10 tips to have a healthier Valentine’s Day

When you’re trying to live a healthier lifestyle, the holidays can be a challenge and Valentine’s Day is no exception. All those Valentine’s Day treats, like candy hearts, boxes of chocolate, delicious dinners, and glasses of champagne, can put your willpower to the test.

So how can you enjoy the festival of love without abandoning your healthy habits and fitness goals? Here are 10 simple tricks for a healthier Valentine’s Day.

1. Cook a romantic dinner at home

Let’s face it: Dining out on Valentine’s Day usually means making a reservation weeks in advance, braving the crowds, and paying too much for a prix fixe meal. Save headaches, cash and calories by prepare dinner at home instead.

2. Get festive with fruits

Valentine’s Day usually means making everything from cupcakes to candy to drinks dyed a festive shade of red or pink. Instead of using additives, get into the spirit 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 has 19 grams of protein, 9 grams of fiber and probiotics.

3. Plan an active date night

There are no rules in your Valentine’s Day plans. have include a quiet dinner and cuddles on the couch. Make Valentine’s Day healthier (and more fun!) with active dating ideas — go for a walk, take a acroyoga class, try throwing an ax or go dancing.

4. Upgrade your V-Day candy

Those chocolate samples might also be the official symbol of Valentine’s Day, but if you’re trying to follow a healthy eating plan, opt for healthier sweets for Valentine’s Day, like low-sugar versions of your favorite candies or Homemade truffles made with strawberries and unsweetened coconut. Even better: surprise your partner with a delicious fruit basket.

5. Watch your wine consumption

Alcohol is typically full of empty caloriesSo whether you’re toasting with champagne or sipping red wine, watch your portions. Instead of filling the glass, measure 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 Galentine’s Day party menu or making a Valentine’s Day dessert for your sweetheart, a few simple food substitutions can help you cut back. added sugar and empty calories. Try these:

• When baking, use unsweetened applesauce instead of sugar. (You may need to reduce the amount of oil you use so the recipe is not watery.)
• For sauce recipes, replace sour cream with low-fat Greek yogurt: you’ll get less fat and more protein (about 3 grams per ounce of yogurt).
• Use mashed banana as butter substitute in recipes. (Use a one-to-one ratio, but reduce cooking time by 25 percent.)
• Substitute pureed black or white beans for all-purpose flour in cookie, cupcake, or brownie recipes.
• Swap out the chips and crackers for spiced popcorn or roasted chickpeas.

7. Exchange gifts that support your goals

Instead of the usual cliché Valentine’s Day gifts, order something to help you reach your fitness and nutrition goals, like some stylish active clothingto streaming training subscriptionor useful kitchen tools.

Sure, getting a vegetable spiralizer or pressure cooker for Valentine’s Day may seem like the least romantic gift idea ever. But think about it: While roses will wilt in a week, you can make your favorite. Instant 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 stop using your usual pink confetti cupcakes and use V-Day as an excuse to try a healthier dessert recipe, like these. chocolate dipped strawberries either Red Velvet Shakeology Waffles.

9. Get creative with Valentine’s Day treats for kids

Need to send kids gifts for a classroom party? Think beyond the usual candy and instead send non-food gifts, like stickers, crayons, or heart-shaped sunglasses. (Their teachers will thank you!)

10. Don’t forget personal care

Valentine’s Day is all about celebrating the people you love, and that list should include you! Be 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.