Healthy Ways to Say I Love You

Valentine celebrations (or date nights) may not be quite the same as before your weight loss journey. Those giant hearts filled with chocolates are not really an option (especially post weight loss surgery) but there are still tons of great ways to say I love you and keep your health goals too.

Here's Five...

1. Write a love letter, find a meaningful poem or song lyrics, write them on beautiful paper for a handmade Valentine. Writing not your style... make an old school mix "tape" playlist: "Songs that make me think of you" *swoon*

2. Plan an active date like a hike, go on a bike ride, try kayaking or paddle boarding, geocaching, be a tourist and explore your town. Is it snowing near you? How about sledding, skating, bowling, an indoor rock climbing wall or trampoline, a dance class.

3. Volunteer together: clean up the beach or a local park or volunteer at a local charity. Ask an elderly neighbor if you and your loved one can help paint a fence or repair something for them. Spread your love to those in need.

4. Take a healthy cooking class together or find a healthy recipe, get all the ingredients and cook a meal together at home. Don't forget the candles.

5. Spending quality time (turn off the cell phone) with someone you love is the most meaningful gift and no money $ is required.

You'll need some energy for a few of those suggestions above so before you head out be sure to make one of these protein packed recipes:

Shelly's Chocolate Cinnamon Coffee Protein Shake

1 (11 oz.) Premier Protein Ready to Drink Chocolate Shake
1 Instant Coffee Granules Tube
a few Ice Cubes
a few dashes of cinnamon

Blend on high till well combined. I topped it with No Sugar Added, Homemade Whipped Cream and another dash of cinnamon. Yum!

Put a few of these truffles in a little tin and take them with you on your hike or to help fuel your volunteering...

Shelly's Peanut Butter Protein Truffles

1/4 cup Premier Protein Vanilla Whey Protein Powder
2 Tablespoons Coconut Flour
2 Tablespoons Almond Meal
2 Tablespoons Milk
1 Tablespoon Peanut Butter
1 Tablespoon Sugar Free Syrup (or sweetener of your choice)

Nuke peanut butter (any, I used crunchy peanut butter but you could use any nut butter) and liquid sugar free syrup (or agave, honey, SF maple, whatever sweetener you use) for 30 seconds. Stir till well blended and add to dry ingredients. Add milk (any, I used Soy) Mix till well combined and sticky dough forms. Shape into 10-12 truffles. Place in the fridge until firm. You can freeze them too. Pop one out when you want a sweet treat.

This post is sponsored by Premier Protein. For the purposes of this post Premier Protein provided me with products used. Want to learn more about Premier Protein products LIKE their Facebook page and tell them The World According to Eggface told you to stop by.

Let me know how you like the shake and truffles. Happy and Healthy Valentine's Day to you and yours!

My Berry Favorite Valentine's Day Desserts

Looking for some no sugar added, protein-packed, Valentine's Day sweet treats for you and your loved ones that are delicious but won't massacre your health goals. Here's some of my very (or should I say berry) favorite Valentine recipes that are guaranteed to win anyone's heart.

This is my favorite of the zillion versions of microwave protein cakes I make. It tastes like Crunch Berries cereal.

Shelly's Pretty in Pink Microwave Protein Cake

1 Egg, beaten
3 Tablespoons Milk
2 Tablespoons Sugar Free Vanilla Torani Syrup
2 Tablespoons Canola Oil
3 Tablespoons Multigrain Pancake Mix
1 teaspoon Sugar Free Strawberry Jello Powder, dry
1 scoop Vanilla Protein Powder
Pinch salt
1 - 2 cup Measuring Cup or Microwave Safe Mug

In a measuring cup mix egg, milk, syrup and oil and combine thoroughly. In a separate bowl, mix pancake mix, Jello powder, protein powder and salt. Tip dry into wet and stir till combined. Nuke in microwave for 2-2 1/2 minutes (start with 2 minutes and add 15 seconds or so at a time.... you want a dry top) Let it sit for three or so minutes (it pulls away from the sides) before tipping the cake onto a plate. Yields 4-5 slices.

I served it with sliced Strawberries tossed with a little Sugar Free Strawberry Syrup (Smuckers) and No Sugar Added Homemade Whipped Cream sort of self serve, build your own dessert style.

Berry-topped Chocolate Mini Protein Muffins:  All of my Microwave Protein Cake recipes can be turned into 12 mini muffins when baked at 350 for 10 minutes in the oven. I glazed some of them with a little melted sugar free chocolate, topped some non-pareils or a strawberry with a little heart food pick stuck through them to keep them together (like cupid's arrow.)

Shelly's Chocolate Protein Mini Muffins 

1 Egg, beaten
3 Tablespoons Milk
2 Tablespoons Sugar Free Torani Syrup (any flavor)
1 Tablespoon Canola Oil
3 Tablespoons Multigrain Pancake Mix
2 Tablespoons Unsweetened Cocoa
1 scoop (50 cc-ish) Chocolate Protein Powder
Pinch salt
Measuring Cup

In a measuring cup or microwave safe mug, Mix egg, milk, syrup and oil and combine thoroughly. In a separate bowl, mix pancake mix, cocoa, protein powder and salt. Tip dry into wet and stir till combined. Pour into a non stick mini muffin pan that has been sprayed with Pam. Bake at 350 for 10 minutes.

Strawberry Cannoli: My favorite quick and easy dessert. A take on one of my childhood favorite Sicilian desserts: the cannoli. This version is waaaay better for you. Sweet farmer's market strawberries + creamy protein packed ricotta filling = Heaven.

Shelly's Strawberry Cannoli

12 Large Red Ripe Strawberries, washed & cored
1/2 cup Ricotta Cheese
1 Tablespoon Sugar Free Torani Syrup (any flavor)
dash of Cinnamon

Optional toppings:
Unsweetened Coconut
Grated Sugar Free Chocolate
Chopped Nuts

Wash and core strawberries. Leaving a hollow in the berry. Set aside. Mix ricotta, SF syrup (or whatever sweetener you choose) and cinnamon together till well combined. Spoon mixture into a snack size Ziploc bag. Seal. Cut end off and pipe mixture into hollowed strawberries. Dip into optional toppings.

Healthy Valentine's Day Ideas for Kids and Adults

It's tradition to give little gifts and messages to your loved ones on Valentine's Day. This usually means way too much chocolate and sugar is received and consumed. As an alternative (or at least a balanced response) here's oodles of healthy (no candy, no chocolate) Valentine's Day treats and messages to give the kids and adults in your life.

Healthy & Fun Valentine's Day Ideas: 

Apple, Applesauce, or Freeze Dried Apple Snack - You're the apple of my eye, I love you to the core.
Banana - I'm bananas for you.
Cutie Mandarins - You're a cutie!
Cheese Sticks - Stick with me Valentine.
Nuts - I'm nuts about you! Note: Be aware of nut allergies if given out in a classroom.
Popcorn - You make my heart go pop!
Jerky - I'd be a jerk if I let you go, Valentine.

Water Bottle w/a Drink Stick - Hope your Valentine's Day is a big splash!
Tea - You are my cup of tea. You are my strength in hot water.
Starbuck's Card - I love you a-latte.
Cocoa, Tea or Coffee - You warm my heart.
Fuzzy Socks - We make a nice pair!
Mug - I've been mugged, you stole my heart!

Flashlight or Glow Stick - You light up my life.
Fan - I'm your biggest fan.
Lottery Ticket - Hope you get lucky.
Sugar Free Mints - We're "mint" to be.
Tissues - I'm love sick over you.

Shaker Bottle with Protein Travel Packet - You've got me all shook up!
Protein Bars - You're the best, bar none.
Soup Packet - I think you're "soup"er.
Ready to Drink Protein Shake - You shake me up!

Toy Dinosaur - Hope your Valentine's Day is "Dino" mite!
Toy Bug - A Love Bug for you.
Toy Car - You drive me wild!
Spinning Top - You make my head spin, Valentine.
Ruler - You rule!
Stickers - I'm stuck on you.
Bubbles - Don't burst my bubble. Be my Valentine.

Happy & Healthy Valentine's Day to all!

More Healthy Valentine's Ideas and Recipes

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Thank you to all who entered The World According to Eggface Comforting Care Package Giveaway

The random generator has selected:

Betty P.
bbrock1975@xxxxx.xxx

Congratulations Betty! You are the winner of the latest Eggface Giveaway! You win a care package filled with some of my favorites to have on hand when I'm feeling under the weather including great products from Celebrate Vitamins and other healthy weight loss friendly items. You have mail!

Want to learn more about any of the contents of the giveaway above: Click here for more info and sources. Not a winner this time... no worries February is always a fun month on the blog and another Eggface Giveaway will begin very soon! Follow along on the Blog, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram for the latest eggciting announcements and pop-up giveaways!