Celebrate Healthy Eating on Valentine’s Day
Right after the holidays, when you think you’re out of the woods and ready to start eating healthy again, heart-shaped boxes of chocolate appear everywhere you look. Valentine’s Day can be a tough time for many who are trying to keep on track toward healthy eating.
Whether you’re planning a candle-lit dinner, family movie night with the kids, or gathering with friends, Valentine’s Day is a land mine of rich food and dessert for your average person. But for an estimated 100 million Americans living with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) who are trying to watch their diet, it can be a nightmare.
Surrounded by unhealthy treats and maintaining a healthy diet is next to impossible. However, there is good news! Individuals with NAFLD can opt for high-quality dark chocolate, which is known for having antioxidants compared to milk and white chocolate, which have none. And one doesn’t have to stick to Valentine’s Day to enjoy dark chocolate. Just an ounce and half of dark chocolate a day can reduce stress hormones and blood pressure, which is crucial in keeping the progression of NAFLD at bay.
Here are some other healthy suggestions to turn to:
- Dried fruit or nuts dipped in dark chocolate
- Fresh berries
- Pretzels
- Popcorn
- Frozen fruit pops
Armed with this information, go ahead and enjoy Valentine’s Day – with a little bit of sweetness and a whole lot of love.
