10 tips for a healthier Valentine’s Day

When you’re trying to commit to a healthier lifestyle, the holidays can be a challenge, and Valentine’s Day is no exception. All the Valentine’s Day gifts — like candy hearts, boxes of chocolates, delicious dinners, and glasses of champagne — can keep you in mind. Willpower For testing.

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

1. Prepare a romantic dinner at home

Let’s be real — eating out on Valentine’s Day usually means scoping out your reservations weeks in advance, braving the crowds, and paying a lot for a set meal. Save headaches, money and calories Cook dinner at home instead of.

2. Celebrate fruits

Valentine’s Day usually means making everything from cakes to candy to drinks dyed a festive shade of red or pink. Instead of using additives, enjoy naturally pink foods like beets, strawberries, and raspberries.

One great option: start your day with this Shakeology Valentine’s Day Strawberry Smoothie. It contains 19 grams of protein and 9 grams of fiber Probiotics.

3. Plan an active date night

There is no rule to your Valentine’s Day plans He owns To include a quiet dinner and cuddles on the couch. Make your Valentine’s Day healthier (and more fun!) with Active date ideas – Go for a walk, take Acro yoga A class, try ax throwing, or go out dancing.

4. Upgrade your V-Day candy

These chocolate samples may also be the official symbol of Valentine’s Day, but if you’re trying to stick to a healthy eating plan, opt for healthy Valentine’s Day treats — like low-sugar versions of your favorite sweets, or homemade truffles made with chocolate. Unsweetened strawberries and coconut. Better yet: surprise your partner with a delicious fruit basket instead.

5. Watch your wine intake

Usually alcohol Full of empty caloriesSo whether you’re toasting champagne or sipping red wine, keep your portions in check. Instead of filling your cup, 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 a Valentine’s Day menu or preparing a Valentine’s Day dessert for your sweetheart, some simple food substitutions can help you reduce your consumption. 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 that the recipe is not watery.)
• For dipping recipes, Substitute sour cream With low-fat Greek yogurt – you’ll get less fat and more protein (about 100 grams). 3 grams per ounce of yogurt).
• Use mashed banana as Substitute for butter In recipes. (Use a one-to-one ratio, but reduce cooking time by 25 percent.)
• Substitute mashed black beans or white beans for all-purpose flour in cookie, cake or brownie recipes.
• Replace chips and crackers For spiced popcorn or roasted chickpeas.

7. Exchange gifts that support your goals

Instead of the usual tacky Valentine’s Day gifts, ask for something that will help you achieve your fitness and nutrition goals, like some stylish gifts sportswearA Flow workout subscriptionor useful kitchenware.

Sure, buying a spiralizer or pressure cooker for Valentine’s Day may seem like the least romantic gift idea ever. But think about it – while the roses will wilt within a week, you will be creating your own favorite flowers InstantPot recipes For years to come!

8. Choose healthy sweets

If you’ve been thinking about Valentine’s Day sweets since the first minute of February, there’s no need to skip sweets entirely. But step away from the usual pink cupcakes and use V-Day as an excuse to try a healthy dessert recipe, like this one Chocolate covered strawberries or Red Velvet Shakeology Waffle.

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

Need to send kid-friendly gifts for a classroom party? Think outside the usual sweets and instead send non-food items — like stickers, crayons, or heart-shaped sunglasses. (Their teachers will thank you!)

10. Don’t forget 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 to do this Walking meditation.