7 Healthy Valentine’s Day Snacks You’ll Love
Article posted in: Food & Nutrition
Valentine’s Day is often synonymous with chocolate truffles, candy hearts and sugar-filled treats lining store shelves. But what if you’re trying to find healthy Valentine’s Day snacks that won’t derail your weight loss goals? Whether you’re celebrating romance or simply enjoying the day, staying mindful of what you eat doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice flavor or enjoyment.
Don’t worry — we’ve got strategies to keep your search for healthy Valentine’s Day snacks from ending in heartbreak! We’ve compiled a list of healthy, low-sugar Valentine’s Day snacks that are tasty, fun and even good for your heart. Plus, we’ll share tips to cut back on sugar and stick to your health goals without saying goodbye to indulgence. Celebrate the love you have for yourself—or others—by enjoying these guilt-free treats and weight loss-friendly ideas!
1. Overnight Oats for a Sweet Start
They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so start Valentine’s off right with a heart-healthy and energy-boosting meal. Overnight oats make the perfect choice for maintaining weight loss and supporting cardiovascular health.
Whole-grain oats are rich in beta-glucan, a soluble fiber that is linked to lower cholesterol levels and may reduce your risk of heart disease. Soluble fiber also promotes fullness by slowing down digestion—perfect for managing hunger throughout the day.
How to Make Valentine’s Day Overnight Oats
No time to prep Valentine’s Day breakfast in the morning? No problem. Prepare a jar of Valentine’s-themed overnight oats the night before.
Simply mix oats with your milk of choice, a dollop of Greek yogurt and a touch of vanilla extract. Pour the ingredients into a container, pop it in the fridge overnight and give yourself a solid pat on the back in the morning.
For a romantic twist, top it off with vibrant strawberries or raspberries. Add a chocolaty twist with a dash of cocoa powder, a drizzle of chocolate syrup or a sprinkle of dark chocolate chips.
This easy breakfast will keep your energy levels high and make the day feel special right from the start. Who needs sugar-sweetened cereal when your breakfast tastes this good?
2. Crispy Beet Chips for a Crunchy Snack
If you’re craving something crunchy and savory, crispy beet chips are a colorful and nutritious alternative to sugary or fried snacks. Thinly sliced baked beets make a savory, crunchy chip that’s perfect for snacking. Plus, their natural ruby red hue makes them one of the prettiest healthy Valentine’s Day snacks.
Beets are rich in nutrients that combat inflammation and support heart health. Many studies focus on the benefits of beet juice or powder, but experts say eating whole beets could provide similar effects. While they can be higher in natural sugars than other vegetables, their fiber content helps slow down sugar’s absorption and prevent sudden blood sugar spikes.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Crispy Beet Chips
This recipe makes a ton of beet chips, so it’s perfect for sharing. Preheat your oven to 300°F. Slice off the leafy tops and save them for later — sauté them with garlic, salt and pepper for a tasty side dish. Cut a dozen beets into thin ⅛-inch slices. Toss slices with salt and set aside in a colander for 15 to 20 minutes to drain. Season beets with pepper and a spritz of nonstick cooking spray, then place them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 45 minutes, or until crisp. If you have an air fryer, cook your chips at 320°F for 25 to 30 minutes until crisp. Let beet chips cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
3. Vibrant Roasted Red Peppers
If you’re planning on hosting a Valentine’s Day party, these easy-to-make roasted red peppers make an elegant addition to a vegetable platter. and can even be used make a light and delicious salad dressing.
Bell peppers are brimming with Vitamin C—an antioxidant that supports healthy skin and immunity—and Vitamin A, which promotes good vision.
Easy Roasted Red Pepper Recipe for Valentine’s Day
Set aside to cool completely. Once cool, remove the stems, skins and seeds. Cut the peppers into slices.
Preheat your oven to 500°F and roast whole peppers on a baking pan until the skins char (30 to 40 minutes). Turn them occasionally to ensure even roasting. Remove peppers from the oven and cover the pan with aluminum foil. Once cooled, peel the skins and remove the stems and seeds.
For salad dressing, blend the roasted peppers with olive oil, red wine vinegar and a clove of garlic. This versatile recipe adds a fresh, zesty kick to your Valentine’s meal and keeps things clean, simple and healthy.
4. Heartwarming Tomato Basil Soup
Nothing says love like a warm, comforting bowl of soup. Tomato basil soup is rich in flavor, easy to make and naturally packed with nutrients like vitamin C. Instead of relying on store-bought options (which often contain hidden sugars), make your own to enjoy a satisfying, low-sugar dish.
Homemade Tomato Basil Soup Recipe
Creamy, savory and topped with fresh herbs, our warm and comforting Tomato Basil Soup recipe is the perfect Valentine’s Day dinner appetizer! Tomatoes, onion, coconut milk and fragrant spices make a satisfying dish that’s ideal for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. Get the full Tomato Basil Soup recipe!
5. Fruit-Infused Sparkling Water
Skip sugary cocktails and enjoy a refreshing, alcohol-free beverage that’s festive and hydrating. Fruit-infused sparkling water is a simple, elegant way to quench your thirst while staying mindful of your health goals this Valentine’s Day.
It’s not just festive; infused water and other non-caloric beverages, like unsweetened tea, can help you to stay hydrated and satisfied between meals. Trading alcohol for water on Valentine’s Day is a simple swap to help you stick to your weight loss goals and avoid added sweeteners.
How to Create Festive Fruit-Infused Sparkling Water
Fill a pitcher with sparkling water, ice and pomegranate seeds. You could also add slices of fresh fruit like strawberries, raspberries or grapefruit. Add a handful of mint leaves for an extra pop of color and flavor.
This Valentine’s Day-inspired drink feels indulgent without any added sugar or calories. It’s a perfect pairing for a romantic dinner or as an alternative to wine.
6. Fresh Fruit and Dark Chocolate Pairings
Satisfy your sweet tooth naturally with fresh fruit dressed up in antioxidant-rich dark chocolate. Fruit like strawberries, raspberries, bananas and apple slices are packed with fiber, vitamins and minerals, making them an excellent choice for healthy Valentine’s Day snacks or desserts.
Pairing them with dark chocolate ensures you keep the sugar content low while still indulging. Reach for the darkest chocolate you can find; chocolate with 70% to 85% cacao solids can contain less sugar than types with 45% to 59% cacao.
Dark Chocolate and Fruit Dessert Ideas
Stick to a small apple, half of a large banana or one cup of berries. You can still have a little chocolate with your fruit — just keep an eye on your portions.
Chocolate covered strawberries are a classic Valentine’s Day treat. To make them, simply melt a few squares of dark chocolate and dunk fresh strawberries. Place them onto parchment paper and pop them in the fridge to firm up.
Another option is dipping frozen banana slices into melted chocolate before freezing them again for a quick and delightful treat. These desserts are perfect for sharing or enjoying solo while celebrating self-love.
7. Portion-Controlled Desserts
Sometimes, you just want dessert without all the prep work. That’s completely fine! The key to enjoying pre-made Valentine’s Day treats is portion control. Sticking to smaller servings allows you to enjoy your favorites while supporting weight loss goals.
Portion-Controlled Desserts for a Valentine’s Day
Looking for a treat to finish your Valentine’s Day dinner? For a healthier dessert, try a half cup of plain, nonfat frozen yogurt with berries. You could also enjoy one or two bite-sized chocolates to end the evening on a sweet note.
Jenny Craig has options for Valentine’s Day desserts, too! From our Chocolate Lava Cake and Chocolate Walnut Brownie to our Cheesecakes available in two festive flavors (chocolate or strawberry!) , there’s a dessert that will complement your Valentine’s Day dinner.
