Have a Green Valentines Day: Try for Low Fat and Activity-Filled

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After This, We're Off to the River!

I find myself despairing at how our society is growing more deeply dependent on Electronic entertainment for fun. Could it be that this is at the core of our obesity problem? Add this to increasing restaurant portions and you've got a recipe for larger waistlines. We do nearly everything electronically these days--even order our pizza delivery. 


Where would we be without our big screen TVs, Iphones, Blackberries, Ipods and the ever-present laptops. While I will admit to owning a computer, I can honestly say I do not have any of the other items on this list. Maybe that's good; maybe not. It depends on who you ask.


I happen to believe we need more activity in our lives. Yes; I love the saying "Get a life." It means different things to different people, but to me it means something more akin to "Have a real, live life"--not a vicarious one, lived through the characters of a movie or the singers in a band. Have I got you riled up yet? Come on. I've shown my stripes. Let me know what you think.


How 'bout let's start with Valentine's Day. We don't have to eat a huge meal and follow it up with a movie and a box of chocolates. Isn't that a typical Valentine's Day date? Traditional, but then who said traditions can't be improved on?


I'd like to challenge you to look at how you spend your precious time with your valentine. What could you and he (or she) do this Valentine's Day that would be more interactive and better for your relationship and your waistline? I'm looking for ideas here too, so chime in.


I'm going to have to get more creative. A quick calendar check and I suddenly have a rush of ideas. Valentine's Day, 2010, is on a Sunday--hubby's weekly date with a golf green. While that isn't my idea of a 'green' adventure, he'll be home early and we will have nearly a whole day to spend together. So, here is my brain storm:

• Canoe down a nearby river to see the Manatees, who are currently converging at the springs, in search of warmer water. Florida is not having its usual warm season, this winter.
• Pack a picnic basket with a healthy lunch and some fresh, organic lemonade. Or, if it's cold, I could make a Thermos of warm herbal tea or organic hot chocolate to warm us up when we stop for lunch.
• Mental note: Remember the backpack full of riverbank activities to indulge in while we're ashore: 

1. Our current favorite books, in case we want to bask in the sun while we read.
2. A small chess board, so he can clobber me yet again! (In my defense, I've only played about 6 times since he taught me at Christmas. I certainly have a lot to learn)
3. A pad and pen for our annual goals setting session. We often use our one-on-one time to brain storm new ideas for the future: retirement locations, travel destinations, family activities, home improvements, personal finance and investment issues, and other such topics. It's nice to dream.
4. A Frisbee to run off any picnic indulgences I might decide to pack. I know. I just finished yapping about over-eating Americans. Can we get away with a few of his favorite cookies, if we promise to play Frisbee for 20 minutes or so? Remember...We just paddled a canoe several miles down the river, and we'll have to go back upstream when we're done. That should earn us the right to a few cookies, don't you think?!!!

I'm liking this surprise; I think he will too. We've been talking about wanting to see the Manatees while they are in the springs. They only venture this far inland during the winter, so now's our chance to see Mother Nature in action. And so my plan is evolving to meet my criteria:

1. Green activity: canoeing and playing Frisbee
2. Low Fat Lunch: Gotta work on this part of the plan. Watch Organic Journey Online for my picnic basket goodies. I'll try to get them figured out and posted soon.
3. Plenty of physical activity: Canoeing and Frisbee are just the beginning. We always have a dog walk in store for us at some point during our day.

(c) photo copyright Alan Boyko

My Favorite Workout Partners

Just in case you're interested in Alan's favorite cookies, here's the link to my recipe at Organic Journey Online. Just add a cup or so of chopped walnuts and that's it. One last tip: I sneak in a few tablespoons of Benefiber to increase our fiber intake. I could expand on that topic--but not today. Make it fun.......

Happy Valentine's Day!

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