Five Healthy and Romantic Ways to Celebrate Valentine's Day

There was a time in my life when I truly hated Valentine's Day. I think my highest level of angst surrounding Valentine's Day was back in high school, when at the end of every February 14th, a list was read of people who had received flowers and needed to go pick them up. Since I was terminally dateless in high school, my name was never on the list. But then I grew older and, against all odds, met Bill, the love of my life. I enjoy Valentine's Day now, but like a lot of Americans, I tend to enjoy it in ways that don't promote good health.

Maybe in 2011, things will be different. Perhaps this year, I will trade the champagne, chocolates, and fabulous meal for something healthier, but just as much fun. Maybe you'll join me as I come up with five healthy and romantic ways to celebrate Valentine's Day this year. After all, besides being depressing for some people, February 14th is traditionally a diet nightmare day. But it doesn't have to be. You can make your Valentine's Day healthy and fun.

Idea number one: Take a romantic stroll

There's nothing more romantic than taking a stroll with your Valentine, especially after a rich meal. You can hold hands, whisper sweet nothings in each other's ears, and take in the sights. This could be a very memorable and romantic idea for Valentine's Day, depending on where you live. Whether it's an evening walk in a quaint downtown area, a stroll in a big city, or a hike in the woods, walking with your loved one is not only healthy, it's cheap. And if you happen to be in an area where the stars are out, so much the better!

But even if you're living in an area that is short on beautiful or romantic places to take a walk with your honey, there may be a place nearby that would suffice quite nicely. In fact, as you prepare for Valentine's Day, you might even discover a local sweet spot you never knew about. Get online and do a quick search for quirky or interesting places near your hometown. You just might find a new place to make some new memories. Just be sure to plan for the walk and dress appropriately. You won't want to take a romantic stroll if you're wearing high heels or the weather's bad.

Idea number two: Cook together

Everybody knows that, at least in America, restaurant portions tend to be way too big. Moreover, when someone else is doing the cooking, it's hard to know exactly what's going into your meal. Just the other day, my sweet husband Bill reminded me of how romantic cooking together can be. It was lunchtime on Sunday and I was hungry, so I went to the kitchen and started cooking. Bill came over and started helping me and pretty soon, we were creating a very nice lunch together. Bill smiled at me appreciatively and said, "You know, I had forgotten how much I enjoy cooking in tandem with you."

Valentine's Day is a good opportunity to do some healthy tandem cooking with the love of your life. You can plan the meal together, go shopping together, and do all the prep work together before the big night. Put on some romantic music and create some healthy culinary memories together. When the meal is ready, light some candles and enjoy the meal you created in the privacy of your own home. Chances are, you won't just save calories, you'll also save money.

Idea number three: Go dancing

Dancing is healthy, as long as you manage to refrain from stepping on your partner's toes! It's a great way to burn calories and enjoy each other's company, even if neither one of you is particularly graceful. The trick is to remember that most people aren't going to be watching you dance unless you're really good or really bad, because most people will be feeling just as self-conscious about their own moves. If you and your Valentine are feeling really bashful about dancing in public, why not sign up for dance lessons? That's another fun, healthy activity you can do together. Who knows? You might end up being really good at it!

If dancing isn't your thing, maybe you'd prefer ice skating. Or how about a game of tennis or a few rounds of bowling? How about horseback riding? The idea is to go out and do something fun and active together that burns calories, especially if you plan to indulge in a sumptuous meal on Valentine's Day.

Idea number four: Hit the spa!

Maybe your idea of a romantic Valentine's Day doesn't include sweating, strolling, or cleaning up the kitchen. Maybe you would prefer to relax on Valentine's Day. Relaxing is a healthy activity as well, especially if you have a stressful lifestyle. With that in mind, perhaps you and your honey should hit the spa! In fact, one particularly romantic activity at the spa is a couples' massage. Many spas offer this treatment for couples who want to bond as they relax together. In fact, some places even have special romantic suites where couples can indulge in spa treatments together. Ladies, this is also a great way to introduce your man to the wonders of a good professional massage. After your massages, you'll be in the perfect mood for idea number five...

Idea number five: Hit the sack!

Let's not forget the health benefits that come from having sex. According to WebMD, good sex offers some excellent health benefits. First and foremost, sex is a great stress reliever, which can lead to lower blood pressure and greater overall health. Sex burns calories, too. A half hour of lovemaking can knock out as many as 85 calories at a time. And sex can also be a wonderful way to connect with your mate, which can improve your mental health and self-esteem. Just be sure to take the appropriate precautions if your Valentine isn't someone with whom you plan to spend the rest of your life.

If sex isn't on the agenda for Valentine's Day, maybe you should hit the sack and just get some sleep. Sleep is also a healthy activity that restores, rejuvenates, and refreshes. Just go to bed early on Valentine's Day and snuggle with your loved one.

Happy Valentine's Day!

I wish all my readers a fun, healthy, and happy Valentine's Day in 2011!

Sources

Donheny, Kathleen "10 Surprising Health Benefits of Sex" Retrieved from: http://www.webmd.com/sex-relationships/features/10-surprising-health-benefits-of-sex

Personal experience