Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Plan for a Valentine Treat That's Healthy and Sweet!

 

Eating a heart-shaped box full of candy isn't the only way to celebrate Valentine's Day. This February 14th, be really good to your heart with these healthier options:

  • Remember it's about romance, not eating, so skip the candy in favor of non-sugary treats! The options are endless — go for some perfume, jewelry, a soothing massage, or a dreamy moonlit stroll instead!
  • When dining out, stick to the menu's healthier fare. Don't use the holiday as an excuse to derail your healthy habits.
  • Feed your sweetheart (and yourself!) some fresh strawberries with low-calorie whipped topping for dessert, rather than a high-fat, high-calorie choice. It's a romantic — and guilt-free — finish to your meal!
  • If chocolate is a must, keep it to a few bites. Remember, labeling a food "forbidden" often leads to a rebellious binge. So if you must, have just a little bit to satisfy your craving. If you think of it as a rare treat, you'll really savor the occasion!
  • Go easy on the alcohol. In addition to being loaded with empty calories, too much alcohol can lower your ability to make good and healthy choices.
  • If you blow it, don't beat yourself up. You don't want to be guilt-ridden post-Valentine's! Just get back on track and keep going! You're still doing great!

3 comments:

  1. Yes, this Valentine's Day I can't have any candy.  I've just avoided those sections of stores, lol.
    Donna

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  2. Emmi, I'm working tommorow for Valentine's Day, what fun huh ? Not !!!!!!!!!! Hugs Lisa

    ReplyDelete
  3. Making healthy choices when dining out can seem like an overwhelming venture! Thankfully, HEALTHY DINING’S new online resource makes it easy! Just log on to the free site HealthyDiningFinder.com to find HEALTHY DINING choices -- and corresponding nutrition information -- at over 50,000 restaurant locations, ranging from fast food to upscale dining.  You can “search” for participating restaurants by specifying zip code or location information and desired price range. The site also offers free e-newsletters, recipes, nutrition tips and more.
    HEALTHY DINING’s expert staff of registered dietitians and master's level health/nutrition professionals consult with each participating restaurant to find and/ modify menu items that meet the following nutrition criteria: Entrées (or full meals) must include at least one of the following: lean protein (skinless white meat poultry, fish/seafood (including salmon), tofu, etc.), fruits and/or vegetables and/or 100% whole grains. Entrees must also be 750 calories or less, have 25 grams of fat or less, and contain no more than 8 grams of saturated fat. Bon appétit!
    Healthy Regards,
    Andrea Ogden, R.D.
    andrea@healthydiningfinder.com

    ReplyDelete