This blog post was originally shared via Naturally – Visit the original post here
I know it’s up to us to GIVE love every day. Valentine’s Day is a fun way to show our love in a big, bold way.
Here are a few ideas that don’t include drowning in a giant box of chocolate or overpaying for a four-course, fancy dinner…
Make Dinner Time Special – Valentine’s Day is about celebrating the connection we feel with those we love. Make your family’s favorite meal and fill the center of the table with paper hearts or flowers at every place setting
Write a Love Letter – When was the last time you sat down to write a love letter? There is no time like the present to tell someone how much we love them.
Put your phone away – Be present with your family. Laugh.
Do something good for your heart – Take a dance class with your sweetheart. Take your kids to the gym to work out with you. Go for a family bike ride or hike. It’s a great way to relieve stress, and reconnect.
Be kind to yourself – Promise yourself no negative self-talk on Valentine’s Day. Remember you are worthy of love. If we can’t show ourselves compassion, it’s hard to show others.
Chocolate is in order – Here are a few fun treats you can make for those you love that won’t leave them bloated and you feeling guilty.
Black Bean Brownie Cupcakes (Gluten Free, Nut Free)
Black Bean Brownie Cupcakes (Gluten Free, Nut Free)Ingredients:
½ cup Plain & Simple Life Energizing Shake
1 can black beans, drained
½ cup cocoa powder
4 tbsp. extra-virgin coconut oil
½ cup coconut palm sugar
1 tsp. organic vanilla extract
3 large eggs
¼ tsp. sea salt
¼ cup water
½ cup organic dark chocolate chips
Directions:
In a blender, add all ingredients except chocolate chips and blend. Add chocolate chips and stir well by hand. Grease an 8” x 8” baking pan or cupcake/muffin pan with coconut oil and pour in batter. Bake at 350°F for 35-40 minutes.
For Brooke’s delicious Whipped Frosting recipe click here.
“Brookies” (Gluten Free, Dairy Free)
“Brookies” (Gluten Free, Dairy Free)Ingredients:
1 cup Plain & Simple Life Energizing Shake
1¾ cup gluten-free, organic rolled oats
½ cup flax meal
1 cup raw honey or coconut palm nectar
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1 cup almond or cashew butter
1 cup coconut
3 tbsp. raw cacao powder
Optional add-ins:
1 cup slivered almonds or chopped walnuts or pecans
1 cup organic chocolate chips
1 cup gluten-free brown rice crispies for extra crunch
Directions:
In a bowl, combine all dry ingredients and set aside. In a sauce pan, bring honey to a boil. Immediately remove from heat and add almond or cashew butter and vanilla extract. Stir until combined. Pour nut butter mixture into dry ingredients and stir until combined. Press the mixture down into an ungreased 9” x 13” glass dish. Sprinkle coconut on top and cool in the refrigerator. Cut into squares. (Can also be formed into balls and rolled in coconut.)
Brooke Thomas is a Shaklee Master Coordinator and the founder of 360 Your Life. Her health story began almost 13 years ago when she was diagnosed with Stage 3 melanoma in the initial trimester of her first pregnancy. Her search for health led her to a complete change in lifestyle, involving diet, exercise and sensible supplementation. She became a devoted partner with Shaklee as a brand she fully trusts. She is passionate about sharing what she has learned with others. As a certified nutritional consultant and corporate wellness speaker, Brooke has helped thousands of people understand how to achieve a healthy lifestyle.
