10 Valentine’s Day Recipes That Beat a Box of Chocolates

Valentine’s Day is right behind Halloween on the unhealthy holiday’s list. Alas, double-fisting chocolate and champagne, while delish, isn’t exactly low cal. This year, whether you’re celebrating with friends, family, or that special someone, treat your loved ones to something equally delicious that won’t lead to a leaden stomach. These healthy recipes have you covered, whether you’re doing breakfast in bed, cocktails at sunset, or a late night dessert. Bonus: They’re far more original than cliché oysters and red wine.

1. Valentine’s Day Egg in the Basket

How could you not start the day smiling with this Valentines-themed version of eggs in the basket? Plus an egg starts the day with six grams of filling protein. Use heart-healthy olive oil and whole grain bread to boost the benefits.

2. Blood Orange Margaritas

Kick off Valentine’s cocktail hour right with some tart margaritas. These ruby-red drinks are made with fresh-squeezed citrus juice(vitamin C, holla!) and no added sugar.

3. Almond Date Energy Bars

Got Valentine’s Day crush? Surprise them with these almond-chocolate treats formed with dates. (Hint, hint!) Use special cookie cutters (or a steady hand and a sharp knife) to make them into heart shapes.

4. Chocolate Cherry Bread

This sweet, yeasted bread is overloaded with cherries and chocolate chips, a classic V-Day duo that’s supercharged with antioxidants. (Stick to dark chocolate for maximum health benefits.) Slice off a hunk of this bread and pair it with a cup of tea for the perfect cozy afternoon snack.

5. Sriracha Roasted Chili Sauce

Chocolate and sugar, not exactly your scene (or your boo’s)? We got you covered. Nothing says “You’re smokin’ hot” like a jar of homemade spicy sauce. BYO mason jar.

6. Heart Apple Sandwiches

Apples, peanut butter, granola, and chocolate chips—really what could be better? But the beauty of this recipe is you can riff on it in a thousand delicious directions. Sub in almond butter, coconut flakes, raisins, dried cranberries… You have our permission to go crazy with the “sandwich” fixings.

7. Valentine’s Day Strawberry Love Muffins

Get the word out: Muffins can be healthy! And these sweet muffins are proof positive. They’re packed with nutritious ingredients like Greek yogurt, fresh strawberries, coconut oil, and whole-wheat flour.

8. Red Berry Celery Smoothie

If you and your S.O. are gonna hit that chocolate box hard, you can find a little balance by starting the day sipping on this healthy smoothie full of antioxidant-rich fruits. Berries and apple keep it sweet, and celery adds vitamin K.

9. Healthy Valentine’s Day Cookies

In many houses, a holiday isn’t truly celebrated till the baking sheet comes out. This cookie recipe is full of healthy swaps: Whole-wheat flour, honey, and natural peanut butter take on the usual flour-sugar-fat mix. Plus wheat germ gives it a bump of vitamin E.

10. Whiskey Sour Slush

A little bit sour, a little bit sweet, a little bit icy, and a little bit boozy, this frozen cocktail will prove you can bartend with the best of ’em. And, hey, if you’re going to go tippling, you may as well add in some healthy ingredients like lemon juice and cranberries.

Published on: February 13, 2018February 13, 2018Author: AdminComment: 0