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With Valentine’s Day upon us, thoughts turn to candy, flowers, chocolate, and Cupid’s arrows. Unfortunately, for many people, matters of the heart can be a serious business. According to the American Heart Association, heart disease is the number one killer of Americans today. And, being overweight can contribute to the development of heart disease and other risk factors (such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high triglycerides, etc.) that are associated with an increased risk of heart disease.
Typically, people all over the world give gifts to one another as an expression of love or friendship on Valentine’s Day. However, if you want to show someone you really care, give them something they will really treasure – the gift of health. So, forget the candy, chocolate and extravagant meals, here are a few tips to make your Valentine’s Day full of health and true affection.
♥ Make a designer heart sandwich:
Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut bread. Choose lean chicken or turkey and add tomatoes, lettuce and other fresh veggies. Replace full-fat mayonnaise with a light margarine, mustard or light mayonnaise. Kids will love the heart-shaped sandwich and you will make them feel extra special with only a little effort! Just about anyone enjoys a tasty surprise in their lunch.
♥ Create an easy, “hearty” dessert:
Drizzle a low-fat or fat-free raspberry (sweetened with sucralose) or strawberry yogurt over fruits for a healthy yet tantalizing dessert. The pink color is festive for the holiday and the yogurt is low in fat, full of protein, calcium and other vitamins and minerals. For a true valentine’s dessert, use only red fruits such as strawberries, cherries, raspberries and red grapes.
♥ Put your heart into breakfast:
Make heart shaped pancakes. Add skim milk and egg substitute to the pancake mix in place of other high-fat ingredients. Spread each pancake with reduced-fat margarine, then top with strawberries and powdered sugar. Your friends and family will love the shape – of the pancakes and their waistline!
♥ Get to the heart of the matter with a fruit basket:
Instead of giving your loved one cookies, cakes, chocolate or pie, present them with a fruit basket.
♥ Vegetables have heart:
Serve raw veggies or a salad with a red-based dressing such as a raspberry vinaigrette or red wine dressing. There are several low-fat varieties in your local grocery.
♥ Become a heart-saver:
For a lifetime of good health, make subtle changes. Try skim or one percent milk in place of whole milk, choose margarine products over butter and eat more chicken and fish in place of red meat.
♥ Give the gift of time:
Take a walk, bicycle, golf or participate in some other activity that you both enjoy (or the whole family enjoys). Not only will you spend more time together, you will burn calories, increase your strength and contribute to an overall sense of well-being. Being more active is sure to get your heart-rate up!
♥ Give a non-food based treat:
If you or someone you love is on the road to weight loss and an overall healthy diet, don’t give them a bag full of candy. Instead, give them a gift that’s truly from the heart such as a subscription to a magazine for healthy living, new exercise tapes, a massage, etc. Or, perhaps they’ve lost some weight and are in need of a new wardrobe. Present them with some new clothes in a smaller size!
♥ Plant the seeds for a healthy heart:
Buy a flower for your loved one to plant in the yard. Not only will he/she be able to enjoy the beauty each season, they also get the added benefit that gardening brings: exercise!
♥ Moderation is the heart-smart approach:
Don’t deprive yourself of chocolate, candy or your other favorite treat! Do partake, but remember moderation is the key. And, be sure to check out the many available reduced-calorie and sugar-free chocolates and candy that are sweetened with sucralose. You or your loved one won't miss the calories
Click here to find more healthy snacks courtesy of Splenda.com
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