Love is in the air at Miami Lakes Educational Center, so instead of indulging with overpriced sweets this Valentine’s Day, try these healthy alternatives.

Dark Chocolate for that Chocoholic

Going healthy this Valentine’s Day doesn’t mean that it’s time to say “goodbye” to sweets. Some, like dark chocolate, are not so damaging to a person’s health and can be an amazing valentine. Dark chocolate is the “heart-healthy” way to go this year. According to Dr. Gary Kaplan, director of the Kaplan Center for Integrative Medicine, “…the cocoa in dark chocolate contains more antioxidants than what we find in fruits and vegetables!” The higher the cocoa percentage in the chocolate, the better it is for your health. However, any kind of chocolate is still packed with calories so it is important to not overload, even if it’s good for you.

Fruit for a Heart full of Love

Valentine’s Day may be known for its heart-shaped boxes full of truffles and caramel chocolate, but why not go natural and enjoy the sweet taste of tropical fruits? Nobody is saying to give your valentine an entire apple, but be creative with the fruit. Make a fruit basket filled with that very special person’s favorite fruit; try buying a beautiful bouquet of fruit from Edible Arrangements. They range in price, so if you’re a teen that is low on money and needs a gift at the last minute, fruit can fill the heart of your valentine.

Homemade Gifts from the Heart

There is no need to go out to Wal-Mart or your local drug store to get a cheap, typical Valentine’s Day gift for that special someone. To really show that you care, a meaningful, unique present is the way to go. A homemade gift basket full of that person’s interests may win his or her heart. If the person is a nature lover, putting together a basket full of their favorite flowers and nature-scented candles will brighten their day. Making a homemade basket isn’t too difficult, as long as it contains your valentine’s interests and shows that a lot of time and effort was put into it.

Instead of having Valentine’s Day grams that are full of calories, such as cupcakes, cookies, and brownies, try giving popcorn or strawberries to that very special valentine of yours. Don’t love fattening sweets and tooth decay, love your health.