A sugar-free Valentine’s day? Are you crazy? Valentine’s day instantly brings thoughts of chocolate, heart-shaped candy, and bubbly alcohol to mind. Unfortunately, those are a few of the most destructive substances you could consume. Sugar and alcohol both tend to create addictive behaviors in those who partake of them.
How can you have a sugar-free Valentine’s day when the way it’s celebrated is by giving and receiving both sugar and alcohol?
We’ve all grown up with this highly commercialized holiday. One of the difficulties with Valentine’s day is learning how to redefine it. But, it could be one of the best things you do for your overall health. Sugar is not only addictive, but one root cause of many problems like compulsive overeating, depression, anxiety disorders, adrenal fatigue, candida overgrowth, SIBO, or other microbial infections, autoimmune disorders, leaky gut, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, insomnia, and much more.
With the holiday fast approaching, in this article, I will share ideas on how to redefine Valentine’s day, how to have a sugar-free Valentine’s day with kids, and a few sugar-free Valentine’s day treats.
The Addictive Nature of Sugar
Sugar can be as addictive as alcohol or drugs and is a hidden ingredient in so much of your food. You see, it creates a short-term high and spark of energy in the body. Sugar addiction sets off a chain reaction of cravings to anything with a high concentration of sugar. It starts with a fatigued, worn-out individual needing a source of energy or a carb-heavy meal. What happens instantly after consuming that carb-heavy meal is that the sugar content of the meal releases endorphins which react with other components to give you a boost of energy.
Sugar consumption triggers the reward center of your brain, which releases the neurotransmitter dopamine. This makes your brain want more of it. When out of control, dopamine is the precursor to addictions and cravings. It’s the same system used by drugs like cocaine to hijack the brain.
Sugar is not only addictive, but one root cause of many problems like compulsive overeating, depression, anxiety disorders, adrenal fatigue, candida overgrowth, SIBO, or other microbial infections, autoimmune disorders, leaky gut, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, insomnia, and much more.
Sugar in small quantities isn’t that bad, but it’s so prevalent in food that it’s hard to avoid. About 80 percent of food items packaged in grocery stores contain added sugar. There’s even more in the drinks you buy.
The reality is, you may think one day of indulgence won’t hurt, but because of the addictive nature of sugar one day really could derail your health goals. Read more about sugar addiction and what to do about it in my article “Is Your Body Addicted to Sugar?”
Remember the Meaning of Valentine’s Day
You’ve been conditioned to associate Valentine’s day with the indulgence of sweet treats. It’s sad that our society makes us believe that to love others we have to give them poisons that will destroy their mental and physical health. Behind all the commercialization, Valentine’s day is actually about celebrating the meaningful relationships in your life, not showering them with chocolate.
Celebrate the holiday by focusing on your relationships with others, not on food and drink. Spend quality time together and express your love out loud or by giving them a non-feed-related gift. A walk in a park or a hand-written letter are two great alternatives. Remember, there is nothing more valuable than, “I love you,” and an authentic hug.
Reduce sugar load on Valentine’s Day by starting new traditions with your family like creating gluten free treats or making any cute crafts!
Create New Traditions
One way to have a sugar-free Valentine’s Day is by creating new traditions. Rather than focus on deprivation, think of yourself as a vehicle of change and the one to impart healthier lifestyles to yourself and those around you. Find new ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day that don’t involve sugar. For example, you could spend the entire month of February focusing on showing love to those who mean the most to you.
Gifts
Keep gift-giving simple and meaningful. You could use red bags with white tissue paper and attach a heart-shaped name tag. Write love notes and place them around the house. Make a list of 100 reasons why you love your significant other. Create a personalized playlist with romantic songs that you both love. Gift a massage coupon to be redeemed over time.
Words
There is so much power in the words you speak. Practice verbalizing how you love the important people in your life. Celebrate their specific personality traits and funny quirks that you admire. If you’re not the best at using words of affirmation, try writing it out and reading it to them. It won’t go unnoticed, trust me.
Actions
Actions are another way to say “I love you” to others. Plan an activity together that you both love or do a fun craft project together. You could even go a little out of your comfort zone by planning an adventure you wouldn’t usually do.
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A Sugar-Free Valentines Day with Kids
This is all great Mandy, but I have kids. How can I have a sugar-free Valentine’s day with kids, especially when they go to school or daycare where the holiday is celebrated without any of my input?
While you may not be able to remove all the sugar-filled treats your kids will have on Valentine’s day, you can still make it a fun and healthy holiday. There are plenty of ways to reduce the sugar load, even if you can’t eliminate it.
Here are a few ideas:
- Make your own valentines for family members and friends with fancy paper, stickers, and glitter.
- Do a fun Valentine’s Day craft together. Craft stores and stores like Target and Walmart often have inexpensive crafts that are simple and fun for younger children.
- Make sugar-free treats together (see ideas below).
- Decorate your house with hearts, cupids, and streamers.
- Purchase or check out books with Valentine’s Day themes. Read them together.
Sugar-Free Valentines Day Treats
You may still want to celebrate Valentine’s day with a few treats. The great thing is that there are so many sugar-free recipes on the internet today! Often, keto or paleo recipes are delicious and made without sugar. Here are a few additional ideas using sugar substitutes or fruit as sweeteners:
- Strawberries with homemade whipped cream
- Chocolate covered bananas
- Homemade banana “nice” cream
- Yogurt parfait with homemade cocoa granola
- Dates topped with cream cheese and pistachios
Work With a Holistic Health Coach
What are you waiting for? Are you ready to have a sugar-free Valentine’s Day this year? The truth is, when you work with a certified Holistic Health Coach, you learn ways to say bye to sugar while still enjoying a sweet treat every now and then. You’ll find a type of health freedom you didn’t know was possible!
Send me a message via my contact page to learn more!
Mandy Patterson
