Your sweetheart may have the key to your heart, but eating healthy and being physically active can be the key to a healthier you!
This Valentine’s Day, celebrate love and life with your heart
in mind with tips from the American Heart Association:
Rather than tempting your sweetie with sweets, consider a gift that has more permanence. Find a poem that describes your feelings and write it on beautiful paper for a handmade valentine. Or visit www.ShopHeart.org for gift ideas that benefit the American Heart Association.
Quality time is one of the most meaningful gifts. Bundle up and plan an active winter outing such as sledding, ice skating, or gathering wood for a fire. If you’re feeling adventurous, visit an indoor rock climbing wall.
If your kids are having a Valentine’s Day party at their school or day care, instead of sending candy, consider fresh or dried fruit, friendship bracelets, colored pencils or stickers as tokens of their friendly affection.
Cooking at home is an excellent way to control what and how much you eat. Take a date to a cooking class to practice your skills or learn a new technique. And check out our tips for healthier preparation methods.
Prepare a romantic candlelit dinner at home using one of our healthy recipes.
Give to one another by giving back. Ask your love to volunteer with you at a local organization. Giving back is a healthy habit that can boost your mood and help beat stress.
Use this day as an opportunity to tell your loved one how important they are to you, and share ways that you can support each other’s health and wellness. Get started by taking the My Life Check Assessment.
Craving something sweet? Gift a beautiful fresh fruit basket to your loved one instead of giving sweets with added sugars.
Sharing is caring – if you go out for a romantic dinner date, order one entrée to share. Many restaurant servings are enough for two – splitting will keep you from overdoing it.
Don’t forget to love Fido, too! Give your pet a Valentine’s treat and remember to walk or exercise them daily – getting active with your pet will benefit your health and your bond with your pets.
Take it slow – if you receive an indulgent box of chocolates from your sweetie, stick it in the freezer and enjoy in moderation over the next several weeks.
Take a long, romantic walk with your beloved – and try to make it a regular habit. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderately intense physical activity each week to stay healthy. You can reach this goal by walking briskly for at least 30 minutes five days each week.