Without love, what are we worth? Eighty-nine cents! Eighty-nine cents worth of chemicals walking around lonely.
-- Hawkeye Pierce,
MAS*H
Valentine's Day is lurking right around the corner. In my mind's eye I see a big red heart with arms, and it's wearing boxing gloves. In the interest of heart health, it isn't smoking a cigarette, which would give it a more menacing air.
As you can see, I may have some unresolved issues here. I don't mean to be a Valentine scrooge, and forgive my grousing, but year after year this "holiday" serves as a reminder that I'm single.
Most days I consider that a blessing.
Many people say Valentine's Day is also a time to shower love on family and friends, so I guess I can agree with that. But it's not marketed that way.
I have happy memories of Valentine exchanges at school and heart-shaped boxes of chocolates sent by beloved grandparents when I was a child. And there were quite a few sweet Valentines from my precious son, too.
If you do celebrate, the website of the American Heart Association (heart.org) offers a list of tips for a heart-healthy Valentine's Day, and life in general.
• Instead of chocolates, consider a gift with permanence. Search for a poem that describes your feelings and make a beautiful handmade Valentine card to share it.
• Quality time is also a meaningful gift. Plan an activity like ice skating or gathering wood for a fire.
• For your child's school Valentine's Day party, instead of candy send mini boxes of raisins or bags of pretzels, pencils or stickers.
• Control calories for a special dinner by cooking at home. Light some candles and make it special. Or go to a cooking class where you can practice and learn new skills.
If you eat out, know before you go. Many restaurants post menus and nutritional information online, so do a little research and make informed choices.
• Ask a date or your mate to volunteer with you at a local charity. Helping others is a healthy habit that will boost your mood and help beat stress.
• Send a fruit basket instead of candy.
• Don't forget your pet. Lavish a little extra love on the animal in your life.
• If you get a box of chocolates, stick it in the fridge or freezer to enjoy in moderation over several weeks.
I'd like to say that last one's realistic, but for many people it isn't. Then, there are people who somehow manage to still have Girl Scout cookies in their freezers in April.
• Take a walk, it's free. Walking for as little as 30 minutes a day provides heart-health benefits.
• Instead of frying foods, which adds unnecessary fat and calories, use methods that require little or no fat, like roasting, baking, grilling or steaming.
• Try something new, like a vegetable that you have not eaten before. And eat fish, particularly oily fish like salmon, mackerel or tuna.
• Stay hydrated. It's one of the best gifts you can give yourself.
Water is a great alternative to high-calorie, sugar-sweetened drinks. Treat yourself to a new water bottle to encourage the habit.
The website of the American Cancer Society (cancer.org) offers Valentine's Day ideas, too.
• If you give chocolate, go with dark. It contains flavonoids that have been shown to be good for the heart. Look for treats that are at least 60 percent cocoa.
• If you drink alcohol, pick red wine. It contains antioxidants called polyphenols and a compound called resveratrol that research suggests protects the heart.
But alcohol use has also been linked to an increased risk of cancer. The Cancer Society recommends we limit ourselves to no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.
And last but certainly not least, some tips from Betsy Day, the manager of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Weight Control clinic.
Day says that Valentine's gifts for a special someone who is trying to lose weight should be nonfood items.
Obviously that can include flowers or jewelry. But other ideas include:
• Gift certificates for a massage, manicure or pedicure.
• Movie passes.
• A new book.
• A fitness wristband to track your efforts.
• A workout outfit.
• An small portable music player loaded with workout music, and wireless headphones.
• A gift certificate for a one-hour session with a personal trainer.
• Hire someone to clean the house or do yard work as a one-time special treat.
I really like that idea. To me it would be better than flowers, candy and jewelry all put together.
If you do eat out, Day recommends sharing an appetizer or entree. And it's best not to go to places where you know you will overeat, like a buffet or restaurant that offers endless bowls of chips and salsa.
Enjoying a meal, Day says, can be part of pleasurable companionship. But there's nothing wrong with having just coffee or tea, savoring the time together, not food.
Whatever you do, embrace it with the spirit of love. And maybe a small piece of candy.
Email me at:
rboggs@arkansasonline.com
ActiveStyle on 02/09/2015