday gift for good reason. Juicy, fragrant, and elegantly packaged, they feel both nostalgic and luxurious. (Plus, pears are a great source of fiber and soluble fiber!)
Coffee from a Local Roaster – For the coffee lover, a bag of beans from a local roaster is a thoughtful way to support small businesses and make their morning ritual a little more special. Bonus: pair it with a beautiful mug for a complete set.
- Little Waves
- Magic Beans

Kitchen & Dining Tools

These small upgrades in kitchen gifts make daily cooking more joyful, efficient, and mindful. These practical yet beautiful items encourage creativity, sustainability, and connection around food.

Silicone Spatulas / Spoons / Ladles – Durable, heat-proof, colorful, and built to last, these are the kind of kitchen tools that quietly make a big difference. They’re great for stirring sauces, folding batters, and everything in between.
- GIR – the “Spoonula” is great for skillet meals
Cutting Boards – A well-crafted cutting board can double as a serving platter, making it as functional as it is beautiful.
Recipe Box or Binder for “Keeper” Recipes – A beautiful, nostalgic way to store family favorites and new discoveries alike. It’s a thoughtful gift for someone who loves to cook or wants to build a collection of meaningful recipes. Personalize your gift by sharing a favorite recipe!
- Leather Cookbook Binder
- Personalized Wooden Recipe Boxes
Reusable Water Bottle – A simple, high-quality water bottle supports hydration and reduces waste. Look for one that’s durable, easy to clean, and fits seamlessly into daily routines.
Coffee or Tea Mug – There’s something deeply personal about a good mug. Whether it’s sleek and modern or cozy and handmade, the right mug can make morning beverages feel like a comforting daily ritual.
- Lake Lismore Pottery (Clemmons)
- Spin Frogs Pottery
- HAAND (Burlington)
Cloth Napkins – Soft, reusable napkins are both elegant and environmentally friendly. They instantly make everyday meals feel a little more special.
- Southern Highland Craft Guild
- Made in NC Store
Recipe / Meal Planning Apps – Sometimes the best gifts aren’t tangible, but instead tools that make everyday life a little easier or more inspiring.
- Copy Me That Premium – Coach Kristen swears by this app. The free version is awesome, but the premium gives you even more features for only $12.99. Pull recipes in from any website, organize them, edit them, and create a meal plan and grocery list with ease. When you have a tool like this, planning, shopping, and cooking feels easier and more fun.
- Paprika – Another recipe organizer that makes it easy to plan meals, grocery shop efficiently, and keep track of favorites.
- NYTimes Cooking – Endless inspiration for cooks of all levels, with reliable recipes and tips.
Cookbooks – A fun and beautiful cookbook provides ideas and inspiration for many meals to share.
- Good Things by Samin Nosrat
- Tenderheart by Hetty Lui McKinnon
- What To Cook When You Don’t Feel Like Cooking – by Caroline Chambers (Winston Salem Native)

Outside the Kitchen: Gifts for Whole-Body Wellness

Because true nourishment extends beyond the plate. These gifts nurture creativity, connection, movement, and rest for a well balanced, healthy life.

Mind

Puzzles – A great way to unwind, unplug, and enjoy quiet focus. They’re also lovely for family or friend gatherings during the holidays.
Art Classes – Experiences make incredible gifts. Creative expression is a powerful form of self-care.
Museum Planetarium Pass – Give the gift of exploration. A year-long pass to a local museum or science center offers countless opportunities to learn, reflect, and be inspired.

Body

Rice Pack or Heat Pad – Warmth and comfort in one. Cozy comfort and muscle relaxation – perfect for cold evenings, sore muscles, or a little self-care ritual.
Humidifier – Especially helpful in dry winter months, a humidifier supports skin health, comfort, and respiratory wellness.
Neck Massager or Massage Gun – help them get relief from tight muscles and tension from stress, workouts, or just daily life.

Stepping Outside or “Touching Earth”

Houseplant or Flower Bouquet Delivery (or Subscription) – A house plant or bouquet of fresh flowers can bring brightness to even the grayest day. It’s a simple, uplifting way to add beauty to someone’s routine. A subscription offers cheerful, mood-lifting surprises throughout the year.
Gardening Tools – For those who love to dig in the dirt (or want to start), quality tools make gardening more accessible and enjoyable.
Wool Blend Socks – Warm, breathable socks are an underrated pleasure. They make cold mornings infinitely better and are sweat-wicking and quick drying all year round.
- Farm to Feet
AllTrails+ Subscription – For hikers and walkers, this app opens up a world of trails, maps, and adventure, encouraging more time in nature.

Sleep Well

Rest isn’t a luxury; it’s a foundation of health. These sleep-focused gifts support relaxation and quality rest, which is often one of the best wellness gifts of all.

Sound Machine – A gentle way to improve sleep quality. White noise or gentle nature sounds can help calm the mind and create a consistent sleep environment.
Seasonal Blankets – Cozy wool for winter, breathable cotton for summer – a simple way to make rest feel more intentional and luxurious.

DIY & Homemade Gifts

A homemade gift carries a special kind of love and care.

Homemade Vanilla Extract – A simple but elegant gift that bakers will appreciate all year long. A small bottle goes a long way in baking.
Jam or Preserves – A jar of homemade jam is a sweet reminder of summer flavors.
Candle-Making Kit – A creative and sensory project that’s both fun to make and enjoyable to use – or a gift in itself.
- CandleScience – this Durham company sells supplies and kits for making candles, soaps, or diffusers.
Hand Scrub – Simple, nourishing, and perfect for winter-dry hands. This “recipe” will give you an idea of what you can try, but it’s very flexible!

Gifting doesn’t have to be complicated or extravagant! When we choose gifts that nourish (through food, creativity, or cozy rituals) we offer something more lasting than a wrapped package. We give a little bit of warmth, care, and inspiration for the year ahead.

May your holiday season be full of warmth, nourishment, and meaningful connection.

Pumpkin Spice Blender Oats

by Kristen Norton | Nov 7, 2025 | Recipes and Meal Ideas

Pumpkin Spice Blender Oats

If pumpkin spice is your thing, then this recipe is for you! A healthy and delicious treat that satisfies your craving for something sweet. Only five minutes to prep before you put it in the oven. The bonus is you get to enjoy the aroma that will fill your kitchen with smell good fall vibes!

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Prep Time 5

Total Time 20

Servings: 1

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

1/2 cup oatmeal old fashioned
1 Tbs flax meal
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1/4 cup pumpkin canned
1 egg
1/4 almond milk unsweetened (or milk of choice)
1 Tbs maple syrup
1 Tbs chocolate chips

Method

Prep

Preheat oven to 350°F.
Grease 8-ounce ramekin.

Make

Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.
Pour into a greased ramekin and stir in chocolate chips.
Place ramekin on a small baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes.
Let cool for 5-10 minutes.
Top with yogurt of choice, if desired (nutrition facts are without yogurt).

Notes

Nutrition Facts:
Calories 349, Total Fat 11g, Saturated Fat 3g, Trans Fat 0g, Cholesterol 186mg, Sodium 131mg, Total Carbohydrates 51g, Dietary Fiber 8g, Total Sugars 17g, Protein 14g Calcium 326mg Iron 4mg Potassium 650mg

Make it work for you:

To increase protein content: consider adding 2 tablespoons of your favorite protein powder to the blender and/or top final product with a high-protein Greek yogurt.
To decrease sugar content: swap out maple syrup with stevia or your favorite alternative sweetener

How Can All Foods Fit in a Healthy Diet?

by Kristen Norton | Oct 26, 2025 | Nutrition Questions Answered

Have you ever heard a dietitian say “All Foods Fit” and thought, yeah, right? I get it. It sounds too good to be true, like somehow we’re supposed to eat cake, mac and cheese, and Oreos yet still call it a “healthy diet.”

Your skepticism is understandable. Let me explain. “All foods fit” is a response to the all-or-nothing diet culture message that we have to restrict or eliminate certain foods. It doesn’t mean throwing balance and healthy foods out the window. Instead, it’s about having some flexibility and making room for the foods that bring us joy, including our favorite comfort foods. That warm soup on a chilly day, a slice of grandma’s pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving, or even a chocolate treat after a long week. Experiencing joy and comfort from food is something everyone deserves, and it doesn’t have to come with guilt.

If you’ve spent years dieting, it’s easy to start thinking of healthy foods and comfort foods as complete opposites — like one is “good” and the other is “bad.” Over time, this mindset can make eating feel stressful or overly restrictive. At Well Balanced Nutrition, we challenge you to bring them together or at least allow them to coexist on your plate. A handful of chips alongside a veggie-packed sandwich on whole wheat bread is a perfect example. Too often, we see people swinging between extremes, eating everything indulgent and “unhealthy” one day, then trying to eat “pure and perfect” the next. When comfort foods and nutritious foods can live side by side, eating becomes more satisfying, flexible, and sustainable.

ways to incorporate all foods into a healthy diet

What Is Comfort Food Really?

By definition, comfort food is “food prepared in a traditional style having a usually nostalgic or sentimental appeal.” But to me, it’s more than that. It’s food that feels like a hug.

Comfort foods can be the dishes we grew up with or simply the foods we crave after a long day. Think warm soup on a chilly evening, a grilled cheese when you’re feeling worn out, or ice cream on a summer night.

The good news is that you don’t have to give up the foods that make your soul smile to eat in a way that nourishes your body. For the comfort foods that show up regularly in your week — the meals and snacks you reach for most often — there are simple ways to make them a little more nourishing without losing their flavor or joy. Whether it’s swapping in whole grains, sneaking in extra veggies, or boosting protein and healthy fats, small tweaks can help your favorite dishes support both satisfaction and wellness. Let’s explore some strategies to keep comfort foods cozy, delicious, and a part of your balanced lifestyle.

How to Make Comfort Foods More Nourishing

Not all comfort foods need a makeover. Some traditions are meant to stay just the way they are, like Grandma’s pumpkin pie or your family’s special holiday casserole. Those foods are part of your story, and that alone makes them valuable.

For the comfort foods we eat more regularly, here are some simple ways to make them better for you.

Choose Recipes Made with Naturally Nourishing Ingredients

Some comfort foods are already packed with goodness. Take minestrone soup, for example. It’s warm, cozy, and full of fiber from beans and vegetables.

At Well Balanced Nutrition, our Ultimate Minestrone Soup uses low-sodium broth and whole grain pasta for an extra nutrition boost, perfect for gut and heart health.

Try this: Add an extra handful of spinach or swap white pasta for lentil pasta for more fiber and staying power.

Sneak in Veggies and Legumes

I love finding creative ways to boost the nutrition in familiar dishes. Our Sheet-Pan Bolognese replaces ground beef with lentils and adds colorful veggies, all the flavor with less saturated fat.

This trick works beautifully for classics like shepherd’s pie, too. Add mashed cauliflower or lentils into the mix for a hearty, nourishing spin.

Swap Flours and Sweeteners in Baking

Baking comfort foods can be both cozy and smart. Try using oats or whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour, and reduce added sugar when possible.

Our Pumpkin Muffins are a favorite, just one tablespoon of maple syrup, but full of pumpkin flavor, fiber, and that cozy fall aroma.

Whole grains add fiber and satisfaction, helping you stay full and energized without the sugar crash.

Reimagine Fried Favorites

Fried food can be comforting, but not every version has to be deep-fried. Our Fried Cauliflower Rice has all the flavor and crunch you crave, without the heavy oil. It’s rich in protein and fiber, and you can serve it over brown rice for a complete, satisfying meal.

Add Protein and Healthy Fats to Sweets

Dessert can absolutely be part of a balanced diet. Adding foods with protein, healthy fats, or fiber (like Greek yogurt, nuts, dates, or seeds) you boost satisfaction and support balanced blood sugar.

Our Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates with Coconut and Cacao are a great example: naturally sweet, with protein and healthy fats from the peanut butter and fiber from the dates and coconut.

Pro tip: Pairing a sweet treat with protein or fat can help slow digestion and keep cravings in check, making dessert both satisfying and nourishing.

The Bottom Line: You Can Have Your Cake and Eat It Too

There’s a common belief that comfort foods and health don’t mix, that you have to choose between feeling good and eating good. But here’s the truth: comfort food and health can absolutely coexist. It’s not about giving up the food you love; it’s about finding a balance that nourishes both your body and your soul.

If you’re tired of the all-or-nothing approach and ready to find your version of well balanced, we’d love to help.

Book a session with one of our dietitians to learn how to make comfort foods part of your sustainable, healthy lifestyle.

Ultimate Minestrone Soup

by Kristen Norton | Oct 26, 2025 | Recipes and Meal Ideas

Ultimate Minestrone Soup

Our Ultimate Minestone soup is filled with healthy grains, veggies and beans. Packed full of nutritients and big flavor. Only 15 minutes to prep so it's a quick fix for those busy days. Sitting down to a bowl of this soup on a cool evening will warm you up while filling you up!

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Prep Time 15

Total Time 45

Servings: 8

Course: Soup

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Method Notes