When you’re trying to stick to a healthier lifestyle, the holidays can be a challenge, and Valentine’s Day is no exception. All these Valentine’s Day treats – like candies, boxes of chocolate, decadent dinners and glasses of bubbly – can test your willpower.
So how can you enjoy the lovefest without giving up on 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 be real – dining out on Valentine’s Day usually means making reservations weeks in advance, braving the crowds and paying way too much for a set meal. Save yourself the headaches, cash, and calories by cooking dinner at home instead.
2. Have a fruit feast
Valentine’s Day usually means making everything from cupcakes to candies to drinks dyed a festive shade of red or pink. Instead of using additives, indulge in naturally rose-tinged foods like beets, strawberries and raspberries.
A great choice: Start your day with this Strawberry Valentine’s Shakeology Smoothie. It has 19 grams of protein, 9 grams of fiber and probiotics.
3. Plan an active date night
There is no rule that plans Valentine’s Day have to include a quiet dinner and cuddles on the couch. Make Valentine’s Day healthier (and more fun!) with active date ideas — go for a hike, take an acro yoga class, try ax or go out dancing.
4. Upgrade V-Day Candy
These chocolate samplers may well be the official symbol of Valentine’s Day, but if you’re trying to stick to a healthy diet, opt for healthier Valentine’s Day sweets — like lower-sugar versions of your favorite sweets or homemade truffles made with strawberries and coconut without sugar. Even better: Surprise your partner with a delicious fruit basket.
5. Watch your wine intake
Alcohol is usually full of empty calories, so whether you’re toasting with sparkling wine or drinking red wine, keep your portions in check. Instead of filling your glass, measure out a 5-ounce serving—and alternate between spirits and water or seltzer.
6. Stay on track with healthy food swaps
Whether you’re planning your Galentine’s Day party menu or whipping up a Valentine’s Day dessert for your sweetie, a few simple food substitutions can help you cut back on added sugar and empty calories. Try these:
- When baking, use sugar-free applesauce instead of sugar. (You may need to reduce the amount of oil you use so the recipe is not watery.)
- For dip recipes, replace the sour cream with low-fat Greek yogurt — you’ll get less fat and more protein (approx. 3 grams per ounce of yogurt).
- Use mashed banana as a substitute for butter in recipes. (Use a one-to-one ratio, but reduce the cooking time by 25 percent.)
- Substitute black beans or white beans for all-purpose flour 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 some stylish activewear, streaming training subscriptionor useful kitchen tools.
Sure, getting a spiralizer or pressure cooker for Valentine’s Day might sound like the least romantic gift idea ever. But think about it – while the roses will be wilting in a week, you’ll be making your favorite InstantPot 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 skip sweets altogether. But break away from your usual pink confetti cupcakes and use V-Day as an excuse to try a healthier dessert recipe like these Chocolate Dipped Strawberries or Red Velvet Shakeology Waffles.
9. Get creative with Valentine’s Day treats for kids
Want to send kid-friendly treats for a class party? Think outside of the usual sweets and send non-food goodies instead — like stickers, crayons or heart-shaped sunglasses. (Their teachers will thank you!)
10. Don’t forget about self-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.
