Love Is In The Air

Love is in the air! Strawberries & Dark Chocolate 

With Valentine's Day being right around the corner, we all want to do something special for our significant other. Even though this is something that should be done everyday of the year, for some, this 14th day of February has to be extra special and it makes people want to step there game up. Chocolates being the main treat that a man gives to a woman, and yes we love chocolate. I love the assorted chocolates myself but they can also add on about 3-4 lbs once you have sat there and tried every chocolate in the box, which I am guilty of doing also. So let's opt out on the box of assorted chocolates and give into a more healthier and seductive treat. The dark chocolate dipped/covered strawberries.

It's good for when you are wanting to heat things up in the bedroom too and it won't add inches to the waistline. Everything eaten in moderation of course. :-) Strawberries not only are juicy and delicious, they are a bonafide super food too. They are nutrient-rich, packed with antioxidants (Vitamin C) that helps to fight cancer. According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, heart disease is one of the leading causes of death among women and strawberries contain powerful heart-health boosters that helps to lower the bad cholesterol and regulate blood pressure.

Believe it or not dark chocolate has recently been discovered to have a number of healthy benefits as well, but keep in mind that while it can have health benefits it is also high in fat so don't overindulge. Studies show that eating a small amount of dark chocolate 2 -3 times a week can help to lower your blood pressure because it improves the blood flow and may help prevent the formation of blood clots. It may also prevent arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). Dark chocolate is also full of antioxidants and will help control blood sugar, and is high in vitamins and minerals.

So while everyone else is digging in that assortment box of chocolates, get you some fresh strawberries and melt you some high quality dark chocolate like Godiva or Ghirardelli in the microwave or in the top of a double broiler over hot water (not boiling) on the stove and enjoy and feed each other these delicious aphrodisiacs that are filled with libido-boosting compounds called Flavonoids. Flavonoids act as vasodilators, which means they help your blood vessels relax, which improves circulation and enhances blood flow to all extremities, if you know what I mean, with a bottle of sweet red wine... (wink).. It will make for one beautiful night you will never forget.

February is also heart health awareness month... February 7th is national wear red day...

Want to see more red!? Check out what the other ladies did...

• Mary Lashea: http://marylashea.blogspot.com/2014/02/make-it-work-monday-red-challenge.html

• Pink Cupcakes & Paper: http://pinkcupcakesandpaper.blogspot.com/2014/02/wall-art-red-challenge.html

• Necey Dluhv Designs: http://pinkcupcakesandpaper.blogspot.com/2014/02/the-love-box-red-challenge.html

• Rita Milton: http://ritamilramblings.blogspot.com/2014/02/color-challenge-red-lips.html