Beat The Sweets This Valentine’s Day

Just one short week after the Super Bowl and there is yet another food-focused occasion being celebrated in the United States. Valentine’s Day is one of those days you either love or you hate. But despite your feelings towards this consumer-driven holiday, there is no question that you will encounter a slew of sugar packed sweets this V-Day.

Next to Halloween, early February is the only other time of year where chocolate sales skyrocket. You may be asking yourself, how can I stay a mindful eater when I can’t escape temptation?

Well there are many ways to express your feelings and enjoy yourself without all of the unnecessary sweets.

Here are some ways to stay mindful this Valentine’s Day and it might just turn out to be your best one yet.

Quality Not Quantity

Drug stores and supermarkets alike are stocking up on king-size bags of a variety of sweets. While it may be difficult to avoid these enticing promotions, wholesale generic brand chocolates are unworthy when compared to high quality chocolates. If you can’t live without chocolates this season, forget the low grade chocolate and opt for higher quality brands.

Spend a little extra money on smaller amounts of good quality chocolate this year. Take the time to enjoy each and every bite. Take note of the texture, the aroma and the aftertaste. You’ll soon realize that good quality chocolate is richer, creamier and well worth the taste in comparison to the drug-store junk. Your taste buds will thank you.

Homemade Love

Instead of going out this holiday, take the time to stay in and cook a homemade meal. Whether it be in the company of others or just to treat yourself, make a meal that makes you happy. Eating a good meal will fill your stomach and keep you satisfied. It can prevent you from overindulging in other calorie-dense sweets later on.

Treat yourself and your valentine by making colorful fruit bowls filled with strawberries, cantaloupe, pineapple, blueberries and bananas with a dollop of whipped cream. Show you care by treating your loved one with a dessert that’s both good for them and easy on the taste buds.

Drop Hints

Not everyone demands an assortment of chocolates on Valentine’s Day yet almost everyone receives chocolate in some way, shape or form. If your significant other sticks to the basics every year and you’re tired of it, drop some hints! There are plenty of other fun V-day gifts that don’t have to do with food. Ask for something that you could share like matching mugs, a new cozy blanket or a framed picture of you and your loved one.

Non-Food Ways to Unwind

Valentine’s Day is all about decompressing. There are plenty of ways to relax and enjoy the company of another without food. Perhaps make Valentine’s Day your spa day- massages are a great way to de-stress. Or light some candles and listen to music. Take a long, warm bath. Read a Nicholas Sparks book or watch a good movie. Spend your weekend focusing on treating yourself both physically and emotionally. Instead of feeling bloated and nauseous Monday morning, you’ll feel clear and refreshed.

Your Turn to Take Action: If you have a fun V-day gift suggestion other than sweets we’d love to hear from you! Share your go-to gift below.