While many of us associate the month of February with hearts, chocolates, roses, and love, February is also American Heart Month, so there’s no better time to start taking steps to become heart-healthy. Taking the time to focus on the health of your body and heart is something that everyone should do, and if that’s been on your list of resolutions, now is the perfect time to set your healthy resolutions in motion. Especially since many people fall victim to overindulgence this time of year, and that can add inches to your waistline. So if you want to become heart healthy this holiday, check out these healthy Valentine’s Day tips. Just be sure you share these helpful tips with your family and friends!
• All too often when Valentine’s Day rolls around, couples often dine and overeat. This year, instead of centering your celebration and love around food, try something different by going out and being active. Go practice your moves on the dance floor, or take a romantic walk on the beach.
• If you have to have chocolate on Valentine’s Day, make sure you buy high-quality chocolate and keep your portions size small. Remember, moderation is key. If you have trouble doing this, make sure you share the love with friends and family. This will help prevent you from indulging in all of the chocolate yourself.
• Adding some fruit to your chocolate is a great way to make your decadent snack a bit healthier. Melt some chocolate, milk or dark, and dip bananas, strawberries, or even grapes into the chocolate. Place in the refrigerator to set, and then enjoy!
• Don’t feel like you always have to give chocolate. There are plenty of alternatives to chocolate if you are looking to give a gift. Romantic books or DVDs are always nice, and a delicious fruit basket is an excellent and healthy way to satisfy a sweet tooth. Also, making a home cooked meal is a great way to show and share the love.
• If you do decide to go out on a romantic dinner date, make sure you share the love. Ordering an entrée or dish to share with one another is a great way to bound over a plate of food, and is an excellent way to ensure that you watch your portion sizes, preventing you from overdoing it.
