The official ‘nice’ list for all things nutrition is here! We’ve polled our dietitian team to curate their most festive #essenceapproved favorites for your purchasing pleasure off our Amazon page. Your friends will politely accept your kitschy mugs and their 87th scarf, but they’ll be butterfly blown away by the waaaay more useful bits and baubles we have up our sleeves, er, wings. Nothing says ‘holiday romance’ like a waffle maker, trust us.
Monica
1. Waffle Maker
I’m not responsible enough to not burn or completely ruin pancakes. Waffle irons = completely foolproof to make perfect #essenceapproved waffles. And this one is heart shaped; which means kids and spouses alike will appreciate it. I batch cook waffles, freeze ‘em, and zap ‘em when needed for a quick breakfast or snack.
2. Soom Chocolate Tahini
I’m a big fan of ‘nontraditional’ nut butters; and this one is a great dessert and the sesame seeds lend protein, fiber, healthy fats, and micronutrients. Drizzled over berries or a pear and then zapped in the microwave = an instant decadent #essenceapproved dessert.
3. Manuka Honey
Worth the price. It comes from a special blossom found only in New Zealand, and has immunomodulating properties. It’s SO sweet that a little goes a long way; a jar lasts quite a while. The flavor is unreal. You’ll never go back to ‘regular’ honey.
4. Artisana Organics Cashew Butter Packets
Cashew butter legit tastes like… butter. These packets have only one ingredient: cashews. Office-friendly, TSA travel friendly – I always keep one stashed in my purse.
Michele
1. Shun 6′ Chef Knife
If you cook, you need at least one high quality knife — this one is my favorite
2. SkinCeuticals SPF 50
This is also on my face during the day, 100% of the time. I live in Miami!
Editor’s note: Monica wears it daily as well!
3. All Purpose Bowls
They give a great backdrop to lots of colorful veggies!
Michelle
1. Ball Pint Mason Jar, Regular Mouth, 16 oz (2 Count)
These mason jars are great to use for homemade yogurt parfait. Just add some Greek yogurt, nuts/seeds, spices, and all the berries you like.
2. Lilly’s Hummus – Hand-Made Small Batch, Classic Hummus, Gluten Free, Vegan, Kosher, Non-GMO, Made with Organic Chickpeas, 2 oz Cups, 16
Love to have a grab and go snack option in my lunchbox – and these don’t require refrigeration. Just add some celery or carrots sticks!
3. MatchaDNA Milk Frother – Handheld Battery Operated Electric Foam Maker For Bulletproof Coffee, Lattes, Cappuccino, Hot Chocolate, Sleek Drink Mixer (Round Tip 1 Pack)
This is a must in my kitchen! I need to drink my morning cafe con leche with extra foam.
4. Banza Chickpea Pasta, Elbows, 8 Ounces (Pack of 2)
Love this chickpea pasta, it will fulfill you longer and has extra protein compared to the regular stuff
5. Classic Peanut Butter Squeeze Packs by Justin’s, Only Two Ingredients, Gluten-free, Non-GMO, Responsibly Sourced, Pack of 10
These squeeze packs are great for snack time! Grab and go with some peanut/almond butter with banana or apples — voila!
Eliane
1. CRACKERS: Simple Mills Almond Flour Crackers, Sundried Tomato & Basil, Naturally Gluten Free
These amazing crackers taste like pizza and can be combined with endless topping combinations to make a great snack.
2. AVO MAYO: Primal Kitchen – Avocado Oil Mayo
I love using this healthy mayo alternative that is made with cage free organic eggs for my tuna or chicken salads
3. BAR: Raw Rev Glo Peanut Butter, Dark Chocolate & Sea Salt Bar
I love carrying these delicious bars on-the-go to have in case of emergency as they always prevent me overeating at my next meal
4. POPCORN MAKER: The Original HOTPOP Microwave Popcorn Popper, Silicone Popcorn Maker, Collapsible Bowl BPA Free & Dishwasher Safe
This is a must have kitchen tool to make my healthy microwave popcorn for a quick and delicious snack
5. CACAO POWDER: Navitas Organics Cacao Powder
I love using cacao powder to make my healthy version of hot chocolate and also love adding it to my dessert and pancake recipes.
As a holiday surprise, if you book and mention the code FESTIVEDIETITIAN in an e-mail to hello@essencenutritionmiami.com; you’ll receive 10% off your 2019 first session to start your butterfly nutrition transformation!
Don’t forget to leave some almond flour cookies out for us/Santa on Christmas Eve…
Essentially Yours, Monica, Michele, Eliane, and Michelle