How to Stick to Your Nutrition Plan this Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. And, contrary to popular belief, it’s entirely possible to enjoy the day without depriving yourself. Here’s how:

5 Tips for Nutrition Success

Plan Ahead. If you already know you want to indulge a little on Valentine’s Day, plan accordingly. There are plenty of things you can do before and after the actual holiday to offset any “cheating” you might do on the day itself. Eating lighter the day before and after Valentine’s is a great way to accommodate for any extra calories you might consume the day of. Adding some extra cardio, even just 30 minutes, to your routine for a few days can also help equalize the extra indulgences that come with celebrating Valentine’s Day in style.
Dine In. There’s no rule that says you have to go out on Valentine’s Day. In fact, when done right, dining in can actually be more romantic. And it’s almost always healthier. Restaurants are notorious for using generous amounts of butter and oil when preparing food. Cooking a meal at home can help you avoid the oversaturated, fatty food you’ll find at a restaurant AND it can be a great way to spend time together while you prepare the meal.
Don’t Skip the Wine. It is Valentine’s Day after all! Wine, especially red wine, is a great way to set the mood and stay healthy. Red wine contains antioxidants that help preserve your arteries, boost blood flow, and improve circulation. When consumed in moderation, it’s a great way to celebrate and a great way to protect your heart health.
Indulge a Little. Depriving yourself is never the answer. The more you limit your food intake, the more likely you’ll be to cheat down the line. It’s ok to indulge every now and then, and there’s no better day to do it than Valentine’s Day. As long as you are aware of the food and alcohol choices you’re making, there’s no harm in letting yourself enjoy the day. In fact, we recommend it!
Relax and Enjoy. The fastest way to ruin a nutrition plan is by stressing about it. Not only are you more likely to “fall off the wagon” down the line, you’ll also be counteracting all the good you’ve done up to this point. The body goes into fight-or-flight mode when under stress, and it will automatically start conserving resources and storing fat under these conditions. The more you can relax and enjoy yourself, even if you decide to cheat a little, the better equipped your body will be to handle any extra calories you may consume this Valentine’s Day. So relax and enjoy yourself!