Happy Valentine's Day!

Tiny Tummy Tips, Issue #51--You CAN celebrate without sabotaging your weight.

In This Issue

Whether you're celebrating today with a romantic partner, a gal pal, your trusty furry companion, or any other pal-entine, I hope you're feeling love and appreciation so far today! I certainly appreciate you!

Now let's talk about how to celebrate this holiday without sabotaging your weight.

We all know Valentine’s Day is usually associated with chocolate. So here are 8 great, simple, and satisfying chocolate recipes with 3 ingredients or less, all under 150 calories per serving…because I LOVE YA!

1. Chocolate Coconut Milkshake

• Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut milk, 1 tablespoon cocoa powder, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Instructions: Blend coconut milk, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add ice cubes for a thicker shake.
• Portion Size: 1 serving - Approximately 80 calories.

2. Chocolate Chia Pudding

• Ingredients: 2 tablespoons chia seeds, 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk, 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• Instructions: In a jar or bowl, mix chia seeds, almond milk, and cocoa powder. Let sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or overnight until thickened.
• Portion Size: 1 serving - Approximately 90 calories.

3. Chocolate Banana Ice Cream

• Ingredients: 1 ripe banana, 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• Instructions: Peel and slice the banana, then freeze until firm. Blend the frozen banana slices with cocoa powder until smooth. Serve immediately.
• Portion Size: 1 serving (1 banana) - Approximately 120 calories.

4. Chocolate Covered Strawberries

• Ingredients: 5 fresh strawberries, 1 ounce dark chocolate (melted)
• Instructions: Wash and dry the strawberries, then dip each one into the melted dark chocolate. Place on a parchment-lined tray and let cool until the chocolate sets.
• Portion Size: 1 serving (5 strawberries) - Approximately 100 calories.

5. Chocolate Avocado Mousse

• Ingredients: 1 ripe avocado, 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
• Instructions: Scoop the avocado flesh into a blender or food processor. Add cocoa powder and sweetener, then blend until smooth and creamy.
• Portion Size: 1 serving (1/2 avocado) - Approximately 150 calories.

6. Chocolate Coconut Energy Balls

• Ingredients: 1/2 cup rolled oats, 2 tablespoons almond butter, 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• Instructions: In a bowl, mix rolled oats, almond butter, and cocoa powder until well combined. Roll the mixture into small balls.
• Portion Size: 1 serving (2 energy balls) - Approximately 140 calories.

7. Chocolate Yogurt Dip

• Ingredients: 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon honey or sweetener of choice
• Instructions: In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, cocoa powder, and sweetener until smooth. Use as a dip for fruit slices or whole berries.
• Portion Size: 1 serving (2 tablespoons) - Approximately 60 calories.

8. Chocolate Cherry Smoothie

• Ingredients: 1/2 cup frozen cherries, 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk, 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• Instructions: Blend frozen cherries, almond milk, and cocoa powder until smooth. Add ice if desired for a thicker consistency.
• Portion Size: 1 serving - Approximately 70 calories.

Even MORE Ideas!

1. Instead of chocolates, make some heart-shaped fruit skewers with strawberries, watermelon, cantaloupe, and/or honeydew.

2. How about heart shaped egg muffins?

3. Give your sweetheart a homemade coupon book filled with healthy activities, like going for a romantic walk or trying a new healthy recipe together.

4. If you're going out for a special meal, do some research ahead of time and choose a restaurant with healthy options. Choose self-love by making good decisions instead of self-indulging.

5. Last but not least, don't forget to treat yourself to some NON-FOOD love today! Who says self-care can't be fun? Whether you indulge in a bubble bath, a yoga class, or just curl up with a good book, take the time to pamper yourself today and tonight.

Wishing you a happy and healthy, love filled Valentine's Day!

XOXO

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See you in the next issue!

In Health,