Show Your Valentine You Care
It’s that time of you. Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. We all expect to give or receive that traditional box of cholocates or indulge on that high calorie meal. This Valentine’s Day, whether you choose to celebrate with someone or by yourself make an effort to show you care with these healthy tips.
Make it Active. Rather than watch a movie try planning an event that involves physical activity. If the weather permits, take a nature walk/run or go on a bike ride. Try ice-skating or even go skiing. Dance the night away at your favorite club, or make it competitive by playing a sport. The list goes on and on, and by the end of the date you will feel great!
Give the Perfect Gift. If you prefer to stick to tradition, try giving dark chocolate instead of the milky kind. Dark choclate contains flavanoids which are good for the heart. Be sure to give dark chocolate that is 60% cocoa to gain the most benefit, but don’t overdo it because dark chocolate can have just as much fat and colories as milk chocolate.
Rather than candy give your Valentine their favorite alternative. For some this might be a fruit basket, their favorite jar of mixed nuts, dried fruit, or even jerk.
Make a Meal from the Heart. What better way to say I love you than a homemade meal. Making a feel for your Valentine allows you to control the ingredients, fat, calories, and portion size of your food. For dessert, dip fresh fruit into melted dark chocolate.
However, if you choose to go to a restaurant follow these tips. Order an appetizer as your entree or split an entree with your date. Choose items that are grilled, baked, or steamed, and stay away from fried foods. Also, ask for saunces on the side.
If you choose to drink alcohol at your meal go for red wine. Red wine contains antioxidants called polyphenols and a compound called resveratrol, both protect your heart. However, alcohol has been known to increase the risk for cancer so women should drink no more than one drink per day, and men should drink no more than two drinks per day.
http://www.cdc.gov/features/valentine/
http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/news/Features/have-a-healthier-valentines-day