Take your love outdoors
this Valentine's Day
If you and your sweetie usually celebrate
Valentine's Day with a calorie-laden restaurant dinner, try something different
and mark the occasion in a more active way, outdoors. After all, there's something
inherently romantic about a day spent frolicking in the snow, followed by a
cozy warm drink or a fireside cuddle.
Here are four ideas on how to express
your love outdoors this February that may just spark a more active and energetic
lifestyle year-round:
- Weekend away. Valentine's Day falls on a Saturday this
year, making it the perfect time for a weekend getaway. Consider heading to
ski country for a weekend of downhill skiing, snowboarding or cross-country
skiing.
- A walk on the wilderness side. A day of snowshoeing is
a fantastic way to get a cardio workout while getting closer to nature —
and each other. Best of all, you can do it almost anywhere. Follow up with
a cozy dinner for two at home. This
recipe for Pork Stroganoff with Wild Mushrooms is a perfect choice!
- Stars on ice. Sharpen your skates and go for a spin or
two around the rink, in your own interpretation of pair skating. You don't
need any special moves to enjoy the health benefits of this activity.
- Snow play. If your Valentine's Day plans include children,
head out into the backyard or park for some fun in the snow. Build a snow
fort, or an entire snow family (one snow person to match each member of your
own family). Bring along a thermos of hot cocoa (using low-fat milk, of course)
before bundling up so it's ready when you are.