Got any plans for Valentine's Day?

Oh Valentine’s Day.

Whose idea was it to create a holiday that leaves half the world depressed because they are alone and single, and the other half with tacky teddy bears, cheap, crappy chocolates, overpriced dinners and an empty wallet?

I’m not a fan of Valentine’s Day, because I think you don’t need a holiday or materialistic items to show your love for a significant other, your family and your close friends, but I do love an excuse to eat some delicious dark chocolate and uncork a bottle of red wine!

Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be full of gluttony and sugary treats. Instead of those stupid conversation hearts that nobody actually likes, or cinnamon hearts that leave you with your mouth burning, try some of the following Valentine’s Day recipes posted by the beautiful and talented Elana (http://www.elanaspantry.com/) that will not doubt be a hit on this special day.

Why do I suggest red wine and dark chocolate?

-Dark chocolate contains heart healthy polyphenols called flavanols that have been shown to decrease blood pressure and reduce your overall risk for cardiovascular disease

 

-Dark chocolate can help control your blood sugar levels and has been shown to reduce insulin resistance. Dark chocolate is also low on the glycemix index, so it won't cause huge spikes in blood sugar levels.

 

-Dark chocolate tastes good! Eating a small square of dark chocolate on a daily basis can help keep cravings for sweets at bay.

 

- Choose a good quality, organic, fair-trade, minimum 70% cocoa chocolate bar for the greatest benefits

 

-If given the choice, always choose dark chocolate over milk or white chocolate, think quality NOT quantity

 

Now, what about that delicious glass of red wine?

 

-The antioxidants in red wine can help lower cholesterol

-resveratrol, a natural compound found in the skin of the grapes can help control blood sugar and keep your memory sharp

- Red wine brings big flavor and excitement to your meals, nothing pairs better with a filet mignon or leg of lamb than a big, robust glass of red wine

My top picks- Chilean Merlot, Australian Shiraz and Argentinean Malbec: Don’t feel the need to break the bank either; there are plenty of delicious, well-priced wines ($10-15) out there.