Here in Vancouver, the air is chilly but my heart is warm. It’s an amazing time to celebrate love in any form and I’m celebrating with the incredibly hospitable people who live and are visiting Vancouver for the 2010 Winter Olympics. The city it totally alive with warmth and love as many nations come together for this great event, it truly feels like all arms are joined.I’m here with my client for a performance at the Olympics. Despite our busy schedule, I will be making a point of watching Jessica Biel on the Regis and Kelly show this Friday. You ask why? Well... as a celebrity trainer I take great interest in others that are obviously dedicated to fitness and health. Jessica Biel is one of my favorite celebrities and I really admire her consistency and fitness dedication. In fact, I became a fan when I watched one of her movies and couldn’t take my eyes off her physique the whole time. Definitely motivated me in the gym the next day.
Since I’m away from home, I won’t be heading out to dinner, eating chocolates or showered with gifts (well even if I was at home, this wouldn’t be happening). However, if anyone wants to volunteer...lol
Seriously though, it’s tough to stay on track and keep working toward your goals with a day filled with sugar and treats that could easily side track you. If you want to stay focused on your goal and look like (insert your favorite celebrity here) Jessica Biel, try out these alternatives to traditional Valentines treats.
Instead of heading to a busy restaurant for dinner, why not make a homemade dinner at home? You can jazz it up with a menu card, romantic candles and music. Here are some of my favorite healthy recipes that will be sure to satisfy.
Drinks: 
Instead of toasting champagne, pour yourself a glass of red wine instead. It has those fancy antioxidants, falvonoids and resveratrol. These items will help prevent blood clots, increase your good cholesterol (HDL) and lower the risk of heart attack.
Appetizer:
Grilled Calamari: In a bowl, mix together fresh sliced calamari, white pepper, Celtic sea salt, dash of cayenne pepper and a teaspoon of grape seed oil. Place on a pan a cook while adding lemon juice. Once fully cooked add lemon slices for garnish
Salad:
Fresh Spinach Salad: Mix together baby spinach, fresh sliced strawberries, red onions, pecans roasted in the oven (pre-prepare by roasting them with cayenne pepper and agave nectar). Add a small amount of low-fat creamy strawberry vinaigrette. Voila!
Main:
Lemon Chicken and Roasted Rosemary Sweet Potato: Marinade boneless skinless chicken breasts that have been butterflied in a marinate made of fresh lemon juice, white balsamic vinegar, fresh chopped garlic, red onions, mustard seed powder, cayenne pepper and fresh ground pepper. After 3 or more hours, fry on a frying pan until fully cooked.
Take a sweet potato or yam and chop into cubes. Place them in a bowl and mix with Celtic sea salt, organic olive oil and fresh chopped rosemary. Place the pieces on a cookie sheet and bake in the oven.
Dessert:
Chocolate Coconut Brownies: One of my favorites! Its sugar free, decadent, very rich and the cocoa offers a large number of antioxidants in the form of falvonoids which can lower your blood pressure.
3 cups pecans (or other nut)
2/3 cup organic cocoa
2 cups shredded reduced fat coconut
1 cup agave
In food processor, grind nuts till meal texture, add coconut, cocoa, and agave. Press into a glass baking dish refrigerate and enjoy.
Coffee Alternative:
The end of the romantic evening (if you make it this far in the meal). Having coffee late at night can keep you up, but also raise your cortisol levels. If you still want the great taste of an after dinner beverage, try out Teeccinoa a caffeine free herbal alternative
Happy Valentines Day to you all. I wish you warmth, love, health and happiness from within.
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