When you’re trying to stick to a healthier lifestyle, the holidays can be a challenge, and Valentine’s Day is no exception. All these Valentine’s Day treats – like candy hearts, boxes of chocolate, decadent dinners and glasses of champagne – can put your will to the test.
So how can you enjoy the holiday of love without giving up on your healthy habits and fitness goals? Here are 10 simple tips for a healthier Valentine’s Day.
1. Prepare a romantic dinner at home
Let’s face it: Dining out on Valentine’s Day usually means planning a reservation weeks in advance, braving the crowds, and paying way too much for a prix fixe meal. Save headaches, money and calories by prepare dinner at home instead.
2. Get festive with fruit
Valentine’s Day usually means baking everything from cupcakes to candy to drinks dyed a festive shade of red or pink. Instead of using additives, get in the mood with naturally pink foods like beets, strawberries and raspberries.
A great option: start your day with this Strawberry Shakeology Smoothie for Valentine’s Day. It contains 19 grams of protein, 9 grams of fiber and probiotics.
3. Plan an active date night
There’s no rule that your Valentine’s Day plans to have to include a quiet dinner and cuddles on the couch. Make Valentine’s Day healthier (and more fun!) with active date ideas — go for a hike, take a acro yoga class, try ax throwing or go out dancing.
4. Upgrade Your V-Day Candy
These chocolate samples might as well be the official symbol of Valentine’s Day, but if you’re trying to stick to a healthy diet, opt for healthier Valentine’s Day candies, like low-fat versions. sugar from your favorite candies or homemade sugar truffles. strawberries and unsweetened coconut. Better yet: surprise your partner with a delicious fruit basket.
5. Watch your wine consumption
Alcohol is generally full of empty caloriesSo whether you toast with champagne or sip red wine, control your portions. Instead of filling your glass, measure out a five-ounce serving and alternate between alcoholic beverages and water or seltzer.
6. Stay on track with healthy food swaps
Whether you’re planning your festive Valentine’s Day menu or making a Valentine’s Day dessert for your sweetheart, a few simple food substitutions can help you reduce your intake. added sugar and empty calories. Try these:
- When baking, use unsweetened applesauce in place of sugar. (You may need to reduce the amount of oil you use so the recipe isn’t watery.)
- For dip recipes, replace sour cream with low-fat Greek yogurt – you’ll get less fat and more protein (approx. 3 grams per ounce of yogurt).
- Use mashed banana as replace butter in the recipes. (Use a one-to-one ratio, but reduce your cooking time by 25 percent.)
- Replace all-purpose flour with mashed black beans or white beans in cookie, cupcake, or brownie recipes.
- Replace chips and crackers for spicy popcorn or roasted chickpeas.
7. Exchange gifts that support your goals
Instead of the usual cliché Valentine’s Day gifts, ask for something that will help you achieve your fitness and nutrition goals, like stylish gifts. sportswearA subscription to streaming workoutsor useful kitchen utensils.
Sure, buying a vegetarian spiralizer or pressure cooker for Valentine’s Day might seem like the least romantic gift idea ever. But think about it: even if the roses will wither in a week, you will achieve your favorite. InstantPot Recipes for years to come!
8. Choose healthier desserts
If you’ve been thinking about Valentine’s Day desserts since the first minute of February, you don’t have to give up sweets completely. But break out of your usual pink confetti cupcakes and use V-Day as an excuse to try a healthier dessert recipe, like this one. strawberries dipped in chocolate Or Red Velvet Shakeology Waffles.
9. Get creative with Valentine’s Day treats for kids
Need to send kid-friendly treats for a classroom party? Break out from the usual treats and send non-food treats instead, like stickers, crayons, or heart-shaped sunglasses. (Their teachers will thank you!)
10. Don’t forget about self-care
Valentine’s Day is all about celebrating the people you love – and this list should include you! Make sure to include some simple self-care routines in your Valentine’s Day plans, like starting a gratitude journal, scheduling a massage, or trying a walking meditation.
