Valentine’s day is that time of the year when you want to express your life to your partner, but who says it’s just about those boxes of chocolates? While it has become a tradition to hand out flowers and chocolates on Valentine’s day, the sweet taste of the chocolate is surely not going to go well with diabetes. If your partner has diabetes, then there’s no reason to worry about Valentine’s day, as there are still many ways to pamper them on this special occasion. We’re going to share five healthy options for pampering and spoiling your partner.
1. Shop Diabetic Friendly Treats
There’s no need to skip on the treats if that’s something you prefer, but you should be mindful of what you decide to opt for. Some treats are more diabetic-friendly than others. It’s all about taking a closer look at the ingredient list and the nutritional facts. Two of the most important factors that you should assess are the carbohydrate content, as well as the amount of sugar in the treat.
If your partner likes chocolates, then look for options that are high in cocoa. These chocolate options usually have much less sugar compared to your regular milk or white chocolates. A high cocoa content in some of these treats makes them rich in antioxidants and a couple of nutrients. There are also various types of diabetic-friendly candy, such as jelly babies, which use artificial or natural sweeteners instead of regular sugar.
2. Cook A Special Low Carb Dinner
Let’s face it – a date is really what sets the mood as the day comes closer to an end. It’s always useful to go out to a restaurant. A restaurant gives you and your partner time to bond and spend time together without worrying about food that might start burning on the stove. While this is true, a home-cooked dinner with some candles lit in the background can be even more romantic. It really comes down to what you make of the situation and how you to present things.
As a diabetic, your partner needs to keep an eye on their intake of carbohydrates. This is another reason why cooking a meal at home is a good idea. You’ll have more control over what you put in the meal, thus making it easier to know how many carbs your partner will eat. Try to cook something that’s relatively low in carbs, as your partner might have already had lunch that increased their carbohydrate intake for the day. Consider options like bell peppers stuffed with turkey, some grilled salmon with veggies on the side, or perhaps spaghetti squash with a casserole.
3. Prepare Food In A Heart Shape
Another great idea is to be creative with the food you make for your partner. Even if you’re going to do the regular food you eat on a daily basis, you can still add some extra love to it. For example, you could decide to prepare the food in the shape of a heart when you dish up.
This is sure to be a surprise for your partner and show them the extra effort you’ve put into the meal in celebration of Valentine’s day. Of course, the heart shape does not only have to apply to food. You can arrange gifts; some rose petals, or several other items in this shape.
4. Buy Them A Personalized Gift
When you prefer to get your partner a gift, it does not always have to include something that they can snack on. It’s a good idea to look at some gifts that they could use in their daily life. This will entirely depend on your partner. You know them well, so use this to your advantage. Consider what their hobbies are and the things they regularly use – as these are all ideas that you can use to find that perfect gift.
You can also decide to take things a step further by getting them a personalized gift. This would include buying a gift that comes with their name or a special message embossed or printed on it. Some examples include bathrobes, a mug, t-shirts, or even a pen – which are all things that they likely use on a regular basis. There are many companies that offer personalization in the products that they sell.
5. Go For A Walk On The Beach
Many people think that Valentine’s day is all about giving gifts to your partner or loved ones. While it’s a tradition for some people, it’s important not to overlook the important role of actually spending time together. Even if you don’t decide to get your partner a gift at all, some quality time with them might be just what they need to feel pampered and loved. There are many different ways that you can spend time with them, and it doesn’t necessarily have to cost you any money.
A walk on the beach is a particularly good idea. It will allow you and your partner to get some fresh air and enjoy the breeze. Apart from the quality time that you’ll be spending, you are also going to do something good for your partner. Regular walks are important for people with diabetes. There are numerous studies that show walking, along with other exercises, have long-term benefits for those who have diabetes. Just be sure they check their blood sugar levels prior to the walk. If they have blood sugar that’s a bit on the lower side, let your partner have a snack and wait for about 15 minutes before you go on the walk. This allows enough time for their body to absorb and process the carbohydrates found in the snack.
Bottom Line
Living with a partner that has diabetes does not have to be tough. You simply need to educate yourself about healthy ways to spoil them and show them your love. Instead of buying a box of chocolates, consider the healthier ideas that we shared in this post. They are all sure to impress your partner without causing problems with their glucose management.