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Valentine’s Day is no longer a one-day event, the celebration spans eight days, giving couples ample opportunity to spoil each other with roses, chocolates, and other gifts. Eating high-calorie, sweet foods to celebrate Valentine’s Day not only increases your risk of lifestyle-related diseases, but can also cause your waist to gain weight. Eating mindfully during the festival not only commits to a healthy lifestyle, but also ensures that you and your partner don’t stray from your fitness journey. Choosing natural ingredients such as fruits and dried fruits can add fiber as well as essential micronutrients to your diet. Eating dark chocolate instead of regular milk chocolate allows you to stay true to the spirit of V-Day and take care of yourself at the same time. (Also Read | Happy Chocolate Day 2024: 10 Amazing Benefits of Enjoying Dark Chocolate)
Abhilasha V, Chief Clinical Nutritionist at Cloudnine Hospital Group, Bangalore, shares five delicious and low-calorie snack recipes perfect for Valentine’s Day.
1.Strawberry yogurt bark
material
1 cup low-fat Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon vanilla essence
1 cup sliced strawberries
Instructions
- Combine Greek yogurt, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract in a bowl.
- Place parchment paper on a baking sheet. Pour yogurt mixture onto baking sheet and spread evenly.
- Arrange the sliced strawberries on top of the yogurt.
- Freeze for 3 to 4 hours or until firm.
- Once frozen, crush the bark into small pieces and enjoy.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Freezing time: 3-4 hours
2. Cucumber canapé with smoked salmon
material
1 cucumber (sliced)
100g smoked salmon, cut into small pieces
1/4 cup low-fat cream cheese
fresh dill or chives for garnish
Instructions
- Spread a thin layer of cream cheese on top of each cucumber slice.
- Top with smoked salmon.
- Garnish with fresh dill or chives.
- Serve chilled.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooling time: 10 minutes
3. Caprese skewers
material
Mini Tomato
fresh mozzarella cheese balls
fresh basil leaves
balsamic glaze
skewer
Instructions
- Thread cherry tomatoes, small mozzarella balls, and basil leaves onto each skewer.
- Arrange the skewers on a platter.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze just before serving.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
4. Banana bites dipped in dark chocolate
material
2 ripe bananas (peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces)
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
Optional toppings: chopped nuts, shredded coconut
Instructions
- Place parchment paper on a baking sheet.
- Melt the dark chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring in 30-second intervals, until smooth.
- Dip bananas in melted chocolate and place on prepared baking sheet.
Optional: Sprinkle with chopped nuts or shredded coconut.
- Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator until the chocolate hardens.
- Serve chilled.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooling time: 30 minutes
5. Avocado and tomato bruschetta
material
Whole wheat baguette, sliced
1 ripe avocado (mashed)
Cherry tomatoes (diced)
fresh basil leaves, chopped
balsamic glaze
salt and pepper taste
Instructions
- Toast the baguette slices until lightly browned.
- Spread mashed avocado on each slice of toast.
- Top with diced cherry tomatoes and chopped basil.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve immediately.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
These recipes are not only delicious but also low in calories, making them perfect for a healthy Valentine’s Day celebration.
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