Your Healthiest Valentine’s Day Ever
It seems that most holidays tend to revolve around food and Valentine’s Day is no different. Candy, chocolate, and champagne turn into major food groups on V-Day, which is unfortunate for those looking to lose weight. Instead of showering your boo with boxes of chocolate, whip them up a mouth-watering dinner this year. Other than showing how much you care (and showing off those enviable cooking skills), you’ll be able to control all ingredients, making sure you and your honey have a delicious, health-friendly meal. Cheers!
Starters
Grilled Oysters with Asian Pepper Relish via SippitySup
Nothing says Valentine’s Day quite like the original aphrodisiac, oysters. (Supposedly, Casanova ate 50 each morning to increase his stamina.) Apart from their, ahem, libido-enhancing qualities, oysters are also extremely healthy. They clock in at only 20 calories a pop and are naturally high in many essential vitamins and minerals including protein, iron, omega 3 fatty acids, calcium, zinc, and vitamin C.
Calories: 30/serving
Black and Blue Spring Salad with Honey Roasted Pecans and Berry-Balsamic Vinaigrette via Iowa Girl Eats
This tasty salad features heart-healthy pecans known for preventing stroke, controlling blood clots and building brain cells. It’s also topped with creamy blue cheese, but cut the portion down to 2 oz to save on calories. Want to make this salad even lighter? Dry roast your pecans for a dish that’s just as tasty with about 100 fewer calories.
Calories: 246/serving
Show the Love Salad via Joe and Sue
This adorable salad is the perfect way to show your significant other you love them — and that you know your way around a cookie cutter. Packed with nutrients and vitamins, this tasty salad features tons of low-cal and filling veggies from radishes to cherry tomatoes to red peppers and cucumbers. Yum!
Calories: 200/serving (for 4 servings)
Mains
Pan-Seared Salmon via Bev Cooks
If there was a royal family of super foods, salmon would definitely be a part of it. Full of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins B12 and D, and protein, this delicious fish is heart-healthy and filling. This recipe features salmon served on top of spinach, an amazing vegetable full of antioxidants with anti-cancer properties.
Calories: 450/serving
Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken Breasts via Skinnytaste
Spinach and feta are mixed together and stuffed inside tender, breaded chicken breasts in this delicious and super-light dish. Clocking in at only 169 calories per serving, this main meal will leave you and your sweetie with plenty of room for dessert.
Calories: 169/serving
Seared Duck Breast with Pomegranate Reduction via The Roasted Root
Another Valentine’s Day classic, this seared duck breast with pomegranate reduction is only 428 calories per serving. Serve with veggies or a side salad for a well rounded meal.
Calories: 428/serving
Brisket with Slow-Cooked Onions via Big Girls Small Kitchen
Brisket is not the leanest of meats — it’s a Noom red food. But red foods are not off limits, as long as you keep the portion size in check. Try this delicious slow-cooked brisket with onions. Have 3 oz. for dinner and serve with steamed veggies to fill up the rest of your plate. Added bonus? All the leftovers!
Calories (3 oz brisket): 327 calories
Desserts
These strawberry shortcake kabobs are a waistline-friendly dessert (but you would never know it). At only 100 calories a serving, this scrumptious dessert can be enjoyed guilt-free. You may even be able to have seconds!
Calories: 100/serving
100 Calorie Chocolate Cake via Chocolate Covered Katie
Is your significant other a chocolate lover? Then this recipe is for him or her. Whip up this decadent chocolate cake that is only 100 calories a serving and they’re sure to love you forever. If not, at least you can eat the leftover cake.
Calories: 100/serving
Carrot Cake with Fig Cream Frosting via Glow Kitchen
This inventive recipe uses no dairy, sugar, or fat and is focused on using natural, whole, simple ingredients to get the best flavor while still boasting healthful benefits. Made with carrots, raisins, figs, and coconut milk, these amazing morsels are chock full of nutrients and antioxidants.
