You’re trying to stick to your New Year’s resolutions, but six weeks into the year you’ve got this holiday that seems to center on candy and chocolate. Don’t worry. You’ll get through it. Here are some suggestions for a healthy Valentine’s dinner that won’t blow your calorie counting efforts out of the water.
Appetizer: Stuffed Cucumber and Tomato Bites
Slice cucumbers into 1-inch thick pieces, and hollow them out. Likewise, hollow out cherry tomatoes. In both cases, leave a thin layer at the bottom. Mix a little low fat cream cheese with dried dill, and pipe into cucumber and tomatoes. Top with shrimp.
Entrée: Soy and Honey Glazed Salmon
How about treating your valentine to a dose of heart-healthy, polyunsaturated fat and omega-3s? Salmon is high in protein and it makes a fantastic entrée for a special occasion. Take a large salmon fillet, skin on, and place on a broiler pan. Mix 6 TBSP low sodium soy sauce with 6 TBSP honey. Brush half on salmon and broil, basting with remaining glaze every few minutes, until salmon is cooked through, about 10 to 15 minutes total cooking time.
Side Dish: Mashed Potato and Cauliflower Puree
Everyone loves mashed potatoes, but they can get a little heavy, especially if you load them up with sour cream and butter. Adding roasted cauliflower to the potatoes adds antioxidants, vitamin C, dietary fiber, and several other nutrients. Simply break a head of cauliflower into florets, and boil them with a two to four peeled, diced potatoes. When everything is soft, drain and mash with plenty of garlic, a little nonfat Greek yogurt, and 1 to 2 TBSP of butter, if necessary. Season with salt and pepper.
Salad: Spinach
Boost your iron, and increase your intake of vitamins A, C, and K, plus B vitamins, dietary fiber, folate, and other nutrients with this leafy green. A spinach salad is a terrific addition to any meal. Throw in some chopped apples, dried cranberries, and chopped pecans to dress it up. Finish with oil and red wine vinegar.
Dessert: Chocolate Dipped Strawberries
This is the perfect ending to Valentine’s Day. Packed with vitamin C, dietary fiber, and B vitamins, sweet, juicy strawberries drizzled or dipped in dark chocolate are just enough of a treat that you don’t feel denied, but still fairly healthy and low calorie. Plus it’s automatic portion control.
Talk it up:
What’s your favorite healthy Valentine’s food?
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