Healthy Valentine’s Date Night Ideas

Be sweet without adding sugar, and use the holiday to focus on love AND health. Most of the ideas below can be done at or around home to stay Covid-safe, or out in the world.

• Walk & Talk: A classic, low-maintenance, no-equipment needed date, though you have to bundle up. Put some hand-warmers in your mittens and move briskly. Deepen the conversation with your own inquiries or 100 Questions to Ask Your Partner on Date Night: https://www.lifehack.org/articles/communication/list-100-questions-ask-your-partner-date-nights.html

• Massage: From taking turns at home to scheduling an official couple’s massage at a spa, to investing in any number of handheld massage tools—you’ve got lots of options. Set the tone with music, incense or scented candles, and more.

• Dance Together: Play a slow song for a close embrace or rock out with something upbeat. If you want to get more formal, a ballroom dance class is a solid experiential V-Day gift. Good one to get the kids in on, or something to throw into the evening while you’re waiting for the veggies to roast.

• Speaking of veggies…Try a new healthy recipe: Cooking together allows for conversation and creativity—and options abound: Virtual Cooking Classes are everywhere these days so pull up a video or google “healthy recipe” with whatever ingredients you have around. A great choice that’s high-protein, easy, healthy, and still dessert? Tofu Chocolate Pudding (see below). If a restaurant feels more special, look for something different and healthy. Make reservations where you can and ask on the phone about the healthiest options they have in advance.

• Swap Workout Favorites: You like yoga and your partner likes benching? Let the yogi lead a few stretches and the pec-pusher spot some heavy reps. Take turns sharing your best workout staples to learn about the talents of each other and get some variety for yourself. Default to a group exercise class live or online if you prefer.

Tofu Chocolate Pudding

• 1 14-oz block firm tofu
• 4-5 ripe, frozen bananas
• 1 t. vanilla
• ½ c. cocoa powder
• dash of cinnamon
• 1-4 dried pitted dates (optional—adds extra sweetness)

Blend all together until smooth. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving. Top with whipped cream, shredded coconut, nuts, strawberries—whatever you like!