As an experience gift voucher company, we've seen an increase in customers interested in healthy gift experiences, such as yoga tours, outdoor activities and healthy cooking classes. With more and more people becoming conscious of their health, we thought it was time to introduce the concept of a healthy Valentine's Day. Just because tradition dictates Valentine's Day is a time for candy and meals at restaurants, doesn't mean you can't have fun without them. We've gathered our top 6 tips to help you enjoy a healthier Valentine's Day with your partner, while still indulging in your favourites. We'll talk about some of the intriguing history and urban myths behind why we associate chocolate with Valentine's Day, and reveal our 6 top tips for a healthier February 14^th.

 

Contents

Intro: Why Do We Even Give Chocolate on Valentine's Day?

Aphrodisiac? Tradition? A cynical advertising ploy? We'll delve into the reasons why chocolate might be the go-to present for Valentine's Day.

 

After the gluttony of Christmas and the Mimosa-soaked Hedonism of the New Year, are you really feeling up to stuffing your face with more champagne and chocolate? (Shh, don't answer that...)

But seriously, while you're in the swing of making healthier habits for the new year, why not extend that to Valentine's Day, too? If you and your partner are feeling good about your new gym routine or kale salad consumption, there's no need to shower each other with Hershey's Kisses just because it's what everyone else is doing. We've gathered the best tips and recipes to make your Valentine's Day one to remember without breaking your waistline, or your wallet.

But first, why do we even give chocolates on Valentine's Day, anyway?

Why Do We Even Give Chocolates on Valentine's Day?

As soon as you think about Valentine's Day, the likelihood is that your brain conjures up images of chocolate in a heart-shaped box, that ingrained is the association in our culture. Of course, chocolate is not always unhealthy. There is even ongoing research to suggest that chocolate can actually be good for you - and we're not going to argue with that! However, this research seems to be mostly true of dark chocolate with a cocoa percentage of 70 or over, not the cream-filled novelty Valentine's Day candies that we're used to during February.

Other than being (for the most part) full of sugar, objectively delicious, and available at most gas stations and supermarkets, why is chocolate such a popular gift for Valentine's Day? Where does the association even come from?

 

• It's an aphrodisiac... right?

Weeell - not exactly. Scientists have conducted what we can only imagine were some slightly intrusive studies exploring the correlation between chocolate and sexual desire, but these mostly concluded that there wasn't a notable link. Chocolate contains Serotonin and Phenylethylamine, which are both associated with pleasure. This could be where the urban myth came from, but in terms of directly making your Valentine more likely to jump into bed with you, chocolate might just fall short. Sorry!

 

• Those Victorians!

Like a lot of archaic traditions, the giving of chocolate on Valentine's Day can be traced back to Victorian times. Victorian Etiquette books pushed the idea that men should lavish their love interests with ornately decorated boxes of chocolate, and most importantly, that the decadence of the present was directly linked to the intensity of the man's desire. These same etiquette books - as well as banning women from wearing cotton gloves, referring to them as 'unutterably vulgar' - convinced women that they should only accept chocolate from men to whom they were related or engaged, imbuing the treat with a lot more meaning and sacredness than it perhaps deserves. Quite a far cry from the five-dollar box of gas station chocolates grabbed (maybe even by cotton-gloved-hands!) in a last minute panic on the 13^th February...

 

• Well... advertising, obviously...

Not to go down the cynical path of blaming advertising for a collective thought of the public consciousness or anything, but - uh - it's kind of advertising's fault. John Cadbury, founder of Cadbury's chocolate and owner of a particularly majestic beard, totally knew what he was doing.

In the 1880's and 1890's, Cadbury's chocolate adverts mostly depicted strong, well dressed men enjoying Cadbury's with their well-to-do lady friends, implying that the products were nutritious, good for your health, and a total Victorian lady magnet. Who wouldn't want to look like this handsome, handle-bar-moustachioed young athlete enjoying a cup of cocoa? (Or receive a fancy box of chocolates from him on Valentine's Day?)

 

Hot on Cadbury's delicious heels, Hershey's chocolate released their silver 'kisses' in 1907. And so it became that chocolate was a symbol of affection, perfect for Valentine's Day.

Cadbury's really hammered this message home in the 1950's and 60's, when they released their Cadbury's Roses advert - 'Say it with Roses!' portraying chocolate as a romantic gift to be given to women by eligible bachelors. Later, in the 1980's, they began advertising their chocolate bar, the Flake, in a little more of a racy way.

The commercial, depicting a woman, er... enjoying... a Flake, further instilled the insinuation that chocolate was a romantic treat with aphrodisiac powers.

No wonder chocolate has made courtship, love, and seduction its bedfellows. (no pun intended...) The power of suggestion is an amazing thing, and explains why chocolate production reaches a high during February, encouraging that last-minute gas station candy dash.

 

6 Tips for A Healthier Valentine's Day

Okay, but back to salad.

No, wait, where are you going? Come back!

Listen, we know after blathering on for seven paragraphs about the history of chocolate, your mouth might not exactly be watering for a big bowl of spinach. But life is all about balance, right? The rough with the smooth, the spinach with the sangria, the chia seed with the chocolate.... these visuals are getting out of hand, but the point is, being healthy is a matter of processing the ups and downs of life. One day you might have enough energy to run for three miles, the next you may need to just relax on your couch for three hours. We're here to help you apply this logic to Valentine's Day. Check out the below tips to enjoy February 14^th the healthy way:

 

1. 1. Like I said, it's all about balance!

Balance, balance, balance. We're not implying that trying for a healthier Valentine's Day means ditching chocolate altogether, or surprising your loved one with a raw carrot carved into the shape of a rose. (... actually, that sounds quite cute?) Definitely still indulge in a little bit of your favourites, and don't let the idea of unattainable healthy habits weigh down on your shoulders. Start small!

 

2. 2. Eat well to feel good

We know this one sounds really obvious, but it's true! Try to approach healthy eating as a means to make you feel better in yourself, not as a way to make your body 'beach ready', whatever that even means.

That being said, big meals, bloated stomachs and sugary cocktails might not be the best choice for Valentine's Day. Just saying, it's difficult to harness your inner-Austin Powers when you've got some serious French fry bloat on the go, and a head as fuzzy as the bubbles in your champagne. To regain your mojo, try a lighter Valentine's Dinner made at home (and if you're stuck for ideas, we've got some great recipes for you later!)

 

3. 3. It's... well, it's good for you.

Funnily enough, eating your greens, getting outside and being active are all good for your health. You only have so much time with your partner, and it's great to spend some of it eating cookie dough in your pajamas. However, the more time you spend investing in your own health, the more time you'll have to spend together.

 

4. 4. Get out together!

When we talk about a 'healthy' Valentine's Day, we're not just talking about food. Sure, what you put into your body is important (Woah! Ya don't say?) but part of being healthy is leading an active lifestyle, moving your body and getting outside to release some of those precious endorphins.

Not to mention, experiencing new things together strengthens a relationship and creates shared memories. Don't worry, we're not telling you to spend your life savings on a ridiculously expensive pair of state-of-the-art hiking boots, or join a disco yoga class. Those endorphins needn't be so elusive! Something as simple as a walk along the beach together will do it.

However, if you're a little more adventurous, we've got some ideas for you below.

 

5. 5. Take part in activities instead of the standard 'Date Night' fare...

When it comes to experiences, we at Xperience Days obviously have somewhat of a bias. (it's in the name!) However, we think everyone would agree that time spent together learning something new is a much more valuable gift than a set of misjudged lingerie or a bunch of flowers.

If you find the distant call of takeout on the couch beckoning you on February 14th, tear yourself away; you won't regret it! Why not make this the year to break from routine and try something different? After all, you're not going to look back on your life and wish you had spent more time watching Netflix.

You can even use a Valentine's Day present as an opportunity to plan something fun for the future. February is - sorry, Valentine's Day - an objectively depressing month. The festive glitz of Christmas is over, and long Summer days feel far away. Instead of dwelling on work, the impending snow, or the fact you've already watched all the serial killer documentaries on the internet, try filling February with plans that you and your partner can share.

We just happen to know of some unique activities that will lure your other half away from the glow of the television. To get out and do more this year, check out our selection below.

Private Dance Class in North Bethesda, MD - $110 for 2 people

Well, obviously. What could be more romantic on Valentine's Day than dancing together? And if your usual version of 'dancing together' consists of standing up and clapping at the appropriate moment in the Friends theme tune, maybe this experience is just what you need. Share the connective practice of dance a little more gracefully with the guiding hand of a professional instructor, who will tailor the experience to your personal skill level. You and your partner will spend an uplifting forty-five minutes learning a dance style of your choice, and will be taught all the moves you need to perfect it. Whether you want to practice Swing, Salsa or Latin, your needs will be catered for. And if you feel apprehensive about learning to dance, maybe that's all the more reason to do it! Let go of inhibitions, and enjoy your time waltzing outside of the comfort zone.

Check out all our dance classes here.

Kayaking on Morro Bay - $140 for 2 people

Start your Valentine's Day off right with this exciting kayaking tour on Morro Bay, California. This is the ultimate romantic adventure for outdoorsy couples, so get to know this idyllic corner of the world from the seat of your kayak, and remember to look out for the various species of wildlife who call the Bay home, including sea lions, sea otters and Harbor seals.

During your kayaking adventure, you'll have the chance to take advantage of the secluded beaches and sand dunes that hide along the Bay, and paddle through the waters which are protected from the open ocean by a four-mile-long sand-spit.

 

Central Park Sunrise Yoga Tour - $45 per person

Yogis rejoice! This unique sunrise yoga tour of Central Park is the perfect healthy experience gift. Yoga, as well as being great for your posture, wellbeing and ability to put your legs behind your head if that's what you're into, is also a therapeutic gateway drug into harder forms of exercise. If you live in Brooklyn, the chances are you may have seen a yoga studio or two (or three or four...) but have you ever thought of using Central Park as your yoga studio? With the sun rising up above the city as it slowly wakes up, there's something magical about Central Park in the morning. Your knowledgeable instructor will guide you through the park, regaling you with fascinating New York facts and restorative poses. Yoga is the perfect way to start your day, and Central Park is the perfect place to practice. Coffee who?

 

In-Home Healthy Cooking Class, Philadelphia - $225 for 2 people

If cooking is new to you, the thought of making nutritious meals at home can be daunting. Don't let those aesthetically-pleasing, aspirational but slightly patronising cook books intimidate you from their place on the dusty top shelf. There's no reason not to embrace the therapeutic discipline of cooking, and Valentine's Day is the perfect time to share it with your partner. There is absolutely no experience required for this cooking class, and your teacher is a knowledgeable chef who will show you everything you need to get started on your own culinary adventure, step-by-step. Before you know it, you'll be whipping up delicious healthy meals at home.

 

At Home Massage, $0

Chances are, as a human being in the 21st century, your loved one suffers from back or shoulder pain. Whether they wash dishes at a restaurant, devote their days to being a stay-at-home parent, or even work at that most notorious of back-pain culprits, a (gasp) ...desk, the build-up of life's day-to-day pressures is bound to take its toll on their muscles.

If you're strapped for cash but want to do something special for your partner on Valentine's Day, gift them with a break from the built-up micro-stresses of their day with an at-home massage. As well as serving as a romantic way to spend the evening, massages are also proven to have a whole host of health benefits.

Health Benefits

• Neurohormones!

Massages are proven to release Oxytocin, the hormone associated with love. Aww, you shouldn't have! As well as Oxytocin and its bonding effects, massages have also been proven to release Serotonin (yep, the happiness one), and Dopamine (the feel-good one.) All in all, massages boast a veritable buffet of beneficial hormones. What a show off.

• Pain relief (duh)

One of the most obvious benefits of massage is pain relief. Back or shoulder pain isn't just a minor inconvenience. It can be a constant distraction from your day-to-day life, making noise over everything you do like an annoying, loud little gargoyle sitting on your shoulders. A momentary break from the chatter of the gargoyle, however short, makes you feel like a whole new person.

• Stress relief

We all suffer from stress in one way or another, but if sustained over a long period of time, it can wreak havoc on the body as well as the mind. While massage is certainly not a miracle cure, it can help to reduce tension that may have built up in the body as a result of stress.

Now, onto our tips for an at-home massage. Well, you weren't just going to dive right in there, were you? Here's how to take your at-home massage game to the next level:

 

Tips for a great at-home massage

- Billy, don't be a hero.

We mean it, don't try anything fancy! You might think your aggressive pummelling on your partner's joints is akin to a Swedish technique you saw on an infomercial at the doctor's office, but be careful if you're not a professional. Stick to the muscles rather than the joints or bones, and avoid direct contact with the spine altogether.

- Listen!

Where are they experiencing pain? Listen to their needs, and focus on those areas.

- Mix it up

If you're a massage novice, you might be tempted to only use the pads of your fingers when massaging your partner at home. Don't be shy, get the forearms and elbows involved, too! This will cover more surface area, and provide a deeper massage.

...Be careful, though, obviously. Have we mentioned that?

 

Tips for a great D.I.Y. massage oil

You could spend a fortune on expensive massage oils, or you could make your own. I know which option I'd rather choose. Follow our tips below for a winning D.I.Y. massage

• When making a massage oil, consistency is key. Think not too runny, not too sticky!
• Temperature is also important. Warm the oil up in your hands before you apply it to avoid the 'eek!' moment.
• Start with a 'base' oil. You can use coconut, extra virgin, grapeseed, almond... whatever you want - but bare your partner's allergies in mind. If there's one thing that kills the mood on date night, it's a topical allergic reaction.
• Essential oils are a great way to add scent - the most evocative sense - to the at-home massage experience. There is a whole library of delicious, spicy, citrusy, calming, subtle or loud scents to choose from. For relaxing properties, try lavender oil.
• Allergy test! Again, if you don't already know your partner's allergies, it's important to make sure they're not allergic to any of the oils you might use before you slather them all over their torso.
• For at-home massages, we love this recipe from Hello Glow!

?8 drops sandalwood essential oil (I'm using Aura Cacia Precious Essentials, which are essential oils blended with jojoba oil. You can use 100 percent pure essential oils as well.)

3 drops jasmine essential oil

2 drops vanilla essential oil

Add the essential oils to the base recipe above. Use ½ to 1 teaspoon to massage your partner.?

- Stephanie Gerber, Hello Glow

6. 6. Cook at home on Valentine's Day!

...and now onto the best part of any evening (...or morning, or afternoon, or wedding, or aeroplane journey) ... food!

Being healthy on Valentine's Day doesn't mean sacrificing delicious food - quite the opposite. Making Valentine's dinner at home is a great way to keep track of the nutritional content of your meal, not to mention save some money!

If you're stuck for ideas on how to make a delicious Valentine's dinner that won't give you a serious case of The Bloats, we've gathered the best recipe ideas from healthy food bloggers below.

 

Main Course: Vegan Carbonara by Avant Garde Vegan

Selene Nelson is a plant-based food and travel blogger from the U.K. We got in touch with her to find out her favorite recipe for Valentine's Day, and she delivered in the form of this delicious Vegan Carbonara by Avant Garde Vegan:

Best Ever Vegan Carbonara by Gaz Oakley, Avant Garde Vegan

?Serves: 3-4

Cooks in: 15 minutes, if using dried pasta

Difficulty: 4/10

Gluten Free?: If GF Pasta & Bacon is left out

 

Pasta

1 batch of my Homemade Pasta, recipe in my book

or

250g/8.8oz Dried Pasta (egg free)

 

Sauce

2 tbs Olive Oil

2 Shallots, finely chopped

2 cloves of Garlic, minced

100g/3.52oz Gaz's Bacon, cut into small cubes

Small handful of Fresh Parsley, lightly chopped

1 cup/240ml Vegan Cream

3 tbs Nutritional Yeast

1/2 tsp White Miso Paste

1 tsp Cracked Black Pepper

1 cup/150g Frozen Peas (optional)

 

Garnish

Fresh Parsley

 

Method

Pre heat a large saucepan over medium heat & add the oil.

When the pan is hot add the shallots & garlic. Sauté until softened & lightly golden. Then add the bacon & parsley.

Bring a large saucepan of lightly salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook to the packet instructions.

Cook the mix whilst stirring for about 2 more minutes then turn the heat down low.

Add the cream, miso, nutritional yeast & a pinch of seasoning.

Add the peas.

Let the sauce thicken for a few minutes.

Drain your pasta from the water & add it to the saucepan.

Stir the pasta making sure it's coated in the sauce.

Serve straight away with chopped parsley.?

- Gaz Oakley, Avant Garde Vegan

 

Selene Nelson says: ?I love this recipe, but to save time - and give your iron levels a boost - why not substitute the seitan bacon for spinach? Not only is it even healthier, but it means you'll have even more time to spend with your other half...?

 

Dessert: Black Sesame Coconut Rice Pudding with Matcha Cream by Feed Me Phoebe

Phoebe Lapine is a gluten-free chef, culinary and wellness educator, whose blog Feed Me Phoebe is a haven of delicious, healthy comfort food, and full of tips on how to balance health with indulgence. Who better to deliver a unique, healthy dessert recipe for Valentine's Day? We think this imaginative black sesame coconut rice pudding recipe will impress your date and serve as the perfect full-stop of sweetness on your meal, without pushing you into the 'Eugh, I'm Actually Too Full' portion of the evening.

 

Black Sesame Coconut Rice Pudding with Matcha Cream by Feed Me Phoebe

?If you like a creamier pudding, I suggest enjoying this coconut milk rice pudding straight from the pot. But it also makes for an amazing make-ahead dessert recipe that's elegant enough for company. You can serve the Matcha cream on top so that it melts and then freeze or spoon it on right before serving. Either way, you get a beautiful contrast between the black rice and green Matcha - a perfect palette and healthy sweet treat for Halloween!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Servings 4

Ingredients

1 cup US Grown black japonica rice

2 cans coconut milk chilled

2 1/2 cups unsweetened almond milk vanilla flavor works well

5 tablespoons maple syrup divided

2 tablespoons coconut oil

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Pinch of sea salt

1/4 cup tahini

1-2 teaspoons culinary grade matcha powder

Black sesame seeds for garnish

 

Instructions

Open the cans of chilled coconut milk and scoop out the creamy top layer. You want to reserve at least 1 cup of the cream and transfer to a medium mixing bowl. Set aside in the fridge.

In a medium saucepan, combine the rice, remaining coconut milk (the liquidy half), almond milk, 4 tablespoons maple syrup, coconut oil, vanilla extract, cinnamon and salt and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Be careful not to let the milk foam up and over the pan as it begins bubbling. Turn the heat down immediately to medium-low. Cook the rice, whisking occasionally during the first 10 minutes, and more frequently during the last ten minutes when the mixture has thickened, until the rice is al dente and the mixture has thickened, about 25 minutes. Stir in the tahini and cook a few minutes more, until the pudding is thick and creamy. When the pudding is your desired consistency, remove from the heat.

Meanwhile, while the rice is cooking, prepare the matcha cream: using a mixer with a whisk attachment or a hand mixer, whip the chilled coconut cream until light and fluffy. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon maple syrup and the matcha (to taste), whisking until the cream holds its shape.

 

Divide the rice mixture between 4 ramekins or glasses, about ? cup per vessel. If enjoying hot, top each with a dollop of the matcha cream (warning it will melt). If enjoying cool down the line, cover and place in fridge for at least 4 hours and up to 2 days. Store the matcha cream separately and garnish with toasted black or white sesame seeds.?

- Phoebe Lapine, Feed Me Phoebe.

 

... And on that delicious note, we conclude our six easy steps for a healthier Valentine's Day. We hope these recipes and tips will help you to enjoy your February 14^th to the fullest, whether you want to practice tree pose amongst the trees, whip up a healthy home-cooked meal, or treat your partner's stressed shoulders to a DIY massage. And remember, if you're still looking for Valentine's Day gift ideas, you can always browse our Valentine's Day gift category.

From all of us here at Xperience Days, have a happy, healthy Valentine's Day!