Will you be my Valentine? Oh yes, it's that time again. Another sugar-filled holiday is just around the corner. Don't fear! I've got some great ideas to show your love this holiday without the sugar. These are fun, healthy, and kid-friendly Valentine's. You can take them to the office, send them to school for your kiddos or make them for your special someone.
More fun ideas, food and non-food related are below. Some of these ideas are super fast and require very little effort and some will be great for the kids to participate in making.
But first, here's one of my favorite recipes. They are full of healthy fats and make a great snack or treat. They're so good you'll want to keep them on hand all year around! If you don't have a heart-shaped mold I've linked to one below or you can use a paper-lined mini muffin tin or even another shape if you have it. My family would not be opposed to a few dinosaur-shaped valentine treats!
Wait...Did You Say "FAT" Bombs?
Why would you want to eat fat bombs??? Doesn't fat make you fat? NOPE! Fat has gotten a bad wrap and despite what you've been told, fat is a necessary macronutrient. Eating healthy fats pays off BIG time if you feel like you are always hungry. Fat is satiating and provides lasting energy making you feel full longer. This can be a huge game changer if you're struggling to lose weight.
These fat bombs are full of medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) which are known for providing quick energy, similar to the energy boost you might get from caffeine. MCTs also do not require bile to be digested, which is great for those who no longer have their gallbladder.
Want more great recipes?
Download my sample meal plan.
Eating healthy fats is also very important for your brain and nervous system and is needed to absorb the soluble vitamins A, D, E and K. Hopefully you're starting to see the importance of this wonderful, tasty nutrient.
As with everything, quality matters. When shopping for the ingredients below you want to make sure you're getting well sourced products. I've linked to my favorites, but there are other quality brands available.
Make sure your nut butter doesn't have added sugar and you're buying real maple syrup, not corn syrup in disguise.
Valentine Fat Bombs
These bite-sized fat bombs are amazing all year around. The flavors of coconut, cashew butter and berries combine really well and are taken to a whole new level with the dark chocolate layer.
Category: Snack, Dessert
Cuisine: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Yields: Approximately 32 hearts
Ingredients
2 oz. dark chocolate (75% or higher) of your choice (my fave)
2 Tbsp. collagen peptides
1/2 c. strawberry puree (I used about 8 frozen, organic berries)
1/2 c. coconut butter
1/4 c. coconut oil
1/4 c. cashew butter
1 Tbsp. maple syrup, pure (optional)
1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract, organic
Heart-shaped silicone mold (this isn't the exact one I used because mine is part of a set, but this is comparable)
Instructions
Pulse the berries in a food processor or blender until pureed. Move them off to the side while you work on the rest of the ingredients.
Melt coconut butter and cashew butter in a saucepan.
Stir in collagen peptides 1 Tbsp. at a time.
Once combined, add vanilla, maple syrup, and berry puree. Stir until well combined.
Spoon or poor the mixture into your heart-shaped silicone molds until *almost* full. You want to leave a little space for your chocolate.
Place into the freezer to set for 20-25 minutes.
Meanwhile, melt your chocolate over a double boiler stirring until melted. If you don't have one you can do what I do and put a glass bowl over a sauce pan containing about 2 inches of water. Make sure the water doesn't touch the bottom of the glass bowl.
When your nut butter mixture is set, pull them out of the freezer and spoon or poor the chocolate on top.
Put back in the freezer for about 15 minutes.
Once solid, remove from the molds and place into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. If a few don't make it to the refrigerator I won't tell.
Additional Notes
You can skip the chocolate and fill completely with only the berry and nut butter mixture. Still a delicious treat.
Try changing up the berries, use dark sweet cherries, or a different type of nut butter for a new flavor combination.
More Ideas
Here are a few ideas for food related valentines on the healthier side. Use these for inspiration or get creative and make up your own.
Non-Food Valentine Fun
Looking for a non-food treat for the kiddos? Check out this post from playdoughtoplato.com for 15 Super Fun Dollar Store Valentines or jamonkey.com for 50 Puntastic Valentines Ideas for Kids.
Bottom Line
Heart-shaped food is oh so fun, but I personally would be just as happy with a delicious meal, prepared with love by my valentine. So if you just don't have the time to be "crafty" or "cute" this year...don't. No one in your life will be upset by having a "Valentine Movie Night" where you can kick up your feet and relax.
Live happy,
Amanda
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