Make health a priority this year

Being physically active and eating healthy is the key to a healthier heart and sex.

Special occasions are usually celebrated with love through the presentation of confections, chocolates and other sweet treats but you can treat your loved ones to the gift of a good, healthy and still delicious meal instead.

Gert Coetzee, Pharmacist and Diet pioneer who founded The Diet Everyone Talks About wants to help you enjoy your food while maintaining your health.

Here are some hints and tips that can help you have a wonderful year without having to worry about your health.

Avoid Sweets & Chocolates

Consider a healthy snack basket with mixed nuts, biltong, vegetable sticks and some Greek yoghurt dip instead of tempting your loved ones with sweets and chocolates.

Meal modifications are important

If you’ll be dining out, make sure that you keep your meals modified. Ask the waiter to substitute the French fries with vegetables. When it comes to calories, grilled is usually better than fried. Restaurant sizes are often larger than normal, so portion control is also important.

Limit Your Alcohol Consumption

Try to limit your alcohol consumption. Excessive alcohol can lead to long-term health problems, which include cancer and heart disease. If you choose to drink, do it in moderation. One or two glasses of wine should be fine. Too much alcohol plays havoc with your libido and performance as well – not a good move for Valentines Day.

Get Active

Quality time with your loved ones is one of the most important things on this day. You can gather up and plan an active outing such as rock climbing, ice skating or hiking that ends with a nutritious yet delicious picnic. Being physically active helps you manage your health and weight.

Consider Dining In

Cooking at home is a great way to control your food consumption. Many restaurants offer specials which include hearty dishes, complete with heavy dressings and rich sauces. Prepare a healthy romantic candle lit dinner and watch a romantic movie.

Use this delicious recipe from The Diet Everyone Talks About “Eat Slim/Eet Slim” recipe book to make a decadent yet healthy dessert with only 1.3 g carbs per portion.

Cheese Cake

• Portions: 6 - 8
• Prep time: 20 min
• CHD: 1.3 gram per portion
• kJ: 448 kJ

Ingredients:

• 3 Eggs yolks (use the whites to prepare meringue shells)
• 200 ml Canderel powder
• 30 ml Thick Cream
• 45 ml Water
• 5 ml Cinnamon / cool drink
• 30 ml Gelatine
• 125 ml Water
• 250 ml Cream, beaten till stiff
• 250 ml Cream cheese

Method:

1. Cook the first ingredients till thick.
2. Add cinnamon and gelatine dissolved in water.
3. Allow to cool.
4. Add cream and cream cheese.
5. Refrigerate for 2 hours.