Valentine's Day is a holiday traditionally associated with giving candy as a gift. People who are watching their weight may dread this day because tempting treats are all around them. It is possible to enjoy the holiday without derailing your healthy eating goals. Choose treats that feel indulgent but are low in fat and calories.
Chocolate-covered Strawberries
Strawberries dipped in chocolate are a snack often associated with romance, making them a perfect treat for Valentine's Day. Use dark chocolate for increased flavonoid intake. Flavonoids are found in plant foods, such as the cocoa used to make chocolate, and protect you from environmental toxins. Dark chocolate and strawberries contain antioxidants that protect your body from free radical damage. Strawberries are a good source of vitamin C, which aids in wound healing and protects your immune system. Chocolate-covered strawberries are a sweet treat that children enjoy as well, making them a healthy snack for Valentine's Day parties in the classroom.
Heart-shaped Nibbles
A heart-shaped cookie cutter allows you to prepare a snack from healthy ingredients with a Valentine's Day theme. Use a small one to cut out whole-wheat pancakes or waffles and serve them with a spoonful of peanut butter for a snack that offers complex carbohydrates and protein. This combination of nutrients offers a boost of energy and supports healthy muscles. Heart-shaped nibbles make a good lunchbox snack for your little valentines. Toast and cheese are other options that are easy to cut with a cookie cutter.
Fruit Kabobs
Red and pink are traditional Valentine's Day colors, and many fruits come in these colors, making them a fun way to celebrate the holiday. Use skewers that aren't sharp if you are serving this snack to small children. Thread alternating chunks of pink and red fruit. Try watermelon, grapes, grapefruit, blood oranges, apples and berries. A version of the Valentine's Day kabob featured on PreschoolRock.com adds cubes of white cheese to the skewers. This snack increases fiber intake, which supports healthy digestion. It also raises intake of vitamins A and C, nutrients that play a role in a healthy immune system and keep your gums and teeth healthy. Cheese offers calcium for bone health.
Yogurt Parfait
Yogurt parfaits are fast and easy to prepare and offer several nutritional benefits. Choose a low-fat yogurt to keep saturated fat intake low. Yogurt is high in calcium, which keeps your bones and teeth healthy, preventing osteoporosis and tooth decay. A low-sugar version will keep calorie intake low. To make this snack with a Valentine's Day theme, use plain or vanilla yogurt and top with strawberries or red raspberries. Berries offer fiber to satisfy your hunger and vitamins A and C to protect you from getting sick. Serve it in a heart-shaped dish to make it even more festive.
Member Comments