Put a Healthy Twist on Your Valentine’s Day Celebration

Valentine’s Day is traditionally celebrated with chocolates, heart-shaped confections and other sugary sweets. And while it’s probably ok for most to indulge in a piece of candy or two, bypassing foods with a high sugar content on Valentine’s Day is a good choice for individuals with diabetes or other health-related issues, dieters, people committed to eating sugar free and children.

Instead of over indulging on potentially harmful treats, put a wholesome spin on your Valentine’s Day this year by not only celebrating with nutritional desserts and snacks, but incorporating healthy activities and new traditions into your day. What better gift to give your loved ones than the gift of health.

Opt for Sugar Free Desserts and Candy

In addition to lots of sugar, most novelty candies are loaded with preservatives, trans fat and chemical additives. Still, cutting out traditional store-bought treats on Valentine’s Day, doesn’t necessarily mean you have to cut back on the sweets.

>Baking your own holiday candies, cookies and cakes at home allows you to have control over the ingredients added to your desserts. Swapping sugar for stevia in recipes is a healthy and delicious way to indulge your Valentine’s Day sweet tooth.

Another option to delight your taste buds is to make your own stevia-sweetened chocolate chips to use in candy making. Pour the melted chocolate into heart-shaped molds or use it to dip fruit, nuts and pretzels.

Get Moving

Studies have shown that a sedentary lifestyle is associated with a variety of health risks. Instead of the cliché dinner and a movie, get moving this Valentine’s Day with a romantic stroll in the park, a night of dancing or a bike ride for two.

If you’re spending Valentine’s Day with your children or grandkids, a game of miniature golf, roller skating or a visit to the dog park are all great ways to get the heart pumping while having fun with the ones you love.

Make a Home Cooked Meal

With the exception of Mother’s Day, Valentine’s day is the busiest day of the year for restaurants. Avoid the overcrowded eateries, expensive entrees, and rich, high-calorie cuisine by cooking for your sweetheart (or family) at home this year. Make a healthier dinner at home, using fresh and nutritious ingredients. Lean cuts of meat, seafood, grilled vegetables, salad and variety of fruits are perfect menu choices for the holiday.

Pamper Yourself and Your Valentine

There’s no better way to reduce stress, maybe even lower blood pressure, than a little pampering and a lot of relaxing. A couple’s massage or pedicures are obvious choices for Valentine’s Day, but there are plenty of ways to relax at home as well.

• Listen to soothing music
• Facial and Foot Masks
• Soak in the bathtub
• Enjoy a glass of wine

A healthy Valentine’s Day is a happy Valentine’s Day. And as an added bonus, you’ll feel refreshed and energized, ready to tackle the day when you wake up on February 15.