Valentine’s Day is a fun day for families. It’s also a day that can easily be a challenge for families that keep healthy living as a high priority. It doesn’t have to be all about cupcakes and candy, though. Here are some fun, healthy ideas for celebrating the day!
A hearty breakast
Heart-shaped pancakes with yogurt and strawberries make a festive breakfast. Take a little time to make handmade valentines for each other before the big day and get up a little bit early so you can share cards and a healthy breakfast before you head out for the day.
How to get heart-shaped pancakes? Mix up your favorite batter — make it whole grain for your heart’s sake –and put it into a squeeze bottle or a pitcher with a pouring spout. Make sure your pan is hot enough so that a drop of water on it skitters around. Then you can just pour your batter into the shape of a heart. The center will fill in by itself… and if it doesn’t, you’ll have a perfect spot for the berries!
Give your hearts some fun!
Family dance party time! Or maybe touch football is more your style. Pick your favorite active fun and get your heart rates up for a while. Then you can relax with tomato soup and heart-shaped sandwiches. Cut grilled cheese or peanut butter sandwiches with heart-shaped cutters. Go above and beyond with radish roses and cherry tomatoes.
This may be the perfect time for a tearjerker of a movie or a Disney love story. Then make phone calls to the people you love. Grandparents, cousins, or friends will all love to hear from you on this lovely day.
Get a little more movement in before you finish the day. Hold hands and take a brisk winter walk.
A lovely dinner
Make a heart-shaped pizza with plenty of veggies, spaghetti and meatballs in the special color of the holiday, or just choose the dish your family loves best. Play romantic music and have an old fashioned family meal together. Shared family meals are correlated with a range of benefits for kids.
Once the kids are down for the night, take some adult time for conversation and cuddling.
A day like this might make you forget all about cupcakes!