A Healthy Valentine's Day

By Melissa Melcombe, Christian Post Guest Columnist Friday, February 13, 2009

Valentine's Day is a great holiday, but it can be very unhealthy and extremely expensive. Most restaurants offer a pre-fixe menu on Valentine's Day to make the customer think he is getting something special. What the customer ends up getting is a very expensive meal filled with a lot of butter, cream, and sugar. If you do go out, make sure to ask the restaurant, when you make reservations, if they have a pre-fixe menu and what your options are.

Valentine's Day should be a treat, and there is a way to treat yourself without going overboard. Make sure that you are eating in balance, and if you do order creamy pasta, make sure to get a nice salad with it. Whether you go out or eat at home eat plenty of:

- Superfoods
- Whole grains
- Fruits and vegetables
- Nuts
- Fish

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A great way go to about your Valentine's Day meal is to make it at home and try to incorporate as many of the above foods as you can.

Sample Menu:

- Macadamia-nut-crusted mahi-mahi or halibut
- Macadamia nuts are very high in calories; however, they are full of mono-unsaturated fats and taste delicious where paired with fish.

- Brown rice pilaf
- Pilaf is a great way to get whole grains and is a great compliment to your fish. Add some fresh veggies like mushrooms and peas for an added health benefit and make sure to use olive oil instead of butter.

- Arugula Salad with strawberries, goat cheese, and balsamic vinaigrette
- Strawberries, goat cheese, and balsamic together is a great combination, and you will be getting fruits and vegetables all in one dish.

- Dark Chocolate
- Find a chocolate you like, with at least 60% cocoa content. Eat it as is or melt it down to form a fondue of sorts and dip your favorite fruits, including strawberries, bananas, and grapes.

Cooking at home with your loved one, friends, or family is not only healthier, but it is fun. Use the above menu as a guideline and adjust it to fit your likes and needs. Pair your meal with your favorite glass of wine (red, preferably) and enjoy!