Valentine's Day falls just a month and a half after the world has pledged its New Year's Resolutions. Most resolutions are geared towards making life happier and healthier—perhaps you even vowed to give up sweets entirely. That's why it is ever so inconvenient when the day of chocolate and candy sneaks up so darn quickly. But you don't have to succumb to the heart-shaped box of truffles.
If you're looking to indulge in a satisfying yet nutritious Valentine's Day, take a look at some of these healthy and festive options!
Sweetheart Smoothie
One smoothie; two straws. Share this sweetheart smoothie with your sweetheart. Choose between strawberries, cherries and raspberries to achieve that perfect pink Valentine coloring.
One frozen bananaFrozen red fruit (5 small strawberries, 3 cherries and about 1/4 cup raspberries)1/3 cup vanilla yogurtSplash of white grape juiceHoney, optional
Rose-infused Cheesecakes
Not only is this dessert healthy and delicious, it's aesthetically stunning as well! If you find yourself craving cheesecake this holiday, swap out your usual with this substitute.
1 cup pitted dates1 cup of pecans3 cups of raw unsalted cashews1/3 cup of coconut oil1/2 cup of maple syrup1/4 tsp. of rose water1/2 cup of raspberries (frozen or fresh)Organic rose petals for decoration
Yogurt Bark
This chilly treat is sure to hit the spot. It incorporates cranberries, chocolate chips, strawberries and shredded coconut to create a dessert that looks as festive as it tastes.
400g Greek yogurt1 Tbsp. honey1 Tbsp. cranberries1 Tbsp. chopped pistachios6 fresh strawberries, chopped1 Tbsp. dark chocolate chips1 tsp shredded coconut
Strawberry FroYo
This dessert is so creamy, and the best part is it only takes five minutes to make! Make it as tart or as sweet as your heart desires!
4 cups frozen strawberries3 Tbsp. agave nectar or honey1/2 cup plain yogurt (non-fat or full fat)1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
Fruit wands
Don't feel like mixing or baking this holiday? This treat has you covered. All you need is some fruit (watermelon and berries) and a heart-shaped cookie cutter. Twist them onto a skewer, and you've got some tasty fruit wands to share.
FruitCookie cutterSkewers
Photo courtesy of Green Healthy Cooking
Apple Rose Tart
If you're looking to cuddle up with your loved one and a warm treat, this dish is the one for you. You've never eaten an apple like this before!
1 cup almond flour1 cup halved walnuts1 egg1 Tbsp. coconut oil2 Tbsp. maple syrup1 cup evaporated milk1 egg2 egg yolks1/4 cup maple syrup3 large red apples1 lemonMaple Flakes (optional)
Red Velvet Beetroot Pancakes
Breakfast for dessert? Count us in! This is definitely not your ordinary red velvet recipe. Let the beets do the coloring! Top with a cream cheese yogurt frosting and you'll want to swap out your normal breakfast routine for good.
2 small beets200g / 1.5 cups plain flour (gluten free or regular)1 tsp. baking powder2 eggs2-3 Tbsp. honey1 tsp. vanilla extract1 cup milk2 Tbsp. cream cheese1 Tbsp. plain yogurt1 Tbsp. milk¼ tsp. vanilla extract
Frozen Yogurt Fruit
You can make this healthy snack any time of the year, but this February, splurge for red fruits like strawberries and raspberries, and top them with a pink Greek yogurt. These frozen treats are sure to fly out of your fridge, and that's OK!
Fruit of choice1 cup Greek yogurt, any flavor
Stuffed Strawberries
Swap out chocolate covered strawberries for stuffed strawberries! Fill them with Mascarpone or cream cheese and top them with a dark chocolate garnish.
8 ounces of Mascarpone cheese (or cream cheese)2 tsp. lemon juice1/2 tsp. vanilla extract2 Tbsp. confectioners sugar28 strawberriesDark chocolate bar for garnish
Chocolate Avocado Mousse
We already said this is the day of chocolate—and this avocado mousse is the perfect way to celebrate. This recipe is quick, easy and decadent.
4 ripe avocados, peeled and pitted1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips1/2 cup agave nector1/4 tsp. fine table salt1/2 cup cocoa powder1 Tbsp. pure vanilla extract1/3 cup unsweetened almond milkFresh raspberries for garnish
