If you are still desperately trying to cling onto your New Year’s resolution of being a healthier, happier and fitter you, why not try the same for your Valentine’s date?
Once a year we get to celebrate our love, so let’s not suck all the fun out of life and waste all the effort we make at the gym in only one night. We can have our cake and eat it by making the right decisions, not over indulging and earning our treats.
Here are a few tips to enjoy your Valentine’s Day and leave the restaurant with a flat tummy:
Couples who are active together stay together
Go for a walk, a romantic hike with amazing views followed by a well-earned meal. It costs nothing to hit the trails and we are blessed with some amazing walking trails all on our door step. You could work up that appetite with a bike ride, a run, a stroll, or even ice skating, the possibilities are endless. And let’s face it, what’s more romantic then ice skating under the stars.
Have it your way and choose the healthy option of what you want
If it’s fried, ask for it grilled. If it comes with chips, order a side of veggies or sweet potato wedges instead. Ask for smaller portions and fresh salad instead of coleslaw. And don’t forget to be careful with that salad dressing!
Remember, don’t be afraid to ask for your meal to be prepared how you want it! After all you are paying for it!
Order the healthy bites on the menu
Most healthy options list the calories and nutritional content of food helping you make the right choice. Restaurants understand we are now conscious of what we are eating and have a healthy choice section.
Try the tapas style meal
If there is a nice selection of seafood – and vegetable -based starters, why not have a tapas style meal? Pick a couple each, and start the romance early by sharing food and feeding each other!
Watch out for the salad, they shouldn’t be fatty
Keep it tasty but healthy. Why are we drizzling flavor over an already tasty fresh salad? We don’t need to add coleslaw, pasta, potatoes, dressings then the bacon bits and fried onions or noodles. For fresher flavors and different textures try adding raw vegetables, fruits or nuts.
Check out the menu online
We all know how risky it is to go shopping hungry, so why are we choosing a 3 course meal when we are ravenous if we have saved ourselves all day so we can fit in the slinky dress/outfit? You can decide before you even get there what you’re going to order when you are of sane mind and body! Look the menu up online beforehand and this way you can make the right choice when you are not hungry, if you don’t see anything that’s healthy, pick another restaurant!
Say NO to cocktails
Forget the margaritas, piña coladas, and other exotic mixed drinks. They include sugary additions that only add calories and less actual alcohol if we are honest. Try a sexy drink this Valentine’s? After all they do say what we drink says a lot about us! Or just go straight for the bubble, we are celebrating LOVE at around 69 calories in a glass of prosecco versus a mojito at 217 calories? I definitely know which I’m choosing!
Drink water throughout the meal!
I say this all the time, but it’s a big one. Drinking water during your meal will slow you down, help you enjoy the food more and drink less alcohol. Meaning you will enjoy the whole night *wink* *wink*
And most importantly…
Skip dessert… It’s Valentine’s Day and you are sweet enough!