Healthful Valentine Ideas

— Written By
en Español / em Português
Español

El inglés es el idioma de control de esta página. En la medida en que haya algún conflicto entre la traducción al inglés y la traducción, el inglés prevalece.

Al hacer clic en el enlace de traducción se activa un servicio de traducción gratuito para convertir la página al español. Al igual que con cualquier traducción por Internet, la conversión no es sensible al contexto y puede que no traduzca el texto en su significado original. NC State Extension no garantiza la exactitud del texto traducido. Por favor, tenga en cuenta que algunas aplicaciones y/o servicios pueden no funcionar como se espera cuando se traducen.


Português

Inglês é o idioma de controle desta página. Na medida que haja algum conflito entre o texto original em Inglês e a tradução, o Inglês prevalece.

Ao clicar no link de tradução, um serviço gratuito de tradução será ativado para converter a página para o Português. Como em qualquer tradução pela internet, a conversão não é sensivel ao contexto e pode não ocorrer a tradução para o significado orginal. O serviço de Extensão da Carolina do Norte (NC State Extension) não garante a exatidão do texto traduzido. Por favor, observe que algumas funções ou serviços podem não funcionar como esperado após a tradução.


English

English is the controlling language of this page. To the extent there is any conflict between the English text and the translation, English controls.

Clicking on the translation link activates a free translation service to convert the page to Spanish. As with any Internet translation, the conversion is not context-sensitive and may not translate the text to its original meaning. NC State Extension does not guarantee the accuracy of the translated text. Please note that some applications and/or services may not function as expected when translated.

Collapse ▲

Almost everyone wants to be remembered on Valentine’s Day. Food seems to be one of the more popular gifts based on the multitude of heart-shaped boxes of candy, iced, heart-shaped cookies, and red and pink sprinkled and cupcakes in local stores.

But, before you rush out to see what’s available—think about what your sweetie would really appreciate. If they are trying to eat more healthful or lose weight—even though it’s the thought that counts—a three-pound box
of chocolate might sabotage their efforts. Even people with the best intentions may lose their willpower then tempted by sweets and goodies. What you can do to support them and their efforts to be healthy?

I know you’re saying, it’s just one day and how can it hurt? OK. I won’t stand on a soapbox and say don’t get them sweets—most people do love chocolate and Valentine’s Day can be a time to splurge—a little!
Green apples, dark cherries, pineapple, bananas, raspberries, and strawberries all taste great with a hint of dark chocolate. How about a gift bag of fancy fruit and a little chocolate on the side? Something as simple as
drizzling a bowl of fruit with chocolate syrup can fit the bill and still is healthy.

strawberries
Chocolate Covered Strawberries are an option, too. They’re very special, beautiful to look at and contain more fruit than chocolate. However, they can be pricey. Perhaps you could try to make your own.

There’s a couple ways to do it: on top the stove in a double boiler or I’ve been successful using the microwave.

24 ounces chocolate (dark chocolate, semisweet chips or melting chocolate works well) 16 large strawberries (with stems are best), washed, dried and refrigerated

Stove method: Place the chocolate in a double boiler over barely simmering water and melt while stirring. Once the chocolate is melted and smooth, remove from the heat.

Microwave oven: Place chocolate in a small but deep glass bowl or measuring cup. Microwave on 50% power/medium for two to three minutes until they are melted. Stir every 30 seconds. The chips will appear shiny and may not change shape, but will be soft when stirred. Take care not to heat too long or it will get clumpy and unusable.

Line a sheet pan with waxed paper. Grasp the stem of the strawberry (or use a toothpick) and dip into the melted chocolate, twisting as you lift it out. Allow the excess chocolate to drip off and then place on the waxed paper. Repeat with the rest of the strawberries. Set the strawberries aside and allow the chocolate to harden, about 30 minutes.

One more quick note about chocolate. I know you’re probably thinking “what’s the fuss—isn’t chocolate good for you?” Dark chocolate does appear to have some health benefits because of its high levels of flavonoids. These are antioxidants that protect cells from damage caused by free radicals which are unstable molecules that can alter and weaken cells.

Research has found that flavanols, which are the main type of flavonoid found in cocoa and chocolate, have potential influences on vascular health, including lowering blood pressure, improving blood flow to the brain and heart, and making blood platelets less sticky.

So if you want to give chocolate on Valentine’s Day consider dark chocolate. Milk chocolate doesn’t provide the same health benefits, because dark chocolate has more cocoa than milk chocolate. Dark chocolate often has less sugar and saturated fat than milk chocolate, too.
Researchers at Harvard University Medical School suggest choosing chocolate that has at least 70 percent cocoa or more.

Chocolate can be part of a healthy diet – but it’s still high in sugar and calories. The caution (of course) is that chocolate should be eaten in moderation. So, sharing them with your sweetie can be both romantic and healthful.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Cheryle Jones Syracuse
Family and Consumer Science Staff
N.C. Cooperative Extension, Brunswick County Center

Syracuse is a Family and Consumer Science team member and can be
reached at the N.C. Cooperative Extension, Brunswick County Center 910-253-
2610.