A Healthy Approach to Valentine's GIfts

I hate Valentine's Day, but I think that my hatred stems from never having a Valentine in high school, which my mom made worse and better by sending me flowers.  Though still waiting to emerge from my awkward phase (here is to hope!), I have come to peace with this pink, lacy and caloric filled holiday by letting go of society's definition of romance, and celebrating my own brand of love, which means that even though I do have a Valentine, my dad is the only one sending me flowers.

So if you are like me and question if Victoria revealing her Secret in mid-February might get a little chilly, or if aged candy does not appeal 364 days out of the year, why should it be a turn-on on the 365th day, here are a few gift ideas for the sweetie who cannot stomach the traditional sweets of Valentine's (and, yes, there are gift ideas for those having thier first V-day together and those who have lost count!):

Who needs a red velvet candy box
when you have luscious red fruit?

For the foodie
Short-term: ask her to reserve the day.  In the morning, take her to Whole Food and treat her to coffee, fruit, and a muffin, while, together, you pile your basket with healthy and romantic foods for a picnic.  Fresh raspberries, strawberries (impress with your knowledge of what to buy organic and what is "clean"), blueberries, yogurt, sushi, apples, sandwiches, pasta salad, can all ride in your backpack as you hike to a lovely spot to enjoy your lunch....and each other. 

Long-term: beyond the short-term commitment of a romantic dinner?  Buy a series of cooking classes for you to take together.  My preference would be a class on preparing healthy fare, but, realistically, developing a love of cooking can keep you out of restaurants and in control of your diet, so learn about what you love.  Either way, you give the gift of your time and the development of a mutual interest.  What could be sweeter?

For the active lot
Short-term: whether you met in a running group or on the mountain bike trails, spend the day doing what you love together, regardless of ability levels. If you want to give your honey something that he can open, put a new pair of cycling socks or running shorts in a candy box for him to open on V-day, with a little note about your up-coming adventure together.

Long term: show your commitment by giving her a new toy for an activity that you do together.  And if the new kayak doesn't break you or she just got a new bike for Christmas, surprise her with a trip to a place that she has always wanted to try her skills.  Think that this will break the bank?  Evaluate whether you will go on a vacation or long weekend this year, and if your answer is "yes," why not give it to your sweetheart as the gift that it is?  Any way you do it, invest in your Valentine and enjoy your adventure together.

Building health (together)
Short-term: three sessions together with a personal trainer will get you moving without committing to a life-style change, and it will give you something fun to do together on Saturday mornings and text complaints about come Monday.
An alternative, ladies, is to purchase a belly dancing class for yourself.  It will be a consistent and fun workout that will shake-up your routine, and your sweetie will get to enjoy a healthier you, but a recital to show off your new skills would probably also be appreciated.   

Long-term: has your relationship been filled with the phrase, "this year, I am going to _____?"  Well, this year, it is going to happen, because you are going to do it together.  Whether running a 5k, walking a 2- day or learning to kayak, show your sweetheart not just that you love them but you support and believe in them.  For example, if running or walking is her goal, then make a date to get fitted for new shoes together and slip the entry confirmation for her dream race into her new shoe box.  Whatever the goal, convey that you will get there together.

Sometimes it is fun to give more
flowers than she can hold in her hand.
Try a day exploring your local
botanical gardens.

For the family
If you want to celebrate with your kids, then you need more flowers for mom than any bouquet can contain, so consider an entire garden.  A day exploring a local botanical garden or park, complete with a picnic is a great, active celebration for the entire family. 

Think about it this way: generic candy and cards convey the sentiment of a stranger, but your time and energy combined with healthy foods and heart-pounding activity send the message that you cherish your beloved so much that you want to live a long and happy life together.  Now that is love.