Eating Healthy for Two This Valentine's Day ❤️

Are you on a wellness journey, and wondering about romantic dinner options this Valentine's Day?

There's no reason that "romantic" has to mean deviating from your path... here's a fresh, healthy, romantic menu for two that features sensual red strawberries- the classic symbol of V-Day.

Start off the evening with a bright, fresh, Valentine Strawberry Salad.

This strawberry salad is super easy to prepare and perfect for this special occasion. Strawberries in a salad may sound a little strange, but try it and you will be pleasantly surprised. The flavors really compliment the feta cheese. This strawberry salad recipe would also work well with goat’s cheese or mozzarella if preferred. Have fun experimenting! For an extra special touch pick your strawberries carefully and slice them through the middle so that they look more like love-hearts. You could sprinkle the salad with nuts and seeds for a bit of added bite too.

The star of the show will be this luscious-yet-light salmon dish that balances the richness of salmon with the bight zest of grapefruit: Sautéed Salmon with Citrus Salsa

Consider this speedy salmon dish the antidote to a holiday season filled with rich stews, braises, and roasts. The tart, juicy citrus topper cuts through the natural fattiness of the salmon; it would overwhelm lighter fish like cod or flounder. Simple and elegant for your V-day date night. (After freeing the citrus sections, squeeze the membranes over a bowl and make a quick vinaigrette for enjoying during the week.)

Rice is a common side dish with fish, but not on everyone's menu when they're trying to follow a low-glycemic lifestyle. Instead, try this zesty, full-bodied Cauliflower Spanish "Rice"

And slip that plain glass of wine or bubbly into a sexy evening gown, by turning it into a refreshing Strawberry-Mint Sparkling Limeade.

Top off the evening with a dessert you can actually eat more than one or two bites of, and still live with yourself: Healthy Strawberry Frozen Yogurt

While your stash of healthy salad recipes may be booming, chances are, its slim pickins in the healthy desserts department.

Now you can skip the ice cream maker, skip the added sugar and spend five minutes food processing your way to the easiest, creamiest homemade strawberry frozen yogurt to ever cross your lips.

Here's to enjoying your romantic evening, and not feeling too full and bloated to enjoy some kisses after dinner!

Valentine Strawberry Salad

Ingredients

• 5 oz strawberries, sliced

• 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar

• Half teaspoon mixed coloured peppercorns, roughly crushed

• 4 oz feta cheese

• 3 oz spinach leaves or mixed salad

• almond flakes, to serve (optional)
  

Method

Put the strawberries into a bowl and toss with the vinegar and half the peppercorns. Mix with the spinach leaves and crumble in the feta cheese.

Just before serving, sprinkle the salad with the almonds.

Spoon on to two serving plates and eat immediately.

Sautéed Salmon with Citrus Salsa

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, divided

• 2 (6-oz.) salmon fillets, skinned

• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, divided

• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• 1/2 cup grapefruit sections

• 1/2 cup orange sections

• 1/4 cup thinly sliced shallots

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

• 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

Cauliflower Spanish “Rice”

1/2 cauliflower head, grated to the texture of rice

1 garlic clove – chopped

1/2 medium green bell pepper

1/2 medium red bell pepper

1 1/2 celery stalks

1 large carrot

1 TBS extra virgin olive oil

1/2 medium tomato – diced

1 tsp cumin

Heat oil in a large skillet and sauté chopped vegetables until heated through. Add broth and lower heat, stirring often.

When cauliflower starts to soften, add tomato and spices and cover over low heat until it reaches the texture of Spanish rice.

Adjust seasoning and broth to taste and texture.

Sautéed Salmon with Citrus Salsa

Ingredients

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, divided

2 (6-oz.) salmon fillets, skinned

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, divided

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/2 cup grapefruit sections

1/2 cup orange sections

1/4 cup thinly sliced shallots

1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

Step 1

Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high. Add 1 teaspoon oil to pan; swirl to coat.

Sprinkle fillets evenly with 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper.

Add fillets to pan; cook 4 minutes on each side or until desired degree of doneness.

Step 2

Combine remaining 2 teaspoons oil, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, grapefruit sections, and remaining ingredients in a bowl; toss.

Spoon grapefruit mixture evenly over fillets.

Strawberry-Mint Sparkling Limeade

Ingredients

3 cups sliced strawberries ½ cup loosely packed fresh mint leaves ½ cup fresh lime juice ¼ cup water ¼ cup agave nectar 1 (750-milliliter) bottle sparkling wine, chilled Whole strawberries (optional) Place first 5 ingredients in a blender; process until smooth (about 1 minute). Pour about 1/2 cup strawberry mixture into each glass.

Slowly pour about 1/2 cup wine into each glass; gently stir to combine. Garnish with whole berries, if desired. For a non-alcoholic version, substitute 3 cups chilled club soda for the wine. When adding the wine or soda, pour slowly down the edge of the glass to tame the foam.

Healthy Strawberry Frozen Yogurt

INGREDIENTS

• 4 cups frozen strawberries

• 3 Tablespoons agave nectar or honey

• 1/2 cup plain yogurt (non-fat or full fat)

• 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  

INSTRUCTIONS

Add the frozen strawberries, agave nectar (or honey), yogurt and lemon juice to the bowl of a food processor.

Process until creamy, about 5 minutes.

Serve the frozen yogurt immediately or transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the freezer for up to 1 month.

ALISON’S NOTES:

I prefer a more tart frozen yogurt, but you can add additional agave nectar or honey if you want a sweeter-tasting dessert.

Fresh strawberries can be used in place of frozen, however the fresh strawberries must be frozen solid.

Are you thinking of sleeping late on Sunday, and having a luxurious brunch?

Try this Berry Omelette

A one-egg omelette makes a high protein breakfast. If the brain-boosting berries aren't sweet enough, add 1 tsp honey

Make one for each of you!

Ingredients

• 1 large egg

• 1 tbsp milk

• 3 pinches of cinnamon

• ½ tsp butter or coconut oil

• 1/2c cottage cheese

• 1c chopped strawberry blueberries and raspberries
  

Method

• Beat egg with milk and cinnamon. Heat oil in a 8 in non-stick frying pan and pour in the egg mixture, swirling to evenly cover the base. Cook for a few mins until set and golden underneath. There’s no need to flip it over.
  

• Place on a plate, spread over cheese, then scatter with berries. Roll up and serve. (For a smoother texture, hit your cottage cheese with a stick blender first)