For The Love Of Fitness: Team Bodybuilding.com Celebrates V-Day In Healthy Style

For fitness athletes and the athletically-minded, St. Valentine's Day presents diet and exercise conflicts that threaten the fabric of any 12-week plan. Sugary milk chocolates and fine fatty dining can off-set achievements made in the gym, while various dates might keep you out of the gym - and potentially on your butt - for the day.

We asked our spokesmodels (some fresh from our 2012 BodySpace Spokesmodel search) how they enjoy the holiday, if they can prepare healthy desserts and, since V-Day is mostly about connections with the opposite sex, what makes being fit attractive. These are their responses...

What's the most attractive thing about being fit?

Being fit means life is fun, right from the moment you wake to when you snuggle into bed at night. For me personally, when I am fit, I am in a far better mood most of the time and my confidence levels are up.

Do you have a favorite fit Valentine's Day dinner or dessert?

I take my time eating Lindt dark chocolates.

Any active Valentine's date ideas?

My husband and I lead different jobs, so when we can spend time together, it's always a treat. We enjoy a couples workout at LVAC taking our time, making it fun, then grab a shake and enjoy a walk at the park with our dog Leo.

What's the most attractive thing about being fit?

Looking and feeling sexy.

Do you have a favorite fit Valentine's Day dinner or dessert?

Seared scallops with roasted asparagus and red wine for dessert. You can make this with your Valentine while enjoying a bottle of wine. Skip buying candy and a pre-written card. Instead, write a card yourself and surprise him/her with a favorite photo, framed.

Any active Valentine's date ideas?

My BF and I will be in Lake Tahoe, Calif., snowboarding and celebrating. We have dinner reservations and a sleigh ride following.

What's the most attractive thing about being fit?

The most attractive thing about being fit is, first and foremost, the appearance. You look healthy and strong and your body shows off your lifestyle. In a fit person, you can see that the person works hard, they are dedicated to themselves regarding workout and diet, and you know that dedication transfers over into the rest of their life - relationships, work ethic, etc.

Do you have a favorite fit Valentine's Day dinner or dessert?
Place halved strawberries, pineapple and melon balls on skewers, alternating one strawberry half, one pineapple chunk and one melon ball. There should be two of each fruit on each skewer.Place remaining strawberries, yogurt and honey in a blender. Whirl on medium low speed until smooth.Put in bowl and place on serving platter; surround with fruit skewers for dipping.2 servings of 3 skewers each.
Any active Valentine's date ideas?

Activity that day will consist of an early morning workout and light cardio and breakfast following. We plan to go to the zoo that day, which is a few hour walk, and will finish the night with dinner.

What's the most attractive thing about being fit?

On the shallowest level you can see the size and shape of someone without knowing them and be instantly enticed. On a deeper level, knowing someone is fit should reflect their self-discipline and work ethic, which are qualities I would find admirable in a partner.

Do you have a favorite fit Valentine's Day dinner or dessert?

What's Valentine's Day without chocolate? Good thing for Walden Farms, which makes a zero-calorie syrup. You can spice up any fruit concoction. An example: strawberries covered with chocolate syrup.

Any active Valentine's date ideas?

Take her skiing. Go hit the slopes and take it back the ski loft and chill out in a hot tub...

What's the most attractive thing about being fit?

Someone who takes care of himself and makes time to get in his workouts is such a turn on. Having a man who is both strong and fast is must for me. He's gotta be able to keep up with my active lifestyle.

Do you have a favorite fit Valentine's Day dinner or dessert?

Yes!

Dinner - Salmon with honey drizzled on one side, with chopped raw almonds on top. Bake at 350 for about 15 minutes! Amazing! Add a sweet potato and veggies! It's a perfect meal.

Dessert - Fat-free, sugar-free, instant chocolate pudding. Make according to the directions on back of the box, then layer that with Cool Whip Lite in a clear class: it's guiltless and low calorie. This will impress the ladies and kill any sweet tooth!

Any active Valentine's date ideas?

Some of the most romantic dates can be a walk along the beach or packing a picnic. I'm not much of a dinner-and-movie kind of girl, but plan something adventurous like hikes or rock climbing and you'll have all of my attention.

What's the most attractive thing about being fit?

I find that the most attractive thing about being fit is the confidence people radiate. Fit people tend to have more energy and a zest for life in general. I think people are typically drawn to others who are energetic and happy.

Do you have a favorite fit Valentine's Day dinner or dessert?

I love baking muffins for my sweetie for Valentine's Day. It's rather easy to find muffin tins in the shape of a heart to make them more festive. Any one of my protein bar recipes on the site, even the cinnamon-swirl protein bread, would make great options!

Any active Valentine's date ideas?

I asked my fiancé if I could plan Valentine's Day this year. I figured that would take the pressure off. We are going to a beautiful hotel downtown, where I booked massages and dinner reservations. I really prefer experiences over gifts on most any occasion.

What's the most attractive thing about being fit?

The most attractive thing about being fit is that it shows you take care of yourself. You take control of your destiny and choose to live a healthy lifestyle. A sexy body is usually accessorized with beautiful hair, expensive perfume and a manicure, which is never a bad thing...

Do you have a favorite fit Valentine's Day dinner or dessert?

Yes I do! When it comes to Valentine's Day, desserts such as cheesecakes and candies come to mind. I like to look at it as a chance to throw some chocolate down the hatch! That being said, I created a "sludge"-like dessert that looks terrible but tastes great. It has the chocolate you need to satisfy your urges, but also the nutritional value to keep you on track. It's full of complex carbs, high-quality protein, and healthy fats!

Throw everything in a bowl and mix until you get "Russo Sludge."
Any active Valentine's date ideas?

For me, it's a night out in New York City. Although the cold weather may want to make you cuddle up with your "Beau," it's a good idea to get out and hit the town.

Choose a hotel within walking distance of your favorite places, and walk hand-in-hand to each event (no taxis). Don't be afraid to go out to dinner, but make sure the chef allows you to make changes to his Set-Holiday-Menu so you don't stray from your nutritional goals!

Eat your lean grilled meats, substitute your french fries for a baked potato, ask for your veggies steamed, stay away from heavy dressings, and enjoy being catered to.

When it's time for dessert, just ask for the bill. Have your dessert pre-made and ready for you back at the hotel. The dessert given above takes 5 minutes to prepare and you can double the measurements to make it for two! Now, when the late-night scene approaches, walk to a dance club and dance the night away! Dancing is a good cardio exercise and it's a blast.

What's the most attractive thing about being fit?

The most attractive thing about being fit is having confidence. It's not a negative confidence; it's walking with your head held high, simply feeling amazing both inside and out!

Do you have a favorite fit Valentine's Day dinner or dessert?

I'll eat my normal diet during the day - eating 5 meals and making my 6th meal my cheat. I don't want to get too far off my diet, so dinner will still be something relatively clean and healthy. I have a major sweet tooth so an extra bite at dessert will be happening! The key is not to overdo it! This day is really about spending time with that special someone and enjoying each other's company. It's not about stuffing your face! Keep a balance between it all.

Any active Valentine's date ideas?

I'm a member of Team Bombshell, which means I get to attend boot camp in Daytona Beach, FL. I fly home the night before Valentine's Day, so I can't imagine my V-Day getting wild and crazy!

My boyfriend and I haven't decided if we're keeping it simple and dining in, or going out for a quick bite. I have a feeling he might have something up his sleeve, though! Whatever happens, it's important to stick to the plan!

What's the most attractive thing about being fit?

The most attractive thing about being fit is the swagger that comes with it. You're more confident in yourself when you look and feel good. For me, it's a reflection of how I feel on the inside: energetic and excited about challenges.

Do you have a favorite fit Valentine's Day dinner or dessert?

I like staying at home and cooking with my Valentine. Making dinner while sipping on a good red wine (optional) and dancing around the kitchen is much more fun, and it's healthier than going out. My favorite dessert is a dark chocolate pudding with pistachio.

Any active Valentine's date ideas?

Movies are overrated. I love getting outdoors with a date. Hiking/snowshoeing to hot springs or skiing and staying at a cabin are great romantic dates that burn calories.

About The AuthorDustin has an extensive background in writing and editing and is an integral part of the process as Bodybuilding.com takes its content to a new level!

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