Do This, Not That: 9 Healthy Options For Valentine’s Day
January 13, 2015
I just love the holidays but so many of them revolve around food that it can be hard to stick to my healthy eating goals. I just barely made it through Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Eve and now Valentine’s Day is here. I’m not sure how much more willpower I have left!
Do This, Not That For Valentine’s Day
Thankfully, I can still enjoy Valentine’s Day by keeping a few helpful, healthy tips in mind. All things are good in moderation and while I don’t have a lot of willpower, making a few healthy choices will go along way toward making Valentine’s Day a healthier day.
- If you’re asked what you want for Valentine’s Day, don’t say chocolate. How about flowers, perfume, jewelry or lingerie instead?
- If you must ask for chocolate, ask for a small sampler box containing 4 pieces. It’s easier to control yourself with 4 than 40.
- If your significant other feels the need to really wow you with something bigger than a sampler box, how about chocolate covered strawberries?
- When going out to dinner, have a salad before the main meal. It will fill you up so you’re less tempted to indulge on the entree or bread.
- If you’ll be choosing an appetizer, ask for shrimp cocktail. This is a wonderful indulgence that’s actually very low in calories and in carbohydrates.
- Avoid entrees that are served over pasta or with a heavy sauce like an al fredo sauce. Instead look for the words steamed or sauteed when choosing.
- If the main dish you want comes with bread, pasta, rice or potatoes and you think willpower will be an issue, ask them to substitute a vegetable side instead.
- If you really want an indulgent dessert after your meal, consider splitting it with your partner.
- After enjoying your Valentine’s Day dinner or candy, now about a nice, long walk together to burn off some calories?
Following these tips will let you enjoy Valentine’s Day without regretting your indulgences the next day (or week). I really do enjoy having a few pieces of gourmet chocolate for Valentine’s Day but I have asked my husband not to bring me home a big box this year. I know I won’t be able to resist all that candy for very long. This way, I’ll have a few pieces to enjoy without feeling bad about my lack of willpower afterwards.
What healthy choices will you make for Valentine’s Day?
