Healthy Valentine's Day Treats
Happy, Healthy Valentine’s Day!
Everyone deserves to indulge on V-Day, but an entire heart-shaped box of chocolates isn’t the best post-rehearsal snack. whip up one of these (healthier) chocolaty treats that will leave you and your friends satisfied and feeling great.
Dark Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
Dark chocolate is packed with heart-healthy antioxidants and strawberries are a great source of vitamin C—a perfect combo! Dip strawberries in melted chocolate and place them on wax paper in the refrigerator until the chocolate sets. Feeling fancy? Drizzle dipped strawberries with melted white chocolate.
Raspberry S’mores
Layer a small piece of dark chocolate, a marshmallow and three raspberries between two graham crackers and microwave for 7–10 seconds. Mmmm!
Dark Chocolate Nut Bark
Melt 12 ounces of dark chocolate chips and stir in 2.5 cups of your favorite nuts (we love an almond, cashew and pistachio mix). Pour the mixture into a parchment-lined 9-by-13–inch dish and refrigerate for about 30 minutes or until firm. Break into pieces and enjoy!
Festive Fruit Kabobs
Skewer your favorite red and pink fruits—such as watermelon, strawberries, raspberries and red grapes—and serve with low-fat whipped cream
and melted dark chocolate for dipping.
Strawberry Shortcake
Looking for a super–low-fat, low-calorie option? Try a slice of angel food cake topped with strawberries and low-fat Cool Whip, drizzled with melted dark chocolate.
Remember: Moderation is key!
Flower Power
Having fresh flowers in your home can improve your emotional health. In fact, a study at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, found that flowers have an immediate, as well as long-term, positive impact on happiness levels. So this Valentine’s Day, don’t wait for your honey to bring you a bouquet—buy some beautiful blooms and give yourself a boost.
Cut the Cold
You’re less likely to get a cold if you exercise at least 5 times a week, according to a recent study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. Translation: Regularly taking class—jazz, ballet, tap, hip hop, modern—could cut your risk of catching a cold by nearly 50 percent.
Did You Know?
Eating pineapple may help ease the aches and pains you feel after a long rehearsal. That’s because this juicy fruit contains bromelain, an enzyme that can reduce inflammation and promote wound healing. Plus, pineapple is a great source of vitamin C. Try stirring some into your yogurt for a healthy and delicious treat.
