Valentine' Day: Think Outside the Chocolate Box

By Alice Mitchell, Project Weight Loss Editor
February 13, 2009

No need to remind you what we celebrate tomorrow. Valentine’s Day should not celebrate only love. It should also be a celebration of wellbeing and joy. It’s not only about loving your partner, but also about loving and appreciating yourself. So, what’s the secret to having a sweet, perfect Valentine’s Day without having to worry about eating too much chocolate?

The secret is to spend an unconventional Valentine’s. It’s not all about dinners, sweets and sugars. It’s about spending quality time with your loved one. Going for a walk in the park could be the perfect way to start your day. This way you will get the chance to catch up with your partner and also enjoy a very pleasant and benefic exercise.

Think outside the chocolate box. Valentine’s Day is not all about sweets. There are a lot of other gifts you can offer your loved one. Avoiding sugary gifts can show your partner you care about his health. For instance, if you and your partner have weigh problems, you can surprise him by enrolling yourselves in a weight loss program. You can also go to dance classes, if that’s something you both like to do.

A study from the International Journal of Obesity shows that partners influence each other’s behavior. For instance, if one of them starts a weight loss program or lives a healthy life, the other one is influenced and begins being aware of his eating habits. Valentine’s Day should not be considered a cheating day.

You can still enjoy a delicious dinner with your special one while sticking to your diet. Dietitian Jayson Hunter explains: “It’s Ok to go out and have a good time. It’s not Ok to completely abandon your quick weight loss goals. […] It really is easy to have a great dinner on Valentine’s Day and enjoy yourself while sticking to your quick weight loss plan.”

Hunter offers a few tips for a healthy and great Valentine’s. Exercise, even if that means just going for a walk, drink plenty of water and don’t skip meals while waiting for the romantic dinner. And, finally, don’t exaggerate but don’t hold back on eating chocolate. Don’t punish yourself by thinking that chocolate is a sinful Valentine’s indulgence. Remember that it also has its benefits, especially if it’s dark chocolate. Have a Happy Valentine’s Day!

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