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Happy Valentine’s Day!
Valentine’s Day is here! It’s no coincidence that Valentine’s Day is in February, because February is Heart Health Month too! On this special day, we at Pacer would like to wish all of you the very best for a happy AND healthy Valentine’s celebration.
There are many steps you can take to improve your heart health – from counting and sharing on Pacer to having healthy relationships and sharing your caring with people near and far.
On Valentine’s day, let’s celebrate both our Pacer step progress and your supportive relationships and get healthier and happier in 2018! Here are some tips to make your Valentine’s Day heart healthy!
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Avoid “calorie bomb” meals:
Gigantic meals can wreak havoc on your health. Special deals or set menus for holidays like Valentine’s Day are often bigger and more decadent than normal. Already, restaurant meals are usually larger than the meals you’d cook at home, and are full of calorie-busting sauces and add-ons.
For Valentine’s Day, try splitting an entrée with your loved one. Don’t add extras, like cheese, bacon or butter, if you can avoid it. Have a glass of heart-healthy red wine instead of a cocktail. Choosing wisely can also help you avoid getting too full and having a stomach ache or low energy for the rest of your Valentine’s Day!
It’s ok to indulge from time to time, so this doesn’t mean you can’t go out for Valentine’s day! If you know you’re going to eat a rich dessert, order a healthier main and skip the sides or appetizers.
Skip the movie—and do something active:
Instead of sitting in a movie theater for two hours, why not try a long, leisurely walk? Hold hands and make it fun and romantic. Or try ice skating, outdoors or indoors. Log your exercise in Pacer, and take some photos of your exercise to keep the memories alive.
If you’re feeling really adventurous, try a fitness class together or do a Pacer guided workout. Getting a sweat together can be really fun. It’s also a good way to burn off a few extra calories from your Valentine’s day meal.
Instead of candy, choose another gift:
Try the traditional flowers or jewelry. Or think outside the box and give your Valentine a new pair of running shoes or another workout-related present. A spa gift certificate or healthy cookbook would make a good substitute.
Chocolates may be tasty, but once they’re eaten (and they’re usually eaten pretty quickly), they’re gone. Why not give a more permanent gift that shows your life and fits better in your healthy lifestyle? Even a card with a handwritten message of love is more permanent and shows you really care!
Build relationships with supportive groups:
Research shows that social support helps your heart health. This includes family, friends, loved ones and your entire social circle.
Whether you’re single or in a relationship on Valentine’s Day, having a larger support group that can give you encouragement and pick up your spirits is always a great thing. Pacer groups can be a great start, but you can also join walking groups or just make a great group of friends to pick you up when you’re feeling down. Your heart will thank you!
Love:
Caring relationships can be found in many places. Support from others can be the motivation that helps us make daily progress towards our goals. Elbert Hubbard reminds us to “Do your work with your whole heart and you will succeed. “No road is long with good company”, says a Turkish proverb. Love your heart with some healthy steps each day, and take a walk with a friend or a group when you can.
Through these tips and sensible heart health measures, you’ll find your celebration can be even more meaningful. It will definitely be healthier!
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Need something to help you walk more and better? Pacer has been downloaded over 100 million times and has 1.3M+ 5-star reviews. If you haven’t downloaded the Pacer app yet, download Pacer for free (on mobile)! You can also check out our website (mobile or desktop) or follow our blog for more great walking and healthy lifestyle tips.
