Lingerie, Dark Chocolate and a Pedometer?!

Valentine's Day is a week away!  What's a guy or gal to do if their significant other has committed to a life of healthy eating and exercising?  Certainly the typical dinner out topped off by a box of fattening chocolates won't top the list of loving, supportive gestures for the day now will it? 

Do yourself (and the gift giver) a favor and leave some hints of what you would prefer over the usual this year!  This will be especially important to anyone who has recently started working on their goals because it is easier to steer in the wrong direction early on! And, trust me, most guys probably would appreciate being given a little direction here so they are sure they are doing the right thing!  :-)

Here are some health conscious selections that will keep you on track and eliminate the possibility of over-indulging:

• iPod shuffle - This ultra mini version of the iPod is what I bought myself and I absolutely LOVE it!  It is tiny and fairly inexpensive.  It clips onto my tank top and I can change the songs by clicking a little button on the headphones.  You can't scroll through your songs the way you can on a regular iPod but the compact size and light weight make up for that in my opinion!
• Pedometer - I just bought myself the New Balance Slim Pedometer from Target for about $30! It keeps time, steps taken, calories burned and distance travelled.  I love it and highly recommend it for anyone that is trying to keep track of the amount of calories they are burning per day!
• Massage - Who doesn't love a massage?  Deep tissue or sports massages are great to improve circulation and lymph drainage and reduce tension in your muscles!  You could even do a couples massage!
• Insulated Lunch Bag - Since we are all trying to eat healthier, we know the best way to do this is to pack our food and take it with us from home.  There are tons of insulated lunch bags on the market today ranging in sizes, colors, some with compartments, cooler size, etc.  Find some cute options that you can switch out through the week!
• Heart Rate Monitor Watch - There are a variety of options that range from about $30 to $200+.  Heart rate monitor watches are great tools to help you burn fat, lose weight efficiently and improve your health.  You can use the watch all day to monitor your heart rate or just when you are working out. 
• Tennis Shoes - Working out is just more fun when you have a new pair of shoes!  :)  Find some tennis shoes with fun spring or summer colors, make your own pair with Nike ID or just replace an old, worn out pair of shoes. 
• Dark Chocolate - I know chocolates are a staple when it comes to Valentine's Day so if you really want to indulge do it the smart way and ask for Dark Chocolates.  Dark chocolate has ingredients that lower blood pressure and fight disease.  Try Wegmans or Trader Joe's for some premium dark chocolate choices.
• Lingerie - Here's a win/win!!!  First, with your slimmer physique and your increased confidence, you are going to feel much sexier in some new lingerie than you would have in the past and second what man doesn't love seeing his sweetheart in some sexy lingerie?!  I feel confident you won't have any issue talking him into this gift any time of the year!
• Dinner - If going out to dinner for Valentine's Day is a given then just be sure to pick somewhere that has healthy options/alternatives.  Be sure to ask to have your meal prepared specifically how you want - grilled chicken, fish or steak and steamed or grilled veggies, etc.  The other option is to just go ahead and make your Valentine's dinner your cheat meal for the week but then don't forget that you did that on Saturday and have a second one! ;)
• Day Trip or Weekend Getaway - Plan a short, quick getaway somewhere close by that has a variety of things that you can do as a couple to stay active.  Maybe a trip to the mountains where you can do some hiking or a picnic.  A trip to the beach so you can stroll the beach, walk the boardwalk, go for a run at sunset, mini golf or dancing in the evening.  Whatever interests you as a couple but keeps you active!

However you chose to spend Valentine's day make sure that you are making good choices that wont set you back with your diet and exercise goals.  Make sure that your other half understands what is important to you so they can be supportive and make decisions that are helpful. 

If you do veer off and take a crash landing in a box of Whitman's or Godiva's, recognize your gluttony as soon as possible and drag yourself away!!!  Don't beat yourself up about it just remember that you need to work a little harder for the rest of the week to get back on track!