Valentine’s is approaching.  A celebratory day associated with heart-shaped chocolates, fancy four-course dinners and a few glasses of bubbly. Which might sound amazing! However this year is going to look a touch different given the current Covid19 health restrictions. I Lets talk about 5 easy ways to celebrate Valentines Day at home this year.

Valentines also happens to fall on Family Day long weekend here in B.C. SO it your like us, you might be making it a Family affair….  a perfect combination of Fitness, Family, Fun!

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

Have a Healthy Breakfast.

Start your day with a special Valentine’s themed breakfast including heart shaped pancakes with some red fruits like strawberries or raspberries. Strawberries are low in calories, are an excellent source of vitamin C and B9, as well as potassium. I have a PDF of a few of my favorite breakfast recipes  HERE.

Or why not serve some eggs on whole-wheat toast with sliced avocado, a great source of protein containing heart-healthy unsaturated fats.

Most of us are Staying In

Maybe you are disappointed and were looking forward to an night out of the house after all dishes are not that romantic.  But celebrating Valentines at with a home-cooked meal beats an expensive restaurant any day  and cooking and cleaning together can be part of the fun.

Simply set-up your table with a nice table cloth, sprinkle some rose petals or add some Valentine’s themed decorations and cook your favorite dish. Although there wont be any rose petals on our table, I assure you there will be a lot of love around it.

You could also try putting together your own health-conscious grazing table – allowing you both to graze while saving you time in the kitchen. Think of including foods like lean meats, fresh and dried fruits, seasonal veg and nuts. Alternatively, you can order your grazing table from The Charcuterie Vancouver.

There is Healthier chocolate

Giving the gift of a small amount of healthier chocolate can be a nice gift for someone or yourself.

Studies have shown that dark chocolate cacao offers disease-fighting antioxidants, while its flavonoids can boost heart health by lowering blood pressure.  Add a bar of dark chocolate to a small basket of healthy goodies and give as a gift to someone in your life.   When on the lookout for dark chocolate as a gift, make sure it has at least 60% cacao. These will have fewer additives such as cream or sugar and are a rich source of antioxidants.

Exercise together

Celebrate Valentines / Family Day weekend and get our for a walk, or hike, or whatever moves you.  Can’t beat the gift of fresh air and endorphins. 😉

The gift of Wellness Valentines

You could also use this Valentine’s Day as an opportunity to focus on your wellbeing or give the gift of wellness.

You could head off together for a spa day, taking the time to relax and unwind while enjoying each other’s company. If that is not currently available  in your area you could give each other massages with some essential oils which has its own added  benefits.  #Boomchickawowow  😉

Finally, remember Valentine’s Day is a time for fun so don’t completely deprive yourself. Have some cake, a glass of wine or a couple of chocolates, and enjoy!