Spoil your valentine this holiday without the guilt. Follow our expertly curated Valentine’s Day gift guide to spark inspiration for Friday, Feb. 14.
Dark chocolate-covered strawberries
Satisfy that sweet tooth while also sharing health benefits with some chocolate-covered strawberries.
Dark chocolate is packed with polyphenols, and strawberries contain anthocyanins; both are types of antioxidants.
“Antioxidants fight inflammation in the body and also decrease blood pressure and glucose,” said Ann E. Redwine, a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator with UT Physicians.
Strawberries are also an excellent source of vitamin C, helping to boost your immune system.
Just make sure the chocolate is at least 60% cocoa. The darker the chocolate, the greater the health benefit.
Travel
The gift of travel is always an exciting surprise. Use that time together to take a hike, walk, or explore a new area. You’ll get steps in while bonding and making lasting memories.
“This will help the physical and psychological well-being of any valentine, besides being romantic,” said Ronald P. Rapini, MD, a dermatologist with UT Physicians and the chair, Josey Professor in Dermatology, and Marvin E. Chernosky, M.D., Endowed Distinguished Chair of the Department of Dermatology at McGovern Medical School with UTHealth Houston.
Whether traveling to a quaint town, a big city, the mountains, or a beach, Rapini says being outside should be part of the fun.
“Studies show that sunlight exposure releases endorphins and makes people happy,” said Rapini. “I recommend sun but in moderation, such as avoiding the midday sun.”
The gift of travel can be accompanied by a wide-brimmed hat, a long-sleeved shirt with a tight weave, and sunscreen with an SPF rating of at least 30.
Cozy home cooking
For the more low-key but no less thoughtful gift giver, try a healthy home-cooked meal. Cozy up with a warm, soul-filling, taste-bud-satisfying dinner for two at home.
Try these inspiring combinations that will keep your valentine’s health in check.
- Pasta with olive oil and garlic with Italian seasoning for an immunity boost, stir-fried broccoli with onion, and a side of baked chicken (without the skin)
- Grilled seafood or veggies, red potatoes browned in olive oil with rosemary, and a Caesar salad
- Rice and beans with mixed veggies
Children’s books
Share the joy of reading with the youngest valentine in your life.
“Books are a great gift for children because they are fun and beneficial,” said Sarah J. Cavenaugh, MD, a pediatrician with UT Physicians and an assistant professor of pediatrics with McGovern Medical School. “Books help with language development in young children and help with vocabulary and imagination in older children.”
Unlike candy, a common valentine’s gift for children, there are no negative side effects of books.
With plenty of friendship-themed books readily available, treating a child to a special valentine’s reading session will help build strong bonds and relationships with their caregivers.
