February 08, 2022

Healthy Valentine Meals - From Breakfast to DESSERT!

Oh, it's almost Valentine's Day. I look forward to it every year just because it's a big, extended chocolate and candy holiday like Halloween, minus the lover. Even if you don't have a Valentine, it's a wonderful day to spend time with those you love and cherish, be it a friend, a family member, or even your pet. And what better way to show appreciation than with food? If you want to make something delicious, super-rich, and actually healthy for Valentine's Day, then you're in for a treat! Keep reading to see a cheat-day worthy breakfast to dessert meal ideas!

Breakfast Made With Love

Start the morning off with some fluffy heart shaped chocolate chip banana pancakes! Show your partner or family some love and it doesn't have to take much extra time.

Nutrition

  • • 179.5 Cals
  • • 6 Protein
  • • 28.5 Carbs
  • • 5 Fats

Ingredients

  • • 1 cup white whole wheat flour
  • • 2 tsp baking powder
  • • 1/4 tsp salt
  • • 1 large banana
  • • 1 cup 1% milk
  • • 3 large egg whites
  • • 2 tsp oil
  • • 1 tsp vanilla
  • • 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
  • • Cooking spray

    Directions

    • 1. Mix all dry ingredients in a bowl.
    • 2. Combine milk, egg white, oil, vanilla and mashed bananas in another bowl and mix until smooth.
    • 3. Combine wet ingredients with the dry. Mix well until there are no more dry spots.
    • 4. Heat a large skillet on medium-low heat.
    • 5. Use a heart shaped pancake mold and spray it lightly with cooking spray.
    • 6. Lightly spray a skillet with cooking spray, place the mold on the hot skillet and pour 1/4 cup of pancake batter.
    • 7. Add 1 teaspoon of chocolate chips in each pancake.
    • 8. When the pancake starts to bubble, flip the pancakes. Repeat with the remainder of the batter.

    Guac Your Romantic Lunch

    This recipe is a classic, but it is MY way of preparing and still tastes like an amazing kind of lunch. Everything you can prepare in less than 5 minutes, and you are on your way to enjoying the day!

    Nutrition

    • • 229 Cals
    • • 12 Protein
    • • 23 Carbs
    • • 10 Fats

    Ingredients

    • • 1 slice whole grain bread, toasted
    • • 1 oz mashed, 1/4 small avocado
    • • Cooking spray
    • • 1 large egg
    • • Kosher salt and black pepper

    Directions

    • 1. Mash the avocado in a small bowl and season with salt and pepper.
    • 2. Heat a small nonstick skillet over low heat and spray with oil.
    • 3. Crack the egg into a heart-shaped mold and put it on the skillet.
    • 4. Place mashed avocado over toast, top with egg, salt and pepper!

    Butter Up Your Dinner

    Butternut squash has so many health benefits! Rich in fiber, low in fat, antioxidants, vitamin C, to name just a few. Try vegetarian enchiladas with butternut squash and black beans that are not only satisfying but also taste good.

    Nutrition

    • • 185 Cals
    • • 13 Protein
    • • 29 Carbs
    • • 6 Fats

      Ingredients

      • • 1 cup red enchilada sauce
      • • 1 tsp olive oil
      • • 2 1/2 cups peeled butternut squash, cut 1/2-inch-dice
      • • Salt and pepper
      • • 1 small onion, diced
      • • 3 cloves garlic, minced
      • • 1 jalapeno, seeded and diced
      • • 10 oz can Rotel tomatoes with green chilies
      • • 1 1/2 cups reduced sodium canned black beans, rinsed and drained
      • • 1/4 cup cilantro
      • • 1 tsp cumin
      • • 1/2 tsp chili powder
      • • 1/4 cup water
      • • 8 medium low-carb whole wheat flour tortillas
      • • 1 cup reduced-fat shredded Mexican cheese
      • • 2 tbsp chopped scallions
      • • Reduced-fat sour cream

        Directions

        • 1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
        • 2. Place 1/4 cup enchilada sauce on the bottom of a large baking dish.
        • 3. Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in large skillet.
        • 4. Add onions, garlic, and jalapeno and cook 2-3 minutes.
        • 5. Add cubed butternut, Rotel tomatoes, black beans, water, cilantro, cumin and chili powder and season with salt and pepper to taste.
        • 6. Cover and cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the squash is tender, about 30 to 35 minutes.
        • 7. Place 1/3 cup filling in the center of each tortilla and roll, place on the baking dish seam side down. Repeat with the remaining filling.
        • 8. Top with remaining enchilada sauce and cheese and bake, covered with foil until hot and the cheese is melted, about 10 minutes. Top with scallions and eat with sour cream if desired.

        Refresh with Dessert

        Little snacks or desserts such as yogurt fruit dip are a great way to sneak in some extra fruits. They’re also perfect for hydrating your body after a day of baked goods!

        Nutrition

        • • 65.4 Cals
        • • 5.2 Protein
        • • 12 Carbs

          Ingredients

          • • 1 1/2 cups fat free Greek yogurt
          • • 1/4 cup honey
            Directions
            • 1. Cut up your favorite fruit in even squares and place them on skewers in rainbow color order.
            • 2. Create the dip by combining the yogurt and honey and serve along the side of the fruit.
            If you love these recipe ideas and want to see more, don't forget to check out our Beginner's Guide to Meal Prepping!
            Written by freebeat