Field to Fork: Valentines Day.
How to stay on track while enjoying valentine’s day with your sweetheart. Learn some of the common mistakes people make that leave them broken hearted with a stomachache.
Don’t, do it!
· Just because there are heart shape boxes of chocolate, doesn’t mean you have to buy it. Flowers, cards and unique gifts are more memorable AND help keep your partner or yourself, happy and healthy.
· Going out to eat, is NOT necessary. A special meal at home can be just as romantic! Not to mention you can control the ingredients, price and the service!
· Don’t go above your means because it is a holiday. Whether it is for yourself or a loved one, spending over your food budget isn’t necessarily going to make you or your partner happier. In fact it may only cause more stress and tension, not to mention food prices are the highest they have been in a while.
Healthy & Heart Filled Recommendations:
Most Valentine’s day dinners are sweet, luxurious and down-right indulgent. From pasta, steak, seafood, alcohol, and of course dessert! Check out a few recipes and tips that allow you to still be indulgent with a healthier twist.
Steak: Reduce the portion size and chose a leaner cut of meat!
· Sirloin: 206kcal 5.4g fat, 39g protein
· NY strip: 360kcal 18g fat 46g protein
· Filet:348 cal, 16g fat, 48g protein
· Rib eye: 466kcal 37.6g fat, 30g protein
Pasta: Watch the sauce and the amount.
·Control the portion size by asking for half of the entrée to be served and half boxed to take home.
· Choose a tomato based sauce over a heavy cream sauce to reduce calories and total grams of fat.
Seafood: Skip the butter and the batter!
· Choose a lighter option like a ceviche or shrimp cocktail rather than dipped in butter.
· Choose a grilled or pan seared option over breaded and fried.
Alcohol: Low cal is the best option.
· Margarita: ask the bar tender to use fresh lime juice, a tiny bit of agave and tequila rather than pre made mixers that are rich in sugar.
· Spirit & Seltzer: a spin on a classic but swapping seltzer for tonic water or soda can significantly reduce calories and sugar while still giving a fun feel.
· Wine: Keep the serving size to about five ounces and choose a drier option, this will keep the sugar and calories low.
· Martini: traditionally these are drinks that pack a punch. So you will likely sip these slower and reduce the number of drinks you have.
· Light Beer: Just like the name describes, a light beer will be light on calories which makes it a good option if you are a beer fan.
Dessert: Valentines days is all about the chocolate!
· Split a dessert with your sweet heart or only enjoy half at a time.
· Enjoy something with fruit. Chocolate fruit fondue anyone?
· Choose a sorbet over ice-cream for a lower calorie option
· Do none of these options sound realistic? Indulge the night of and get back on track after!
Sources:
https://www.mensjournal.com/food-drink/the-leanest-and-fattiest-cuts-of-steak/
