Healthy Valentine’s Day Recipes
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than by treating yourself and your loved ones to some vibrant, nutritious strawberries? Not only are these ruby-red berries delicious, but they also pack a powerful nutritional punch, making them a perfect addition to your plate.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the MyPlate fruit food group encourages individuals to make half of their plate fruits and vegetables for a balanced and healthy diet. Strawberries, with their sweet taste and impressive health benefits, are a fantastic choice to fulfill this recommendation.
Nutritional Benefits of Strawberries
Strawberries are not only a delicious snack but also contribute to a balanced diet. Here are some key nutrients found in strawberries:
- Vitamin C: Strawberries are an excellent source of vitamin C. Vitamin C is essential for immune function, skin health, and wound healing.
- Fiber: With around 3 grams of fiber per cup, strawberries contribute to digestive health and can help regulate blood sugar levels.
- Antioxidants: Strawberries are rich in antioxidants, which help reduce inflammation and protect against chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer.
- Other Micronutrients: If you would like to learn more about all the vitamins and minerals strawberries contain, visit the USDA’s food data site. (https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/167762/nutrients)
Valentine’s Day and Strawberries:
Valentine’s Day is synonymous with romance, indulgence, and sweet treats. Rather than reaching for candies and chocolates high in refined sugars and unhealthy fats, consider incorporating strawberries into your celebrations.
- Chocolate Strawberries: Drizzle fresh strawberries with melted dark chocolate for a decadent yet fiber filled treat.
- Strawberry Salad: Toss sliced strawberries with mixed greens, nuts, and a balsamic vinaigrette for a refreshing salad.
- Strawberry Smoothie: Blend strawberries with yogurt, banana, and a splash of milk for a delicious and nutritious smoothie.
- Strawberry Parfait: Layer sliced strawberries with Greek yogurt and granola for a delightful dessert or breakfast option.
- Strawberry Salsa: Combine diced strawberries with jalapeño, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice for a flavorful salsa to pair with grilled chicken or fish.
Healthy Valentine’s Day Recipes:
Strawberries not only satisfy your sweet cravings but also provide essential nutrients to support overall health. Whether enjoyed fresh, dipped in dark chocolate, or added to desserts like cakes and parfaits, strawberries can elevate your Valentine’s Day menu while keeping it wholesome and nutritious.
Healthy Chocolate Strawberry Yogurt Clusters
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh or thawed frozen strawberries
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 T honey
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1/2 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
- 1 T vegetable or coconut oil
- 1/4 cup chopped nut of choice (I used peanuts)
Directions:
- Chop strawberries and mix with vanilla, honey and yogurt.
- Freeze on a sheet of parchment paper till hard.
- Melt chocolate and oil together till smooth in the microwave (mix occasionally). Drizzle onto yogurt clusters and add nuts (optional).
Healthy Valentine’s Day Stuffed Strawberries
Ingredients:
- 10 strawberries
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 3 T plain Greek yogurt
- 2 graham crackers
- 1 T honey
Directions:
- Wash and core the strawberries.
- Mix all ingredients except strawberries and one of the graham crackers in a bowl.
- Stuff strawberries with the filling and sprinkle crushed graham cracker on top.
Healthy MyPlate Heart Snacks
Ingredients:
- 5 slices of sharp cheddar cheese
- 10 slices of turkey pepperoni
- 10 slices of cucumber
Directions
- With a knife cut each slice of cucumber and turkey pepperoni into heart shapes.
- Chop the cheese slices in half and cut those into heart shapes.
- To make the process faster stack slices of like-ingredients together and cut at the same time.
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