Kitchen Gifts: 10 Picks For Healthy Eaters

10 Unique Gifts For Healthy Eaters
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The caramel popcorn, the chocolates, the cookies. Some of the tastiest holiday gifts aren't exactly good for you. And since overindulgences now can translate to excess weight in the new year, how about, instead, giving a gift that actually helps loved ones to be healthier in 2012.

Every meal or snack eaten away from home tacks an average of 134 calories onto your daily intake, according to a USDA analysis -- that means eating just one meal out a week can pack on an extra two pounds each year.

Make cooking at home more fun with one of these unique picks.

Nutrition Gift Guide
Painted Amaryllis Measuring Cups(01 of10)
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For budding chefs or strict recipe followers, a set of measuring cups is a kitchen must. This colorful set makes each scoop a delight. Plus, the cups are microwave and dishwasher safe. $38, Anthropologie (credit:Anthropologie)
Oil And Vinegar Pipettes(02 of10)
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You've surely heard about the health benefits of olive oil. But it is possible to overdo it -- it is still a source of fat, after all. Those generous drizzles over salmon or salad can add up. These bottles come complete with a serving dropper for elegant portion control. $70, UncommonGoods (credit:UncommonGoods)
Wine Hourglasses(03 of10)
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When it comes to healthy drinking, it's important to pace yourself. One drink an hour should keep you in the clear, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. These creative wine glasses count down 10 minutes at a time and are guaranteed conversation starters. Set of four, $75, UncommonGoods (credit:UncommonGoods)
Bread Maker(04 of10)
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This helpful kitchen appliance's ability to multi-task is impressive! The bread maker can also make hot dips, macaroni and cheese, oatmeal and more, and has a dispenser that evenly distributes add-ins like nuts or raisins when you're baking bread. Making your own bread guarantees that you control what goes into the mix, meaning none of the extra preservatives or sodium found in many store-bought varieties. $219.95, Panasonic.com (credit:Panasonic.com)
A Blender Or A Juicer(05 of10)
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Have a special someone on your list who loves to chop, blend, grind and churn? The super-powerful blender from Vitamix (left) is a kitchen staple for smoothie and soup lovers. The impressive machine comes with a cookbook of hundreds of tasty chef-approved recipes -- and even cleans itself! $449, VitamixFor a more budget-friendly but equally handy kitchen appliance, consider a Breville juicer -- this stainless-steel pick is said to squeeze out 30 percent more juice than other models. $99.99, Breville (credit:Vitamix/Breville)
Box Appetit Lunch Box(06 of10)
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This grown-up take on the brown bag will elevate those leftovers for a more sophisticated lunch on the go. A removable inner dish keeps food separate and allows lunchers to reheat only certain elements of their meal. Plus, a small sauce container means the end of soggy salads. $22, UncommonGoods (credit:UncommonGoods)
The Kitchen Yogi Cookie Cutters(07 of10)
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It's hard to escape cookies this time of year -- sugar cookies, snickerdoodles and gingerbread men and women are everywhere you look. Baking at home means the ability to make healthy swaps to lighten the indulgent goodies. Help the baker on your list stay slim and trim this holiday season with these yoga pose cookie cutters -- maybe they'll inspire an impromptu Sun Salutations session in the kitchen! Prices vary, The Kitchen Yogi (credit:The Kitchen Yogi)
Zoku Quick Pop Maker(08 of10)
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Kids and adults alike will scream for these icy treats -- although they may have to wait for warmer weather to really make the most of this fun gift! Creative cooks can stir up their wildest concoctions and have a frozen pop ready in as a little as seven minutes. Try whipping up some of these tasty popsicle recipes. $49.95, Williams-Sonoma (credit:Williams-Sonoma)
SmartSteamer(09 of10)
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This crafty device facilitates true microwave steaming by layering foods over a water tray. The water boils, and voila -- perfectly steamed healthy eats. $139, Tupperware.com (credit:Tupperware.com)
Lazy Spoon Set(10 of10)
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There's only a tiny difference between these spoons and regular serving utensils, but it makes a big difference: a handy notch for resting on the side of a pan or pot while cooking. The messy chef on your list will be thankful for fewer drips! $19.99, amazon.com (credit:Amazon.com)

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