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Millions of Britons celebrate Valentine's Day each year with flowers and a restaurant dinner, but romantic eating often leads to weight gain. According to statistics reported by Inside Money Talk, purchases of chocolate and restaurant food rose by 60 percent in 2010 alone; these numbers could be even higher this year. Nearly 43 percent of men and 32 percent of women in the UK are considered overweight, with Valentine's Day being a potential factor for their expanding waistlines.
But Valentine's Day doesn’t have to be a contributor to weight gain. There are ways you can still enjoy your favourite V-Day meal and still be healthy...so here are some tips which can help you avoid any weight gain:-
5 Healthy Eating Tips for Valentine's Day
1. Dark chocolate is king: Many people choose boxed chocolates as their present of choice during Valentine's Day, but eating just half of these chocolates could easily put you over your calorie limit. So here's a great tip: instead of gorging on regular chocolate, choose the dark variety instead. Not only is this special chocolate packed full of cancer-preventing antioxidants, it can also reduce blood pressure and prevent some plaque build-up.
2. Limit your alcohol intake: Food isn't always the biggest cause of weight gain during Valentine's Day - what you drink can also play a role. For example, just one glass of wine contains 85 calories; a serving of beer can carry up to 233 calories. Alcohol can also cause you to make less healthy eating decisions, so you may find yourself gorging on food that you would not normally eat under other circumstances.
3. Share a meal: This is an easy way to split your caloric intake whilst also saving some money. Try this: when at the restaurant, look for dishes that give a serving recommendation of two people and split it with your partner. Choosing healthy food also matters; splitting your meal may not help if you're consuming highly calorific food, for instance.
4. Choose a soufflé or a fruit-based dessert: Valentine's Day often means treating your loved one - and yourself - to a delicious meal, finished off with a rich, sinfully sweet dessert. Unfortunately, desserts can be a diet killer, but some can be enjoyed in moderation. So what can you enjoy? Soufflé or fruit-based desserts (such as ice cream topped with fruit) are the best choices. Thick, cream-based desserts are the worst for those thinking about their figures. Also, try cutting down on the calorie overload by sharing it with your partner – what could be more romantic than that?!
5. Choose a main dish that contains lean meat, vegetables and a non-cream based sauce: Foods laden with creams, sauces or oils contain a lot of calories and fat, which can easily add inches to your waistline. These dishes also have little nutritional value. However, there are still dishes you can enjoy in a restaurant without having to worry about calories; dishes containing lean meat, vegetables and sauces or seasonings free of cream are considered healthy and diet-friendly. These dishes are also more likely to contain lots of vitamins and nutrients, which are good for your general health.
Remember, it's easy to pack on the pounds if you're not careful during Valentine's Day, but you can still eat a decadent meal with your loved one. Just make sure to make smart choices when it comes to your romantic dinner.
Labels: Valentine's Day, romantic dinner, weight gain, chocolates, expanding waistlines, dark chocolate, calorie limit, cancer preventing, antioxidants, blood pressure, alcohol intake, healthy eating, healthy food, souffle, fruit based dessert, fat, nutritional value, lean meat, diet friendly, viamins, nutrients, general health
Posted by: Theo Wood | 7th February 2011 |
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