DON’T SIDELINE YOUR HEALTH THIS VALENTINES DAY
February is known as the month of love, a time when couples spoil each other with chocolates and confections in celebration of Valentine’s Day. All these sweet treats are filled with sugar which has negative health effects. Eating too much sugar can lead to weight gain, an increase in the risk of heart disease as well as diabetes. On this day of love, you are most likely to consume more carbohydrates, sodium and cholesterol when dining out, as opposed to having a healthier homemade meal.
The good news is that you can enjoy Valentine’s Day and still keep your health intact. Do things differently this year and celebrate love while keeping your health in mind. Eating healthy and being physically active will guarantee a healthier heart, body and sex life this Valentine’s Day.
“Whether you are celebrating Valentine’s Day on your own, with friends or with your partner, it is important to consider your overall health,” says Gert Coetzee Pharmacist and Diet pioneer, who founded The Diet Everyone Talks About – an established company that has been successfully operating and helping people maintain their weight for the past 30 years. Below he lists some hints and tips that will help keep you healthy while enjoying Valentine’s Day.
Prepare a romantic candle lit homemade meal
Cooking at home is an amazing way to control what you eat. When you prepare your own food, you are in control. You know exactly which ingredients to use and you are also able to regulate the amount of food served.
Get active
Consider taking a long romantic walk with your significant other. You can also consider other activities such as indoor rock climbing, dance classes, yoga as well as ice skating.
Avoid giving the gift of chocolate
Chocolate is filled with sugar and we all know that sugar is enemy number one! Rather gift your partner with a spa day, perfume, flowers or some jewellery.
Go easy on the alcohol
If you decide to drink alcohol, do so in moderation. Drinking alcohol excessively can lead to harmful health conditions such as heart disease and cancer. Alcohol can also affect your libido which will decrease sexual activity and that’s not good, especially for Valentine’s Day.
Be heart healthy
Valentine’s Day is also a great time to consider the health of your heart. Below are some heart healthy foods that should be included in your Valentine’s Day meals.
- Green Leafy Vegetables
- Berries
- Wholegrains
- Fish
- Almonds
Surprise your loved one with breakfast in bed using this delicious gluten free recipe for ‘Chocolate Oatmeal Pancakes’.
Ingredients
- 1 cup gluten-free quick-cooking oats
- 1 cup low-fat milk or non-dairy milk
- 4 tablespoons virgin coconut oil melted
- 2 eggs lightly beaten
- 4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
- 4 tablespoons gluten-free flour mix
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 6 tablespoons maple syrup
Toppings
- Fresh strawberries tossed a little organic sugar
- Fresh whipped organic cream lightly sweetened with organic sugar
Instructions
- Place the oatmeal and milk in a microwaveable glass measuring cup or bowl.
- Microwave for 2 minutes and allow it to cool.
- Stir in coconut oil, eggs, cocoa, gluten-free flour mix, baking powder and maple syrup. If mixture is too thick, thin with a little extra milk.
- Heat pan on medium heat and lightly grease with coconut oil.
- Scoop batter onto pan and cook on both sides until browned. Pancakes brown quickly, so turn the heat down to medium-low as soon as you put the batter into the pan. ₁
For more information or if you’d like to join The Diet Everyone Talks About:
Tel: (016) 362 4890