10 tips for a healthier Valentine’s Day

When you’re trying to stick to a healthier lifestyle, the holidays can be a challenge, and Valentine’s Day is no exception. All those Valentine’s Day treats—like candy hearts, boxes of chocolates, decadent dinners, and glasses of bubbly—can will-power for the exam.

So how do you enjoy a lovefest without abandoning your healthy habits and fitness goals? Here are 10 simple tricks for a healthier Valentine’s Day.

1. Cook a romantic dinner at home

Let’s be real—dining on Valentine’s Day usually means making a reservation weeks in advance, braving the crowds, and paying way too much for a prix fixe meal. Save headaches, money and calories cooking dinner at home instead.

2. Get festive with fruit

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

One great option: Start your day with this strawberry valentine shakeology smoothie. Contains 19 grams of protein, 9 grams of fiber and probiotics.

3. Plan an active date night

There is no rule to plan your Valentine’s Day have include a quiet dinner and cuddling on the couch. Make Valentine’s Day healthier (and more fun!). ideas for an active date — to go on a hike, to marry acro yoga class, try ax throwing or go dancing.

4. Upgrade your V-Day Candy

These chocolate swatches may also 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 candy — like lower-sugar versions of your favorite sweets or homemade strawberry and unsweetened coconut truffles. Even better: Surprise your partner with a delicious fruit basket instead.

5. Monitor your wine intake

Alcohol is typically full of empty caloriesso whether you’re toasting bubbly or sipping red wine, keep your portions under control. Instead of filling your glass, measure out a five-ounce serving—and alternate between alcoholic beverages and water or mineral water.

6. Stay on track with healthy food swaps

Whether you’re planning a Valentine’s Day party menu or baking a Valentine’s Day dessert for your sweetheart, a few simple meal replacements can help you cut back added sugar and empty calories. Try these:

• When baking, use unsweetened applesauce instead of sugar. (You may need to reduce the amount of oil used 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 a mashed banana as a butter substitute in recipes. (Use a one-to-one ratio, but reduce the cooking time by 25 percent.)
• Substitute pureed black beans or white beans for all-purpose flour in cookie, cupcake, or brownie recipes.
• Swap chips and cookies on spiced popcorn or baked chickpeas.

7. Exchange gifts that support your goals

Instead of the usual cliche Valentine’s Day gifts, ask for something that will help you achieve your fitness and nutrition goals—like a stylish active wearand streaming exercise subscriptionor useful kitchen tools.

Sure, getting a vegetarian spiralizer or pressure cooker for Valentine’s Day might sound like the least romantic gift ever. But think about it – while the roses wilt in a week, you’ll be doing 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 completely. But stray 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

Need to send kid-friendly gifts for a class party? Think outside the usual sweets and send non-food treats 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 this list should include you! Be sure to include some simple self-care routines in your Valentine’s Day plans, such as starting a gratitude journal, scheduling a massage, or trying it out walking meditation.