10 Sweet Tips for a Healthy “Valentine’s Day”

Saint Valentine's Day, also known as ”Valentine's Day” or the ”Feast of Saint Valentine”, is a holiday observed on February 14each year. It is celebrated in many countries around the world. It is a festival of romantic love and many people give cards, letters, flowers or presents to their spouse or partner. What do people do? Many people celebrate their love for their partner by sending cards or letters, giving gifts or flowers and arranging meals in restaurants. However, some people use the occasion to present lavish gifts, such as jewelry. Symbols The most common Valentine's Day symbols are the heart, particularly in reds and pinks, and pictures or models of Cupid. Cupid is usually portrayed as a small winged figure with a bow and arrow. Valentine’s Day

 On February 14, millions of people will have a romantic day packed with food that's no good for their heart, followed by heart-shaped boxes of candy and chocolate.  But, instead of supplying your sweetheart with unhealthy gifts this Valentine’s Day, why not tend to their actual heart?  There is possibly no better way to honor your commitment to someone than doing something that adds to a long, happy, and healthy life.  Your sweetheart may have the key to your heart, but a proper diet and regular physical activity can be the key to a healthy heart. This Valentine’s Day, indulge your sweetheart with a heart-healthy gift or date.  Here are 10 ways to show your care about your loved one's heart. Healthy Valentine’s Day

Use this day as an opportunity to tell your loved one how you feel about him or her, and share ways that you can support each other’s health and wellness. How to express your feelings: 1. Pay him or her a compliment. 2. Express consideration. 3. Say “I Love You”. 4.Write a nice letter. 5.Make eye contact. 6.Show your feelings through your actions. 1. Express Yourself

 Plan a romantic dinner at home. Better yet, cook the meal together! Most restaurants will be crowded, expensive, and unhealthy. Choose a meal you will both enjoy.  Enjoy your heart-healthy meal by candlelight and enjoy some quality alone time.  Prepare a romantic candlelight dinner at home using one of our heart- healthy recipes  Cooking at home is an excellent way to control the quality and amounts of what you eat. 2. Set a “table for two”

Consider making a healthy meal for Valentine’s Day. Serve food lower in salt and fat content, provide more fruits and vegetables, and make less sugary sweets for an overall healthy Valentine’s Day. Consume Less Sodium Healthy Recipes Healthy Eating for a Healthy Weight Nutrition for Everyone 3. Be Food Conscious

 Valentine’s Day is a perfect time to do something sweet for your partner, both in sentiment and with a delicious dessert. Instead of candy or a treat that is a “heart attack on a plate”, give your partner a fruit basket and share it over dark chocolate.  Share you appreciation, love, and support for your partner while enjoying this healthier, yet delicious treat. 4. Do Something Sweet

 Send a fruit basket to your loved one that has natural sugar as well as healthy nutrients instead of sending sweets with added sugars.  Most of these candies are chock-full of preservatives, trans fat and chemical additives.  try making your own chocolates using baker’s chocolate, or even dark chocolate, and heart shaped chocolate molds. 5. Less Sugar & Chocolates

 Give to one another by giving back.  Ask a date to volunteer with you at a local charity. Volunteering is one of the best ways to recognize and appreciate the gifts in your own life.  Giving back is a healthy habit that will boost your mood and beat stress. Not to mention you are making the day special for someone else in need. 6. Give the Gift of Giving Back

 If you drink alcohol, do so only in moderation. Excessive alcohol use has immediate effects that increase the risk of many harmful health conditions.  It is also the third leading cause of preventable death.  Don't drink and drive or let others drink and drive. Women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant should not drink any alcohol. 7. Be Sensible

Make A Date With Your Heart! February is American Heart Month, and Valentine's Day is a great time to start taking steps to be heart-healthy. Prevent and control high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke. Limit alcohol use. Maintain a healthy weight. Be active. Eat healthy 8. Be Heart-Healthy

Quality time is one of the most meaningful gifts.  If you live in a warmer climate, plan an outdoor date that will keep you active. Think outside the box and take your loved one on a nature hike that ends with a healthy picnic.  In colder weather, look for indoor activities that will get the blood flowing and the heart pumping. Think of activities like ice-skating, a trip to a local museum (lots of walking), a cooking class (cooking burns calories), or an indoor sports complex that offers rock climbing and other activities. Either way, you will have a great time together, and you just might burn a few extra calories. 9. Gift a Quality Time

Consider that your valentine may have allergies, asthma, diabetes, or other health conditions. You can be sensitive to your valentine by finding out if certain foods, flowers, pets, stuffed animals, or anything else might affect his or her health. Asthma and Allergies Take Charge of Your Diabetes Healthy Pets, Healthy People 10. Be Sensitive