Heart-Healthy Valentine’s Day Tips
Valentine’s Day is all about showing those you love how much they mean to you. This is often done with candy, sweets, and eating out. If you are looking for ways to celebrate Valentine’s day without derailing your New Year’s resolutions. Check out our tips and tricks for keeping a healthy spin on the holiday of love.
- Skip eating out and just go out, outside! Quality time is one of the most meaningful gifts. Plan an active outing such as a hike at Red Rock, take a walk at the Wetlands Park or if you’re feeling adventurous, visit an indoor rock wall.
- Cooking at home is an excellent way to control the quality and amounts of what you eat. Prepare a romantic candlelit dinner at home using a heart-healthy recipe. Instead of frying foods – which adds unnecessary fats and calories – use cooking methods that add little or no fat, like stir-frying, roasting, grilling or steaming.
- Craving something sweet? Send a fruit basket to your loved one that has natural sugar as well as healthy nutrients instead of sending sweets with added sugars.
- Plan a date night out to a local cooking class to practice your skills or learn new techniques. You will learn new recipes to try at home and might be introduced to some new fruits or veggies you have never eaten before.
- If you go to a restaurant to celebrate, check out the menu before you go to find a healthy option. Sharing is caring – order one entrée to share. The servings are usually enough for two – splitting will keep you from overdoing it.
- If your children are having a Valentine’s Day party at their school or daycare, instead of sending candies, consider mini-boxes of raisins, mini-bags of pretzels, pencils or stickers as tokens of their friendly affection.
- Use this day as an opportunity to tell your loved one how you feel about him or her, and share ways that you can support each other’s health and wellness. Set a goal to see your doctor for an annual check-up.
- Don’t forget to love Fido, too! Give your pet a Valentine and remember to walk or exercise them daily –getting active will benefit your health and your bond with your pets.
- Take it slow – if you were gifted a luxurious box of chocolates from your sweetie stick it in the fridge or freezer and enjoy in moderation over several weeks.
The best way to show someone you love them is by helping them to stay healthy. Use the holiday as a way to enjoy your loved ones and re-commit to staying healthy in 2020!
