Valentine’s Day is traditionally associated with sweet treats and candy, but it really doesn’t have to be an unhealthy holiday.  There are lots of great healthy Valentine’s Day ideas you can incorporate to show your honey how much you love him without adding sugar-laden calories or jeopardizing your health.  In fact, there are some great heart-healthy Valentine’s Day ideas you can incorporate this year!

1. Enjoy a fun day for two participating in activities both of you enjoy.  Treat your lover to a date on the golf course golfing 18 holes, go horseback riding at a nearby stable, or just take a walk hand-in-hand to catch up on intimate conversation.  Make it all about the two of you, but do something active instead of just taking in a movie or some other sedentary pastime.

2. Create a healthy romantic dinner for two at home and dine by candlelight.  Include heart healthy choices like grilled shrimp and a hearty salad with dressing on the side.

3. For dessert, melt some heart healthy dark chocolate and dip fresh fruits into that melted chocolate.  Ripe, red, juicy strawberries are always a popular choice, but almost any fruit your lover likes will work.  Feed it to each other as a sweet, sensual treat.

4. Purchase a bottle of fragrant massage oil and give each other a massage after dinner.  It’s a wonderful way to unwind and will create fantastic memories.  Or, if you prefer, book a couple’s spa date and get simultaneous side-by-side massages.

If you do decide to chill out and rent a movie, indulge in a romantic comedy and laugh yourselves silly.  Laughter is the best medicine for almost everything-including stress relief.  In addition, laughing together creates great intimacy that will last far beyond February 14th.