Make this Valentine’s Day a Healthy Day for Your Heart!
Courtesy of Super Kids Nutrition
Valentine’s Day falls in February, which just happens to also be American Heart Month. Use these celebrations as a time to encourage long-term healthy behaviors in the family to keep everyone’s hearts healthy.
The key to healthy living is to always make it fun! Get creative at school parties and with family fun and say “no” to traditional, sugar-laden Valentine’s Day parties. Valentine’s Day without the sugar can be just as special! There are many ways schools and families can have a heart-healthy Valentine’s Day celebration this year, featuring nutritious, creative and delicious ideas that will keep your kids happy and their hearts healthy. Revamp your family or classroom’s Valentine’s Day celebration with these 5 easy tips.
Not all hearts have to come in chocolate.
Create a magnificent masterpiece for your party table with colorful berries arranged on a tray in a heart shape. Or form a big heart in the center of the table with apples. Valentine’s Day food art is endless! Your heart will thank you for these fruity delicious desserts!
Think beyond the Hershey’s Kisses.
Instead of including the traditional piece of candy with your child’s Valentine’s Day cards, switch it up with a non-food reward such as a special sticker, pencil or eraser this year.
Make sweets with benefits.
Make your own heart-healthy desserts by dipping fresh and dried fruits in dark chocolate. This treat is rich in antioxidants, which will help protect your hearts!
Share what you love about those you love!
Start a new tradition this year. Each Valentine’s Day, make sure you save some time to sit down with your family and have each person share one thing they love about each family member.
Have a red and pink themed meal!
Make a fun meal to share together with all the red and pink foods that you can find! Think beets, tomatoes or tomato sauce, red cabbage, red bell peppers, radishes, radicchio, rhubarb, red chard, red onions, red potatoes, red lentils, salmon, kidney beans, grapefruit, apples, cherries, raspberries, pomegranate, blood oranges, cranberries, red grapes…The list goes on! Have fun and get creative with ways to combine them! Try to pair a fruit, vegetable, whole grain, lean protein, and healthy fat for a balanced meal.
Click here to read the full article at Super Kids Nutrition.
