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Savoring Love: A Nutritional Twist for Your Valentine’s Day

February 14, 2024

Daysy Bustamante- Registered Dietitian Nutritionist at Doherty Nutrition

Written By: Daysy Bustamante, RD

Meredith Link, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, RD, LD

Edited & Medically Reviewed By: Meredith Link, RD, LD

  • 5 min read
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Table of Contents

Celebrate Valentine’s Day this year with a fun twist with your loved ones. Grab your partner, a friend(s), or a family member and be ready to have an amazing day celebrating love. Valentine’s day is often advertised for the star-crossed lovers/couples, but it is certainly to celebrate all types of love relationships. One of my favorite ways to celebrate, over the last few years, is hosting a Galantine’s Day which is a girlfriend’s Valentine’s day get-together. It is SO much fun getting dressed in pink and red, eating delicious food and snacks, and playing fun games with a good mix of pretty mocktails in hand. It all starts with a nutritious 3-course meal that nourishes both the body and soul, followed by fun activities to choose from. This perfect blend of nutritious indulgence and joyful engagement with your loved ones will make this Valentines’ truly memorable.

Building a 3-Course Balanced Meal + Mocktail Recipe

A balanced meal consists of variation of our 3 macronutrients including a protein source, carbohydrates with fiber, and healthy fats. Another addition to a nourishing balanced meal is our micronutrients. These are all our vitamins and minerals our bodies need, they can be easily included in our meals by ensuring we are eating whole grains, variety, and lots of color. This is why you hear dietitians preach about eating more color and variety with our meals, it helps increase our micronutrient intake. While all these nutrients are important to get in our meals, it is also very important to include foods you love and enjoy with meals. This helps increase satisfaction with your meals and the likelihood that you will eat this meal again.

1. Appetizer

Start your evening with a colorful and crisp caprese salad featuring ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil drizzled with a balsamic glaze. This light and flavorful dish sets the stage for a delightful culinary journey.

2. Entrée: Heart-Healthy Harmony

For the main course, indulge in a baked lemon herb salmon served with quinoa and roasted vegetables. The omega-3 fatty acids in salmon promote heart health, while quinoa provides a protein-packed and fiber-rich accompaniment. This balanced dish is as nutritious as it is delicious.

3. Dessert: Sweet Serenade

Conclude your meal with a delicious treat – Dark Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries. The antioxidants in dark chocolate combined with the delicious sweetness of strawberries create a divine dessert that rounds out the meal.

4. Raspberry Sour Mocktail

This is a personal favorite recipe of mine; it is delicious and refreshing! 😊 Tools, ingredients, and directions are listed below.

Tools:

• 2 oz cocktail measuring cup
• Glass cup for mocktail

Ingredients:

• Raspberries
• Lime juice
• Grapefruit juice
• Simple syrup
• Heart molds for ice (for funsies)
• Raspberry Rose Poppi
• Toppings: Lime rind, raspberries

Directions:

• Add 4 fresh raspberries to the bottom of the glass and squish using a spoon. • Add 1.5oz lime juice • Add 1 oz grapefruit juice • Add ½ oz simple syrup • Add heart shaped ice cubes Ice • Top with Raspberry Rose Poppi • Garnish with lime rind, raspberry

Joyful Valentine’s Day Activities

A fun activity for two or for the group can be a fun way to end the day of celebration. Here are a few ideas to try:

1. Dance of Love: Create a playlist of your favorite songs and dance the night away with your loved ones, in the comfort of your living room. Dancing is a great way to connect with others, but also an easy way to incorporate joyful movement.

2. Romantic/peaceful Stroll: Take a sunset walk with your partner/friends. Enjoy the sun setting, fresh air, and even share stories or just appreciate the evening. A light walk promotes a sense of relaxation but can also be a way to add me joyful movement to your day. Don’t forget your water bottle! 😊

3. Yoga Class: Yoga is a great way to relax and a fun activity to try with friends or a partner. This could be a great way to increase flexibility and encourage joyful movement as well. Grab a yoga mat and do this at home with a youtube video or take a class. 😊

4. Memory Lane Movie Night: Create a cozy movie night at home featuring films that hold sentimental value for you and your partner or friends. Add some popcorn and relax. 😊

5. DIY Spa Night: Transform your home into a spa retreat. Pamper yourselves with a face roller, soothing music, and a relaxing atmosphere.

Conclusion

This Valentine’s Day, redefine your celebration by combining a nutritious three-course meal with fun activities. Embrace the joy of sharing wholesome food and creating a memorable experience. Here’s to a day filled with love, laughter, and a healthy dose of togetherness!

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