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Love is in the air! Time to get ready to wine and dine your beloved into a state of pure bliss this Valentine's Day!
For most of us, this holiday means over indulging in sugary confections and decadent dinners that leave us feeling heavy, foggy and less than sexy the next day. And according the American Heart Association, using holidays like Valentine's Day as an excuse to consume too much refined sugar, hydrogenated oil and alcohol is not doing your heart any favors.
So how do you keep your evening romantic and special yet healthy?
"Don't fret," says Integrative Nutritionist Danny Arguetty. "You can still give your sweetie heart-felt, yummy gifts that even include chocolate, but it is the quality - not the quantity - of those gifts that will make your beloved's heart feel really good."
Here are Arguetty's top ten ways to woo your loved one's body, mind and spirit without losing the true spirit of Valentine's Day - romance:
1. Pesticide-Free Roses
Most roses, unless specifically marked organic are very toxic and not something you want your Valentine burying their nose in. Although buying organic flowers may be a little pricier initially, in the long run you will get more bang for your buck as organic flowers tend to be more fragrant, colorful and bloom longer. If your local florist does not carry organic flowers, find an online service like www.OrganicBouquet.com/VDayRoses that will do all delivery work for you.
2. Aphrodisiacs
"Staying in and cooking up a delicious dinner gives you more control over the ingredients you use, plus it can be a more intimate experience than going out," says Arguetty. He suggests incorporating foods in your menu that have naturally occurring aphrodisiacs in them. Wild caught salmon, avocados, oyster mushrooms, truffles, garlic, onions, olive oil, figs and honey are just a few heart-healthy morsels that will get your Valentine in the mood for more than just food.
3. Vino Rosso
If you are going to indulge in a little red wine at dinner, pick out an organic, sulfite-free variety that will have less long-term toxic effects on your body. According to the American Heart Association, a little red wine could be good for the heart and heart disease prevention. Check out the Organic Wine Company for a complete selection.
4. 70% Chocolove Dark Chocolate Bars
These cuties are a two for one heart winner! Each bar of 70% or higher dark chocolate is beaming with antioxidants and has a sweet love poem written on the inside of the wrapper. Watch your Valentine's heart melt with happiness with each bite. You can find this brand or any other organic variety at your local grocery store or go to www.chocolove.com.
5. Sun Kisses
Is your Valentine suffering from the winter blues? Send him or her a gift of sunshine in a box to brighten their spirits and immunity. Make a nice gift basket of assorted citrus fruits, or get a box delivered straight from the grove to your loved one from www.naplescitrus.com. Arguetty suggest dipping slices of orange into melted dark chocolate for a healthy and deeply satisfying dessert.
6. Skin Food
Don't limit your sweetheart's happiness to just the taste buds when you can feed the skin too. Arguetty swears by Bee Yummy Skin Food, an edible moisturizer made out of organic anti-aging and healing ingredients like raw wildflower honey, bee pollen, and propolis. Not to mention it smells and feels delicious!
7. Love Potion #9
Want to subtly get your loved one in the mood? Just light a few aromic bougies, French for candle, around the house and watch your valentine's biochemistry transform. "Go with a scent that you know they will enjoy, or choose a sensual scent like rose, jasmine, ylang-ylang and cinnamon," says Arguetty. He suggests eco friendly and vegan candles from Way Out Wax.
8. Couple's Massage
Brushing up on your Karma Sutra techniques could turn your night from ordinary to extraordinary! Pamper your beloved to a relaxing massage using lick-able body butters and oils like body soufflé, crème brulee, or strawberry cream from Karma Sutra.
9. A little sexual healing anyone?
Send your honey subliminally messages of fire and passion with a little music therapy. Studies conducted at Stanford University have shown that music can increase your cognitive wellbeing as well as change your mood and behavior. Choose a selection of music that will set the tone for your special evening, like Marvin Gaye, Al Green or the Isley Brothers, for example. For more inspiration check out this top ten list of love songs.
10. Organic Luxurious Bedding
Considering we spend several hours of our day sleeping, you should really think about what you are snuggling up in. "Investing in a chemical-free set of sheets and blankets is an investment in your long-term health," says Arguetty. Not to mention, having fresh, soft, silky sheets on your bed could very well inspire your Valentine to hangout a little longer than was planned.
So go ahead and get started. There is still time to ditch your standby box of chocolates and create a heart-healthy and romantic evening for you and your beloved. Who knew that being healthy could be so sexy?
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