V-Day: To Chocolate or Not to Chocolate

It’s less than a week away, Valentine’s Day that is. And many of you who are trying to live sugar-free lives will have to make a decision to chocolate or not to chocolate. In theory, this is an easy decision, until someone hands you a small or large heart-shaped box filled with the brown goodness inside. Will power becomes obsolete and one piece turns into two pieces and then, before you know it, the box is gone. Yeah, I’ve been there. Sugar is addicting and we are human. No matter how much better we know, moments of weakness can eat us up and spit us out!

Here are a few tips to help you have a chocolate-free holiday this Sunday:

1. Celebrate with something traditional- the color red. Yes, strawberries and red grapefruits still provide a sweet and tart Valentine’s bite and color without the sugar and fat contained in chocolate.

2. Go exotic without chocolate. Yes, try a pomegranate vinegar or a blood orange olive oil, both of which are wonderful complements​ to the bitterness of endive, spinach or broccoli. They spruce up greens with a special Valentine’s day romantic color and even flavor.

3. Think spritzers. Nothing says Valentine’s day more than a classic cocktail. Avoid the calories and sugar associated with booze by mixing up some crushed raspberries, fresh mint, and cherry-lime flavored sparkling water. Added a red straw with a plastic heart and you will be in the spirit without causing the damage to your health associated with chocolate.