Like many holiday’s, valentine’s day comes with certain expectations. How can you make the most of this valentines with your partner without going the conventional indulgent route?

Here we show you how to maximise your day with your valentine!!

Communication:

Communication with your partner or date is paramount, being sure to communicate, making them aware of your current goals and lifestyle prior to making plans. It is as important to make compromises where possible analysing where you can be more lenient for one day and if diet and training have been consistent there should be very little adverse effects to performance and long-term goals. This avoids later awkward conversation and long periods of staring at a menu.

Activities:

Play the tourist in your own city! Other activities outside of eating and drinking could be something outdoors if the weather permits. (Hiking, rock climbing, a picnic) Visit galleries, museums or sites that you may not normally. If the weather is not great, potentially going to see a movie and brining your own snacks or sticking to less calorie dense drinks.

Social norms:

Don’t be too quick to dismiss alternative plans, try not to feel compelled to go completely off plan or worse promote binge eating or drinking. You do not need to conform to social norms, there is a level of commitment and sacrifice that promotes success. Cook at home, invite your date over for dinner and show off your cooking skills. Alternatively you could choose restaurants that cater to your current goals or as close to those goals as possible. One day of 80-90% accuracy will not derail progress. Stick to lean meats and vegetables, ask how they are prepared, is it grilled or baked? Or is it all cooked in butters or oils? If you are having a drink stick to wines, light beers or spirits over regular beer and cocktails.

Scheduling a “Free meal”:

Another option and something that is planned into most diets unless preparing for a competitive event is to plan a “Free meal” a meal in which you do not track and instead replace a regular meal with a meal out in a restaurant or a takeaway. This isn’t a free ticket to binge and raid the kitchen convincing yourself that it counts as one meal, keep to pre planned perimeters and enjoy it.

Remember the purpose of Valentine’s Day is to spend quality, romantic time with somebody, make the most of this don’t be afraid of doing something a little different, put some f these tips into practice and have a great Valentine’s Day while reaching you goals!

Remember the purpose of Valentine’s Day is to spend quality, romantic time with somebody, make the most of this don’t be afraid of doing something a little different, put some of these tips into practice and have a great Valentine’s Day while reaching your goals!

Happy Valentines day!!!