When you’re trying to maintain a healthier lifestyle, the holidays can be challenging, and Valentine’s Day is no exception. All of these Valentine’s Day treats—like candy hearts, boxes of chocolate, decadent dinners, and glasses of champagne—can help Willpower for the test.
So how can you enjoy the love fest without giving up your healthy habits and fitness goals? Here are 10 simple hacks 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 reservations weeks in advance, braving the crowds, and overpaying for a prix fixe meal. Save headaches, money and calories Cooking dinner at home instead.
2. Celebrate the holidays with fruit
Valentine’s Day typically sees everything from cupcakes to candy to drinks colored 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 it Strawberry Valentine’s Day Shakeology Smoothie. It contains 19 grams of protein, 9 grams of fiber and Probiotics.
3. Plan an active date night
There is no rule that you plan for Valentine’s Day have This includes a quiet dinner and cuddling on the couch. Make Valentine’s Day healthier (and more fun!) Ideas for an active date – Take a hike, take one Acro yoga Take a class, try your hand at ax throwing, or go 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 eating plan, opt for healthier Valentine’s Day sweets — 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 instead.
5. Watch your wine consumption
Alcohol is typical full of empty caloriesSo keep your portions under control, whether you’re toasting with champagne or sipping red wine. Instead of filling your glass, measure out a 14ml portion – and alternate between alcoholic drinks and water or Seltzer.
6. Stay current with healthy food swaps
Whether you’re planning your Galentine’s Day party menu or baking a Valentine’s Day dessert for your loved one, a few simple food substitutes can help you save on groceries Added sugar and empty calories. Try this:
- Use unsweetened applesauce instead of sugar when baking. (You may need to reduce the amount of oil to keep the recipe from being watery.)
- For dip recipes replace sour cream With low-fat Greek yogurt you get less fat and more protein (approx 3 grams per ounce of yogurt).
- Use mashed bananas as Substitute for butter in recipes. (Use a one-to-one ratio, but reduce cooking time by 25 percent.)
- Replace all-purpose flour with pureed black or white beans in cookie, cupcake, or brownie recipes.
- Swap chips and crackers for seasoned popcorn or roasted chickpeas.
7. Exchange gifts that support your goals
Instead of the usual cliche Valentine’s Day gifts, ask for something that will help you reach your fitness and nutrition goals – like something stylish ActivewearA Streaming workout subscriptionor useful Kitchen appliances.
Sure, buying a vegetable spiralizer or pressure cooker for Valentine’s Day might sound like the least romantic gift idea ever. But think about it – even if the roses are wilted in a week, still make your favorite rose InstantPot Recipes for the coming years!
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 entirely. But deviate from 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 in kid-friendly treats for a class party? Think beyond the usual candy and send non-food treats instead — like stickers, crayons, or heart-shaped sunglasses. (Your teachers will thank you!)
10. Don’t forget about self-care
Valentine’s Day is about celebrating the people you love – and you should be on that list too! Make sure you include some of these simple self-care routines into your Valentine’s Day plans, such as creating a gratitude journal, scheduling a massage, or trying one Walking meditation.
