Toss that box of chocolates! Forget the flowers! This year, why not show that special someone you REALLY love them with these very alluring, romantic, and healthy alternatives!
Check out these fun non-traditional ways to heat up your Valentine’s Day!
1. START THE DAY WITH STRAWBERRIES
Colorful and oh-so-romantic, strawberries are packed with Vitamin C, which bolsters the immune system. Serve them with low-fat fruit yogurt, and a cup of green tea instead of coffee. Green tea contains powerful blood-thinning agents called flavonoids, which can reduce the risk of dangerous blood clots by 60 percent. Check out this recipe for Dark Chocolate-Covered Strawberries.
2. TAKE A YOGA CLASS TOGETHER
Yoga expert Gwen Lawrence, author of Body Sculpting with Yoga, says yoga refreshes, relaxes and restores. It increases strength and flexibility. Enthusiasts even claim yoga boosts your desire! So what are you waiting for?
3. GIVE (AND GET) A MASSAGE
Stock up on a bottle of fragrant massage oil infused with jasmine. Jasmine is a relaxing, sensuous, and alluring scent. Rub those achy shoulders and backs. You’ll be steaming up the room in no time!
4. GET AWAY FOR A HEALTHY WEEKEND
Rather than stay at home, venture to a quiet and cozy bed and breakfast or spa where you can spend the weekend hiking, cross-country skiing, or mountain biking. Perhaps even do some “forest bathing” as recommended by Nina Smiley, author of Mindfulness in Nature.
5. SPICE IT UP IN THE KITCHEN
Cook a delicious low-fat, low-calorie meal together. Experiment with healthy cuisine from around the world. Add some real spice, too! Onions, garlic, and ginger are rich in compounds that destroy viruses and bacteria. Check out this recipe for Jerk Chicken Taco which you can do together.
6. INDULGE IN A GLASS OF RED WINE
Rather than beer or other alcoholic beverages, opt for a glass of red wine. Red wine is rich with anti-oxidants called phenolics, and red wine drinkers have a 50% lower risk of diabetes. Find out more about including red wine in your diet in the book The Mamma Mia! Diet.
7. SINGLE? TAKE A GROUP EXERCISE CLASS
Exercise classes are not only very motivating, they are a great way to meet new friends who share a common interest in exercise and health. Treat yourself to new workout attire, while you are at it. Pick up The Complete Physique to help get you ready.
8. BUY YOUR SOULMATE A NEW PAIR OF RUNNING SHOES
Over time, running shoes wear out. The soles no longer act as shock absorbers and the shock gets passed along to your bones and joints. Terri Schneider, author of Runner’s Workout Handbook, recommends a brand new pair of running shoes as a great fitness gift which also helps prevent injuries.
9. GO DANCING!
That’s right, dancing is a great way to burn calories together. Try the twist, the foxtrot, or–if you are daring–the tango, the most romantic of all dances. Want more? Dancing can burn over 300 calories per hour.
10. WHATEVER YOU DO… DON’T FORGET A VALENTINE’S CARD
While non-traditional ideas are great fun and can be healthy too, don’t put yourself under needless stress by forgetting to give your special someone a Valentine’s Day card! Love can be a tonic for all of life’s challenges, so don’t take it for granted.
These ideas are just a few to keep your relationship fresh and strong. For more ideas of how to create lasting romantic relationships, pick up Love Match: The Art and Science of Finding Your Ideal Partner by Dr. Shaelyn Pham. You can also buy 52 Questions for Relationships by Travis Hellstrom.
