Valentine's Day on a Diet

It's that time of year: You just got through the holidays, made a commitment to get healthy and drop a few pounds, and then comes Valentine's Day. All the chocolate is back on display. So how can you plan to get through Valentine's Day on a diet and stay on track?Try to convert some of your favorite desserts into healthier desserts by swapping stevia sweetener for sugar. Use a conversion chart to maintain the correct amount of sweetness.Lighten up your desserts by making some of these low-carb Valentine's Day desserts:

Strawberry Cannoli

Cut the top off (and the bottom to make them stand up) of 16 strawberries. Then hollow out about half way inside.Whip ½ cup of heavy whipping cream until stiff. Add 8oz of mascarpone cheese, few drops of vanilla extract, and Stevia to taste.Chill the cream mixture for 30 minutes. It will be too runny if not chilled.Pipe the filling into hollowed strawberries.Sprinkle with chopped pecans or walnuts.

Individual Raspberry Brownie Trifles

In a chilled large mixing bowl combine  cup whipping cream, 1.5 packets of stevia sweetener (or 12 drops of liquid stevia), and ¼ teaspoon of vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form; set aside.Warm 1 chocolate protein bar for 8 seconds in a microwave. Crumble the protein bar between 4 large parfait glasses or water goblets.Divide 1 cup of fresh raspberries, ¼ cup of sugar free chocolate ice cream topping, and whipped cream mixture between the glasses, creating layers.Repeat layers with another warmed protein bar, 1 cup of fresh raspberries, ice cream topping, and whipped cream. If desired, sprinkle with cocoa powder. Serve immediately.

Heart-Shaped Peanut Butter Fudge

Put ½ cup of all natural peanut butter in a medium sized bowl. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1 packet of stevia sweetener.Melt ½ cup of extra virgin coconut oil in the microwave, then pour it over the peanut butter and stir it all together until smooth.Pour into a heart-shaped candy mold.Refrigerate until it sets. Enjoy! (Keep refrigerated)NOTE: These silicone baking molds are oven & dishwasher safe, but they are very flexible. It is recommended to put a baking sheet under your mold before you pour your mixture into them, so you can easily move them from the counter to the refrigerator.

Other Healthy Valentine's Ideas

Skip the desserts loaded with fat and sugar all together and make a bowl of melon and other fruit cut with a heart-shaped cookie cutter.Make a special salad using a heart-shape cookie cutter to cut out cucumbers, cheese, and red peppers in a salad, or make a caprese salad with heart-shaped mozzarella cheese layered between tomato and basil.Don't forget your water! Create a pitcher of infused water with mint and heart-shape cut out watermelon; allow the water to sit overnight to infuse the flavor.Have a happy and healthy Valentine's Day this year!