Sandi Kaplan, MS, RD, Associate Director, Clinical Development & Support:

Healthy habits seem to come naturally to many people, including my husband, Mike. But not for me ‑ I am one of those people who has to work hard at living a healthy lifestyle.

And Valentine’s Day can be a particularly challenging time to make healthy choices. After all, the Valentine gifts we give each other are often not supportive of healthy behaviors.

Research shows that it is much easier to stick to healthy habits when we surround ourselves with people who support our efforts. Because I lean towards activities like nibbling chocolate on the couch with a book, I really value the support of my hubby and other significant people in my life to help keep me focused on staying healthy.

Mike knows that a big box of chocolates is not the loving gesture for me that it may be for other people. I need gifts that help me to achieve more balance in my life, such as workout DVDs or a family activity where we all play and get ourselves moving. When I am living healthfully, I am a much more pleasant partner.

This Valentine’s Day, consider asking friends or family for the support you need; and ask them how you can best support them too. Be as clear as you can when asking for the support you need and encourage others to be specific about how you can most help them too.

Try some of these ideas or come up with your own:

• Ask for Valentine’s Day (and birthday and anniversary) gifts that support your health goals, like new walking shoes, a stress reduction CD, or a subscription to a healthy cooking magazine.

• Cook with your partner or a friend on a Sunday so you have healthy meals ready for the week. I find cooking so much more fun when I have some company.

• Work out with a buddy – I work out with a dear friend three times a week and those are the workouts that I do not miss!

• If weight loss is your goal, weigh in weekly with your partner or friend so you keep each other accountable.

• Instead of going out for dinner to celebrate special occasions, take a dance class together, go for a romantic walk, or get your partner a yoga DVD from the library to try together.

• Don’t give Valentine’s Day candy to your kids. There are more than enough opportunities to eat candy throughout the year. Instead of letting it become a day associated with candy, try a fun activity together. We have lots of heart-shaped healthy foods at our Valentine’s Day dinner, and we see how many fruits and veggies we can make into hearts. Last year, our son had fun spelling out Valentine’s Day messages with thin strips of carrots and bell peppers. It is so delicious to eat from a plate that says “I love you!”

Here’s to a healthy Valentine’s Day, and even more importantly, to surrounding ourselves with the support of loved ones as we work towards our health goals!