A Happier, Healthier Love

After we make our New Year’s resolutions and are just starting the new habits of better nutrition and physical activity, Valentine’s Day is lurking around the corner. If you ask children what they love about Valentine’s Day, the most common answer is “candy”. If you ask adults, you will often receive the same answer!  Indulge yourself, your family, “Valentine”, “Galentine”, or “Palentine” with a heart-healthy alternative. How can you have a happier, healthier Valentine’s Day?

Here are a few ideas to be a healthy Valentine:

At School

• Teach students about foods that support a healthy heart.
• Hold a taste test with red fruits and veggies!  Apples, blood oranges, cherries, grapes, pink grapefruit, pomegranates, raspberries, red peppers, tomatoes, beets, and more!  Have a vote for the class favorite!
• Make (or serve) heart sandwiches using whole grain bread and any red 100% fruit spread.  Make the sandwich using regular bread, then cut into a heart shape with cookie cutters or a knife.
• Make yogurt parfaits with low-fat berry yogurt and fresh or dried berries. 
• Add some fun messages to lunch boxes with “fruity” puns!  Use markers to write on peelable fruits, fruit cups, or 100% juice boxes.  Messages could be “You’re so sweet!” or “You’re the apple of my eye!”
• Instead of sending candy consider mini bags of pretzels or crackers, pencils, or stickers as tokens of affection. No worries about food allergies!

At Home

• Make heart shaped pancakes or waffles in the morning, top with fresh fruit and whipped cream.
• Avoid the crowds and celebrate with a dance party at home.  Crank up your favorite tunes and groove around the house.  Burn off some energy or cuddle close with your love.
• Show your love by making a healthier dinner at home-containing a heart-healthy protein (such as salmon), whole-grains, and fruits and vegetables.
• If you choose to eat out, be aware the restaurant portions can be much larger than most people need.  Make like Lady and the Tramp and share that giant entrée for a healthier option.
• Keep desserts fruit- based with little to no added sugar. Try using an indoor grill to grill bananas, pineapple, peaches or plums.
• If you do receive chocolates or candy, remember it is ok to eat them in moderation. Keep your servings small or within the recommended serving size. Consider freezing some to enjoy later.

February is Heart Health Month so Valentine’s Day is the perfect day to show some love for yourself and the ones that are near and dear to your heart. Proper diet and activity is the key to a healthy heart!

Written by: Kate Shumaker, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Holmes County

Reviewed by: Caitlin Mathews-Smith, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension.