Foolproof tips for a happy, healthy Valentine's Day

Valentine’s Day is here again, a golden opportunity to take some time out of our hectic lives to let someone close to us know just how special they are.

It’s easy to take those close to us for granted, but takes just a little effort to let those who occupy the biggest part of our hearts know how special they are.

Whether you are spending the day with your partner, hanging with friends, or paying a little attention to the relationship you have with yourself, here are some healthy tips to make the day extra special.

Breakfast in bed

This year Valentine’s Day falls on a Saturday, so plenty of time to lovingly prepare brekkie in bed for that someone special.

Try your hands at Shakshuka- eggs poached in tomatoes, chilli peppers and spices.

Eggs are a great source of protein and contain a wide range of nutrients, such as iron, and vitamins A, B, E and D.

Shakshuka is a great share dish- so perfect if you’re cooking up a storm for a group of your fabulously unattached friends (in bed is optional and totally up to you!)

COOK THIS: We love this recipe for Skakshuka eggs from Cook Republic

Beach picnic

Taking an afternoon stroll along the beach front, or through the park will clear your head and allow you to spend some quality time together while the days are still long.

Naturopath Jen McLennan suggests packing a picnic including a salad, smoked salmon, whole grain bread rolls and some antipasto of your choice to keep you away from the crowded restaurants.

Healthy aphrodisiacs

Jen suggests adding some sexy super foods like oysters to your picnic, which are well known aphrodisiacs as well as being high in zinc. 

Chocolate is also classed as an aphrodisiac and has been found to contain compounds that can give you a natural sense of wellbeing and excitement. It’s best to swap out the milk and white chocolate for the darker variety which more antioxidants and is better for you. 

Finally, Jen suggests swapping champagne for red wine which contains a higher amount of antioxidants than many other alcoholic counterparts.

READ: Guide to libido lifters

Guilt-free treats

Teresa Cutters chocolate fudge brownies made from fresh dates, raw cacao, macadamias and almonds and take only a few minutes to make and are high in minerals, potassium, chromium, magnesium and iron for energy and to help regulate blood sugar. Nothing says I love you like a brownie made especially for you.

Teresa Cutter’s Chocolate fudge brownies

• 1 cup walnuts
• 1 cup almonds
• 1 cup (10 - 12) fresh soft mejool dates, pitted
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup good quality raw cocoa powder or carob
• sea salt - pinch 

Combine nuts into a food processor until roughly chopped.

Add the dates, vanilla and cocoa powder and sea salt. 

Process until combined and so the mixture sticks together when squeezed. 

You can add a teaspoon of water if necessary to help bind the brownies.

Press into a small square baking tin lined with grease proof paper and allow to rest in the fridge for 2 hours before cutting into portions. 

Brownies can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge.

What are your Valentine's Day ideas? Inspire us in the comments section below!