Savefor later Page saved! You can go back to this later in your Diabetes and Me Close

How to have a healthier Valentine’s Day 

Two people having a Valentine's day meal together

Maybe you’ve left it a little late to get a table booking, or you might be wanting to save a bit of money. So why not treat that special person in your life to a healthy, homemade three-course meal this Valentine’s Day? It’s easier than you’d think, and we’ve got lots of suggestions to help make it an evening to remember. Now all you need are some candles! 

Breakfast in bed? 

If you're feeling even more romantic, you’re bound to see a smile on your partner’s face if you greet them with one of these delicious breakfasts in the morning: 

Sumptuous starters  

Tofu stuffed mushrooms 

These delicious stuffed mushrooms are topped with tahini and tofu and roasted for a great flavour. Each serving contains two of your five-a-day, and our recipe makes enough for two... 

Salmon pâté

This tasty starter is ideal if you’re short on time, as it takes only 10 minutes to make. 

Spicy butternut squash soup 

Perfect if you like a little bit of a kick in your soup, this recipe gives you three portions of fruit and veg per serving. Check out more of our tasty soups. 

Main course Valentine’s Day meals 

Chicken in a pot 

Not a natural cook? There’s no need to worry with this recipe, it’s super simple - the ingredients are all cooked in one pot. (Saves on the washing up, too!). This tasty dish uses white wine for that extra flavour, and lots of veg, which help fill you up. 

And better yet, this Valentine’s Day meal has four green traffic lights and two of your five-a-day per serving.  

Turkish cauliflower pizza with Quorn and tzatziki 

If you and your partner are in the mood for something a bit more chilled and casual, why not make this pizza rather than ordering in a takeaway? This will be much lower in carbs and fat than a typical takeaway pizza, so is much easier to adjust for if you have type 1. There’s also an impressive four portions of fruit and veg per serving! 

Check out more homemade takeaway alternatives

Herby mackerel

This Valentine’s Day meal takes only 45 minutes to make and is full of protein, which helps to build and repair muscles. 

Vegetable and chickpea tagine

Loaded with flavour and goodness, this tagine is ready in 40 minutes and is low in saturated fat and salt. 

And for dessert... 

Cherry and chocolate dessert pot

Cherries and chocolate are a winning combination, and we’ve reduced the sugar here by using artificial sweeteners. You can choose any leftover cherries as a nice healthy snack, too. 

Beetroot and carrot cake

Your other half will love the extra zing this cake has to offer, thanks to the pineapple taste. 

Chocolate orange soufflé

If you and your partner are chocoholics, this melt-in-your-mouth pudding will go down a treat.  

Tips for healthier Valentine’s Day meals 

Remember there’s nothing wrong with having the occasional treat now and then, but if you’d like to make the day a bit healthier, here are some pointers. 

  • Watch out for the hidden calories in alcohol – some are a lot higher than you’d think. You can help this by using diet mixers instead of full sugar ones, and can get clued up on calories and units on Drinkaware’s website
  • Try getting active together by going for a long, romantic walk or bike ride in the park. We’ve got lots of advice on exercise.  
  • Help make healthier choices by reading food labels and choosing options with less saturated fat, salt or sugar for your Valentine’s Day meal.  
  • Take it slow – if your partner gives you a luxurious box of chocolates, stick it in the fridge and enjoy it in moderation over the week. 

 

Back to Top
Brand Icons/Telephonecheck - FontAwesomeicons/tickicons/uk