Swoon Food for Valentine’s Day
When most of us think of Valentine’s we think of red roses, candle lit dinners and deliciously decadent desserts. But! What if you could have all the romance without the extra calories?
BRING THE FLOWERS
Begin your day with a killer low GI granola. It’s easy to prepare and packs a fantastic nutrient punch so you’re full of energy for the whole day! Try adding edible flowers and berries to really give your granola a wonderful colour and flavour.
GETTING SWEATY
What about a couples workout or yoga class? Even if your significant other isn’t a confessed yogi or a gym junkie, you’d be surprised how much fun a couples training session can be - especially if neither of you take it too seriously. It’s about enjoying yourselves and your relationship today.
THE BEST GIFT
My girlfriends always complain about flowers and chocolates, while the guys suffer socks and ties, but a little thought can go a long way!
My partner, a few years ago, gave me the best Valentine’s Day gift. I was at work, feeling peckish and about to head for the ‘coffee & cakery’ next door when this wonderful gift basket of exotic fruit and specialty teas arrived. He’d planned it for exactly 10am, knowing that was hangry-o’clock! Such a darling!!
DINNER FOR TWO
A romantic Valentine’s meal doesn’t have to be expensive or overdone. Most restaurants are booked solid a week or two in advance, so if you have a certain romantic venue in mind book it early.
Personally, I love a relatively healthy meal at home with some fun, gimmicky romantic gestures. One year we had a simple steamed chicken with mashed potato and veg but my partner painstakingly formed the mash into heart shapes. Another year we made sculptures of each other by carving them into watermelons - then ate the abominable works of ‘art’ for lunch.
My favourite Valentine’s though, was the year my partner and I made flower and heart shaped sourdough rolls together. We had so much fun with the baking that we ended up just having salad rolls for dinner!
Remember that a wonderful meal isn’t necessarily about the highest price tag or the biggest portion size. It’s about celebrating a healthy, balanced and fantastic relationship with that special someone. Some of my most memorable and enjoyable meals have been the healthiest and cheapest.
STEAL A KISS
Try freshly picked mint leaves dipped in oozy dark chocolate. They make a delicious and lighter end to your romantic meal... so you have minty-fresh breath and you’re not too full for those after dinner activities *wink*
GOING SOLO
Don’t have a Valentine this year? Who cares! Celebrate a healthy and balanced relationship with yourself, with fiends and the world around you. Share a hearty granola with a neighbour or colleague, have dinner with a friend or make yourself a delicious dessert and curl up with a great book or tv show.
Whatever your passion this Valentine’s, be passionate about it! Have a healthy, happy and wonderful day!
