Food for love

All over the world, couples are preparing for the 14^th of February.........

Valentine’s Day is a magical time of the year even for those who are not born with the romantic gene.

 Right about now, your significant other may be buying a big chocolate candy heart box for you!

 Ideas can be endless. Is a romantic dinner your favorite celebration? You may be sitting down at your computer and pulling your hair out because you want to treat yourself and loved one to a memorable feast but you also don’t want to break your diet solutions.,

 

A red heart-shaped box is symbolic , but all that chocolate candy inside of the box is the last thing a healthy heart needs!

But hark! Who can resist those tiny pastel-colored candy hearts? Those creamy chocolate-filled hearts? Those luscious strawberries dipped in white and dark chocolate?

But, day by day we have a new diet demon that's quickly approaching over the horizon. This demon is dressed so innocently, camouflaged in wings and bearing the body of a cherub. Cupid. Yes, Cupid is so cute! So innocent looking. But…look again. Innocent Cupid is holding a nifty bow and razor-sharp arrow set. ... Cupid is plugging off one arrow after the other, aiming them at your little heart. As he shoots, if you listen very closely you may hear his tiny voice echoing, 

"Take that arteries!!!! Take that, bulging aorta!!!!"

So with these scary thoughts in mind, let's try to figure out how one can get through Valentine's Day without too much damage. It's a special day, a day that you SHOULD celebrate!

1.       Keep in mind that Valentine's Day is a day for romance! There are more ways than just expensive candy-filled hearts to celebrate. Try flowers, perfume, or a small box of chocolates.

2.       If you celebrate by dining out, try to make wise food choices. Before ordering the triple-cheese pastas consider those luscious (and healthier) chicken / vegetable salads with your favorite olive oil dressing. Don't allow hunger to rule over your good health sense!  Dessert?  Strawberries, of course!  And yes, even ones dipped in DARK chocolate are great for topping off the meal

3.       A heart-healthy meal should be your priority this year and this will impress your lover, guaranteed. For example, include healthy salads and a dessert centered around fruit

4.       It is totally okay to enjoy a couple of Valentine treats. Allow for them by planning ahead.

5.       Watch the alcoholic drinks. These puppies are loaded in more ways than one. Just look what they did to poor Otis Campbell.

6.       Plan an event that encourages physical activity. Such dancing. You can do this at home.

If you over-indulge, get right back on your fitness plan on the 15th.

               Happy Valentine's Day! Enjoy your day and may it be filled with magic!