Heart of Hearts: Celebrating Valentine’s Day the Healthy Way


There is no better time than Valentine’s Day to incorporate heart healthy messages into this month’s family conversations. Have a discussion with your children about the importance of taking care of your heart through physical activity and healthy eating.  To extend the conversation ask your child’s teacher if they are planning to host a Valentine’s celebration. Suggest a physical activity-focused holiday party. A dance party or other movement games such as a balloon stomp can emphasize the importance of physical activity for a healthy heart while reducing the focus on unhealthy treats. Physical Education teachers are a great resource for games and they may even allow the class to borrow some equipment to make this cardio celebration a huge success.

If food will be served in your child’s classroom, offer to provide a healthy snack or drink. Children can stay hydrated with Fizzy and Fruity Water and nourished with Strawberry S'mores or this Strawberry Smoothie. Another fun idea is to host a red food tasting and offer a sampling of two or more healthy red foods such as red pepper slices, grape tomatoes, radishes, pomegranate seeds, strawberries, cherries and/ or raspberries.

Wellness starts at home! Any of these ideas can be adapted to try at home as part of your family’s heart healthy festivities. Get creative! Check out the FSNE Toolkit for additional healthy celebration ideas.
 
PRINT RECIPE

No comments

Post a Comment

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
This material was funded by USDA's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - SNAP in cooperation with Maryland’s Department of Human Services and University of Maryland Extension. University programs, activities, and facilities are available to all without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, national origin, political affiliation, physical or mental disability, religion, protected veteran status, genetic information, personal appearance, or any other legally protected class.

© Eat Smart, Be Fit Maryland!Maira Gall