Healthy Eating for Couples this Valentine’s Day

Meal ideas for couples to adopt healthy eating on Valentine’s Day.

 

Valentine’s Day is here, and it’s the perfect time to spread love. Couples will go the extra mile to show their appreciation for one another, more than they would on a regular basis. It is also the time to express love to your bellies by filling them up with scrumptious appetizers, tasty entrees and delectable desserts. Yumssss.

With that in mind, here are some healthy dinner options for two which will not only allow you to stay true to your diet, but also give you a chance to splurge a bit more on getting an extra special gift for your partner. Let’s play “Love Is In The Air” by John Paul Young!

 

Four-Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms

“Resisting cheesy goodness”, said no one ever. Unless you’re lactose intolerant, of course. But if you’re not, and can never stop adding extra cheese to your dish, then this appetiser is the best way to start your Valentine’s Day meal. Adding to the good news is that this dish is jam-packed with health benefits that come with the incorporation of sun-dried tomatoes and spinach in its stuffing. You salivating yet?

Tomato contains lycopene, a lesser-known antioxidant that can help in fending off heart disease and cancer. This red, juicy fruit is also rich in vitamin C, potassium vitamin K and folate. Similarly, spinach is also loaded with vitamin C and K, and folate, as well as other minerals and vitamin such as manganese, magnesium, iron and vitamin B2. But if you think this appetizer may exceed your daily calorie intake, then opt for fresh tomatoes, and part-skim cheese. Oh before we forget, did you know that mushrooms are an aphrodisiac? Feel the love already!

 

Pomegranate Glazed Duck

Oozing with flavour, this entrée is best made with duck breast, which is seared and roasted, before being topped with a pomegranate sauce. This rather unique flavour profile will not only get your taste buds dancing, but also offers an array of health benefits. This includes its rich contain of antioxidant and vitamin C, which helps in digestion, as well as being anti-inflammatory and prevents heart disease, prostate cancer and arthritis.

If that’s not all, pomegranate can also help in decreasing oxidative stress, which is one of the root causes of sperm dysfunction and reduced fertility in women. Did we tell you the best news yet? This dish has less than 300 calories per serving, which is why you can move on to the next course (think dessert) and enjoy it with no guilty-feeling whatsoever. Woots!

 

Steak Paired with Asparagus and Cauliflower Rice

If you ask us, nothing can go wrong with a classic steak as the main course for a couple’s dinner. Ask any man, or even a woman, and they will profound their unconditional love to this meaty goodness. To be honest, many think that women may seem less-inclined to the dish, but deep down we know that they would want to skip salad and indulge in such a hearty meal, especially on Valentine’s Day. Choose to pair your steak with asparagus and cauliflower rice, as they’re both healthy and delicious, perfectly complimenting the flavours from the meat.

Cauliflower is rich in fiber and B-vitamins, and is an excellent source of antioxidants and phytonutrients which are great in safeguarding your body against cancer. On the other hand, asparagus is a nutrient-dense vegetable that is packed with fiber, folate, vitamins A, C, E and K, and chromium, a mineral that is in charge of transporting glucose from the bloodstream into cells. This helps regulate your blood sugar level. Munch away, people!

 

Chocolate Fondue with Assorted Fruits

A complete Valentine’s Day course meal must almost definitely include chocolate. One of the best ways to indulge in some chocolatey goodness is to skip the prep-packaged box of treats, and go for a fondue of dark, creamy melted chocolate instead.

Dark chocolate is loaded with antioxidants, which can improve blood circulation and bring down your blood pressure reading, reduce the risk of heart disease, as well as improve brain function. Souse an array of fruits of your choice in fondue to end your Valentine’s Day meal on a sweet note. Also, don’t forget to add strawberries to your platter, given that they are another great aphrodisiac. *Wink wink*

Try these meal options today, and we guarantee that you’ll enjoy every nibble without the worry that it will hit hard on your scale or wallet. If you’re a fan of maintaining a good diet that’s cheap, check out our list of pocket-friendly selections that you can use all-year round. By the way, sorry if we got you salivating by reading about these tasty gems, we kinda did it on purpose! Happy Valentine’s Day, lovebirds!