Valentine’s Day Treats
By: Jennifer Tveitnes
At the end of every year, we navigate our way through the holiday season, constantly attempting to dodge the food that is thrown our way. They pass, and New Year's Resolutions come, where we adamantly dedicate ourselves to healthy habits. By the end of January, we are finally getting back on track.
Then comes Valentine's Day.
In reality, it is Valentine's Month. Treats typically start appearing long before February 14th, and the abundance causes them to linger all month long.
How do we keep from letting this month long sugar rush derail our healthy habits? Choose the healthiest options from the spread, and make sure that whatever you choose, it is in moderation.
Chocolate
Not all chocolate is created equal. Dark, milk and white chocolates are all quite different. Here are some highlights regarding their differences.
· Dark chocolate has the most antioxidants out of all three. Milk chocolate has some, but milk decreases their absorption. White chocolate has none.
· White chocolate is technically not a chocolate, as it does not contain cocoa as an ingredient.
· Dark and milk chocolate contain caffeine, which can be problematic for caffeine sensitive individuals. White chocolate has none.
· Per serving, dark chocolate has the least amount of sugar, white chocolate has the most, and milk is in the middle.
· Chocolate contains calcium, magnesium and potassium, which can help with bone health and blood pressure.
o Milk and white chocolate contain the most calcium
o Dark chocolate has the most potassium and magnesium
Moderation
Whether it is chocolate or another sweet you are after this Valentine's Day, allow yourself to indulge, but follow these simple tips to help maintain a healthy lifestyle.
· Allow yourself some sweet treats, but not all of the sweet treats that come your way. Remind yourself that you almost always have access to some sort of sweet or dessert. This will not be the last time you will ever eat this food. You do not need to eat everything all at once.
· Eat your sweets with a meal instead of a stand-alone snack. The fiber and protein you consume with your meal will help stabilize your blood sugar levels and keep you from a blood sugar crash (and extreme hunger) later.
· Many sweets, cookies, etc. will freeze well. Save some for later.
· Consider non-food gifts if you know someone is limiting their sugar intake. Be creative! Your loved one will appreciate a thoughtful gift.
· Hold on to the candy your kids bring home from school parties, and limit them to one piece a day. Allowing them to gorge can lead to tummy aches and blood sugar spikes and crashes, impacting their mood.
Happy Valentine's Month Day!