This year, Valentine's Day falls on a Sunday, allowing us to spend some true quality time with our loved ones. Today's blog ideas are to help get your creative juices flowing to say "I love you" in a healthful way. Of course it's okay to indulge- remember everything in moderation- but here are some ideas to prevent overindulging.
--Whether you're dining out or staying in, make smart choices. For example, choose to have wine OR an appetizer, larger portions OR dessert, but not all four. And of course, be a good listener. The more you listen, the slower you'll eat, the less you'll eat, and the more aware you will be of how full you're getting. Lending an ear shows you care- and might even save a few calories!
--Start your day off right with some exercise. Love your body first and you'll find loving someone else just that much better.
--Vote to be on portion patrol, or opt for a sweet indulgence that's pre-portioned for you. Here are a few I like_
--Fiber One 90 Calorie Chewy Bars (90 Calories)
--Yoplait Chocolate/Raspberry Delight Parfait (100 Calories) -- 15% calcium & 15% vitamin D
--Betty Crocker Warm Delights Mini Molten Chocolate Cake (150 Calories)
--Lindt Lindor truffle (70 Calories each)
--Archer Farms Cheesecake Bite (75 Calories each)
--Take a walk with your loved one. A walk hand-in-hand can be just what you need to feel connected. As an added bonus, enjoy the endorphins you release after exercise!
--Eat family dinner- whip up that recipe you've been meaning to try and cherish the time with everyone gathered around the table.
--You can't go wrong with breakfast in bed- save money and calories by cooking up your own start to the day.
--Get creative with heart-shaped cookie cutters- and it doesn't have to be a baked good! Ever seen an "egg in a frame"? Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to create the "frame" in a piece of bread. Place the bread in a small amount of butter or non-stick spray and crack an egg into the heart. Now that's a special breakfast. Feeling more like pancakes? Spell "I love you" with a whole grain pancake recipe. Add some fresh fruit or even homemade, fresh-squeezed juice to the menu.
--As always, don't be so hard on yourself. If you have a "bad day" from overindulgence, be happy for the time you got to spend with people you love. Tomorrow is a new day when you can re-focus on you and your diet and exercise goals.