Do plan on giving your special someone a box of chocolates for Valentine’s Day? Or, are you anticipating receiving a box of chocolates from someone?
I love giving and receiving chocolates. There is only one problem – I’ll eat it all! I don’t really need all those extra calories, but it’s hard for me to resist when the chocolate is calling my name.
Food is a big part of the Valentine’s Day holiday, from breakfast in bed to a romantic dinner – plus a big box of chocolates. I guess a lot of people equate love with delicious food.
Recently a survey was done with 500 men and women between the ages of 25-54. The survey came up with the following results, which I find very interesting.
- 38% of respondents said that a creative Valentine’s Day would begin with breakfast in bed.
- 63% of respondents said that they would want to awake on Valentine’s Day to the taste of something delicious.
- 81% of respondents said that they would prefer to treat themselves to something if they are celebrating Valentine’s Day alone
I find it interesting that a lot of people responded to breakfast in bed and wanting to wake up to something delicious. I’m pretty sure no one was referring to a box of chocolates first thing in the morning for breakfast (although that would be yummy).
I have a better idea – Love Crunch Dark Chocolate & Peanut Butter, a new flavor of granola from Nature’s Path. It’s made with whole grains, fiber and is low sodium. It does have chocolate, it’s delicious and it’s a sweet treat you can enjoy for Valentine’s Day (or any day).
Love Crunch Dark Chocolate & Peanut Butter is made with the following ingredients.
In addition it has 2 grams of fiber, 13 grams of whole grains and 4 grams of protein per serving.
If your beloved loves chocolate dipped strawberries for Valentine’s Day, why not try Love Crunch Dark Chocolate & Red Berries, made with freeze dried strawberries and raspberries. Dark chocolate and strawberries are a match made in heaven.
It contains the same amount of fiber and whole grains as the peanut butter mix, but only 2 grams of protein instead of 4 grams.
You can enjoy these granola mixes “as it” straight out of the bag. They can also be used in delicious recipes – some of them ideal for breakfast in bed.
Love Crunch Family-Style Pancake
There are other recipes available utilizing Love Crunch granola mixes from Nature’s Path.
Granola mixes make great toppings on yogurt, oatmeal and cereal too.
There are other Love Crunch flavors also available.
If you are looking for other healthy breakfast ideas to enjoy on Valentine’s Day (or any day of the year), Nature’s Path has other great products available. One of my personal favorites is Flax Plus® Pumpkin Raisin Crunch cereal. I LOVE this cereal! I love pumpkin and I like to eat raisin cereals, so this is the best of both worlds. It’s very flavorful and it’s packed with goodness. One serving provides you with a whopping 7 grams of fiber, 19 grams of whole grains and 6 grams of protein.
Not only is it great for breakfast, it’s also a great anytime snack including a topping on ice cream, yogurt and oatmeal.
Here are some more breakfast recipes you could make for your loved one. I wouldn’t mind having these breakfasts in bed.
Blueberry Chia Overnight Oats (created by Registered Dietitian Desiree Nielsen)
Ingredients:
- 1 tsp of cinnamon
- 1 tbsp of chia seeds
- 1 cup of cashew milk (or your favorite milk alternative)
- 1 tsp of honey or maple syrup (to your taste, omit if you like)
- 1/3 cup of plain Greek yogurt (or vegan alternative)
- 1/2 cup of fresh or thawed blueberries
Directions:
- The night before, mix the oats, cinnamon, chia seeds, milk, water and honey together in a medium bowl
- Pour into three separate bowls or jars and stick in the fridge overnight or for at least 5-6 hours
- Before serving, dollop with Greek yogurt and blueberries on top of each bowl to serve
*You may add additional milk/water in the morning to loosen up oats into your desired consistency
Sweet Pumpkin Overnight Oats (created by Registered Dietitian Ashley Koff)
Ingredients:
- 1 packet Nature’s Path Original Oatmeal OR Nature’s Path Gluten Free Homestyle Plain Oatmeal
- 3/4 cup sweet pumpkin, mashed (can also use sweet potato)
- 2 tbsp chia seeds
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp cayenne
- 2 tbsp raw organic cacao powder
- 1 cup unsweetened non-dairy milk
- 1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract, optional
- 4 tbsp hemp seeds
Directions:
- In a medium bowl, place the pumpkin and stir in the cayenne, cacao, and cinnamon;
- Continue to stir in the hemp and chia seeds until well-combined
- Stir in the oats, non-dairy milk, and vanilla (if using)
- Separate the mixture into two mason jars
- Cover with lids and refrigerate overnight, or a minimum of 3 hours
- Wake up in the morning and enjoy
*Note: if too thick, add a Tablespoon of non-dairy milk and stir; if too mushy you can add an additional tablespoon of chia seeds, stir in, wait 30 minutes before eating.
*Need a stimulant boost: add a shot of espresso (instead of drinking your coffee)
For more information about Nature’s Path products visit US.NaturesPath.com (notice the US. before the brand’s name). You can also find the brand on social media. All of the links are found on the top of their website.
Nature’s Path products are sold at many health food stores and grocery stores (look in the natural/organic section of the store). You can also check out the store locator found on the brand’s website.
What is your favorite food/meal to eat or prepare for Valentine’s Day?
Have you ever tried any Nature’s Path products? Do you have a favorite?
Kimberly
*I received free product sample in order to do this review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.
Doreen Lamoureux says
Just one word – YUMMY