Ah, love is in the air! It’s that time of year again where we get showered with affection and gifts from our significant others. A day dedicated to celebrating the love and happiness that surrounds you, how romantic! How many of us have spent the last few days, maybe even weeks planning for the special day that is quickly approaching? Every year we set out to search for the perfect card, gift, dinner recipe, or activity to top last years’ plans.

Well, this year we’re going to share a special recipe with you…the perfect recipe for a successful Valentine’s Day. No ladies, we’re not just talking about cooking a nice fancy meal for your sweetheart, although a meal suggestion is included here. We’re talking about getting a little deeper with an all-encompassing guide to making sure you have a positively delightful holiday. Here’s what we’ve got; a little bit of power poses, a nice helping of self-esteem, a dash of building endurance, a sprinkle of mood boosting tunes, and a whole lot of stamina. You see, it isn’t just what you eat and drink that makes this day so special, it’s all the activities that surround it.

See the key here, friends, is to prepare for the festivities that lie ahead. Getting physical not only in the Olivia Newton-John sense, but making sure you’re in good shape and have built up your stamina and endurance will help make for an unforgettable night.

The Successful Valentine’s Day Recipe:

Step 1: Build confidence. This is your time to shine, girl! So whatever it is that you want to do special this year be confident about it. Be yourself, and know that your significant other loves you for who you are. Come on, strut your stuff! Need a confidence boost? Believe it or not, exercising releases dopamine into your blood stream and gets your endorphins going to give you an incredible euphoric feeling. Work out, or come to our dance fitness classes and feel good about showing off those power poses.

Step 2: Sky rocket your stamina and endurance. Yes, I think we all know where this is going. Nobody wants to be a sloth on Valentine’s Day. Let’s have some fun, right? Regular exercise helps build your body’s endurance and increase your stamina to give ample amounts of energy throughout the day (and if you’re lucky, all night ;) ).

Step 3: Two cooks in the kitchen. Haven’t you heard that the couple that cooks together, stays together? Well, you get what we mean. It’s more enjoyable when cooking is an interactive activity for you both. Plus, a lighter and healthier meal won’t leave you feeling sluggish and bloated like most rich and robust restaurant meals will do to you. Make things spicy by incorporating ingredients like chili peppers, salmon, asparagus, and oysters that act like natural aphrodisiacs. For dessert, chocolate, bananas, and vanilla could do the trick. And of course, a little red wine always helps set the mood right.

Not sure what to make? Try this dinner and dessert combo that’s healthy, light, and delicious!

Broiled Salmon with Miso Glaze:

INGREDIENTS
1 tablespoon miso, preferably white
1 tablespoon mirin
1 1/2 teaspoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
Hot pepper sauce, to taste
8 ounces center-cut salmon fillet, skinned and cut into 2 portions
1 tablespoon thinly sliced scallions
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
1 1/2 teaspoons toasted sesame seed

PREP & COOKING

• Position rack in upper third of oven; preheat broiler. Line a small baking pan with foil. Coat the foil with cooking spray.
• Whisk miso, mirin, soy sauce, ginger and hot sauce in a small bowl until smooth
• Place salmon fillets, skinned-side down, in the prepared pan. Brush generously with the miso mixture
• Broil the salmon until just cooked through in the center, 6 to 8 minutes. Garnish the salmon with scallions, cilantro and sesame seeds.

Marsala-Poached Figs over Ricotta:

INGREDIENTS
1/2 cup quartered dried figs
1/4 cup Marsala or port
2 teaspoons honey
1/2 cup part-skim ricotta
1 teaspoon sugar
1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon toasted slivered almonds

PREP
Place figs, Marsala (or port) and honey in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until the figs soften and the wine is syrupy. Stir together ricotta, sugar and vanilla. Divide between 2 bowls and top with the fig mixture and almonds.

Step 4: Set the mood with the right playlist. Music stimulates your mood, and the right music can set the tone for the night. Try a mix of upbeat tunes and some light-hearted beats, but don’t forget the ever so popular slow jams when you’re ready to heat things up! A few recent top hits to add to your Valentine’s Day playlist:

• Demi Lovato- Confident
• Bob Sinclair- Feel the Vibe
• Zayn- Pillowtalk
• Meghan Trainor feat. John Legend- Like I’m Gonna Lose You
• Calvin Harris & Disciples- How Deep is Your Love

Keep those special elements in mind when whipping up your Valentine’s Day recipe. And even if you don’t have someone special to celebrate with this year, don’t worry! You too can follow these steps for success. This year focus on loving yourself and by doing so, pay more attention to your health and well-being. Exercise and making healthy lifestyle choices will help you do that. Regardless of how you celebrate this day of love, have fun and enjoy yourself! Happy Valentine’s Day!