Valentine’s Day is a wonderful occasion to express your love for someone. What better way than with flowers and chocolate or a fancy dinner with a nightcap after? These are Valentine’s Day staples, but they can be difficult to manage if you or your partner are on Keto. Suddenly, chocolates, fancy dinners and drinks all become pitfalls!
Never fear: it’s still possible to have a great date and woo your Valentine—you just need to be mindful of Keto while you do it. Here are a few tips.
Candy and chocolates
If you’re buying candies for someone on Keto, think twice. Virtually no candy will fall into the safe zone for Keto—even if it says “zero sugar” or “low carb” on it. It’s best not to risk it.
Chocolate, on the other hand, can still be a great gift on Valentine’s Day! The darker the better when it comes to Keto, so try to stick with chocolate bars that are 70% cocoa or higher. Avoid chocolates that are highly processed and full of added sugar, though.
If you’re planning on showing up for a date with chocolate and flowers, do yourself (and your date) a favor and opt for an organic version of both. The flowers will look great and the chocolate will satisfy without disrupting ketosis.
Ordering out for dinner
While there are a few pitfalls to beware of, eating out for Valentine’s Day while on Keto is easier than you might think. Many traditional date-night foods are actually Keto-friendly.
Seafood like crab legs, shrimp, lobster and oysters are all great options for a fancy dinner. Or, you can opt for surf-and-turf: steak and chicken are Keto favorites. Avoid the side of mashed potatoes and opt for broccoli and carrots instead. When it comes to date-night foods to avoid, don’t go anywhere near a pasta place and steer clear of pizza.
When the time comes for dessert, check the menu diligently. Most desserts are out-of-bounds, but there might be something like a flourless chocolate cake on the menu worth splitting between you. And, there’s always an after-dinner cup of coffee while you chat.
Nightcaps and cocktails
Want to take your date out for a drink? If one or both of you is on Keto, you’ll need to be mindful of your options. As a rule of thumb, the simpler the drink, the safer you are.
Sipping a whiskey on the rocks is a safe bet, and there’s nothing wrong with a gin and tonic—provided the tonic water is sugar free. A glass of wine is also a great date-night Keto-friendly option if you’re looking for something to steel your nerves. Avoid anything with syrups or sodas.
Be upfront about your diet
Whether you’ve been married for years or Valentine’s Day is your first date with someone, the best thing you can do for your diet is to be upfront about it. Stick to safe foods and drinks, and be mindful of your date if they’re on Keto. The magic of the date doesn’t need to be limited just because the food choices are!
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