Valentine’s day is about love, chocolates, fancy dinners, and spending time with that special someone, but who says that special someone can’t be yourself too? Thats why there’s no better day than Valentine’s day to check in with your heart and your overall health. That doesn’t mean you still can’t enjoy your day and indulge in some Valentine’s Day treats.
Registered Dietician and Health Educator Nancy Rindfuss says there are many ways to enjoy the day, while still being mindful of your health.
“If you think about Valentine’s day…or approaching foods and eating healthy, one of the things I think of is chocolate, and and so dark chocolate is the best choice over others,” said Rindfuss.
Rindfuss also recommended red wine over white, and maybe sharing some of the more decadent dinner options as a way to enjoy in moderation at your Valentine’s day dinner.
In addition to watching what you eat, Rindfuss also said getting exercise is very important for your heart’s health, not to mention your overall health.
“Also your heart is a muscle, and keeping our heart in good shape by exercise is a really big factor,” said Rindfuss, “it’s recommended that we get about 150 minutes of exercise every week.’
At the end of the day though, Rindfuss stressed the importance of investing in yourself, and being kind to yourself as a way to take care of your health. That means not overly restricting your diet, and causing yourself stress.
“Because really all foods can fit into a healthy diet. Literally. Because food is such a social thing for us,” said Rindfuss, “and if we have all these rules and chains and restrictions, it just becomes really unpleasant, right? And so food is one of our biggest enjoyments in life.”
This Valentine’s day, be mindful of your heart and your health, but also, enjoy.
