There's no reason romance can't be good for you.
Classic date ideas tend to lean toward the indulgent: a romantic movie, complete with a large bucket of popcorn (extra 'butter'); reservations at an extravagant French restaurant; a warm evening eating chocolates by the fire.
While any of these date ideas could make for a wonderful night, the truth is, a decadent date doesn't need to cause diabetes. So, for you lovers who want to be passionate, not passive, here are ten great date ideas that will leave you feeling healthier rather than heavier.
Rather than spend your evening (and entire paycheck) at an expensive dinner, take your date to a farmers market, and pick up some healthy locally grown veggies to cook together. Walking around the market will get your heart rate up, and supporting local vendors and organic food production is great for the community and your body. For the main course, grill some fish, such as salmon. Smaller fish, such as cod, have low mercury content, tons of protein, and large amounts of cholesterol-reducing omega-3 fatty acids, and they taste delicious.
While you could stay inside watching Dirty Dancing on DVD, why not try some actual dancing of your own? Taking a dance class with your date is a romantic way to spend your time together, as well as a fantastic way to get exercise—try salsa lessons, for example. If a class isn't your style, how about a night at the club? Dancing for just one hour can burn hundreds of calories, improve strength, and tone muscle—so get out on the dance floor and show off your moves!
This may sound a bit too adventurous for some, but don't write off rock climbing without further consideration. These days, rock climbing isn't just an extreme sport for the über-athletic. Rock climbing gyms have opened all across the country; they're safe, fun, and accommodate all skill levels. First-timers to advanced climbers can take classes or just go for it on any type of terrain. Spotting your partner as they scale a wall is a great way to gain each other's trust as well as burn calories.
Spending your day out in nature on a hike can also make for a great date. Make sure you bring lots of water to stay hydrated and take snacks to keep your spirits up. Eating trail mix with fruits and nuts, rather than high-calorie and sugar-packed "health bars," is a great way to stay healthy and keep energy levels high. Don't worry if you don't feel up to scaling Mt. Everest; a leisurely stroll in the woods or walk around the neighborhood still burns calories and gets you out of the house and is just as romantic.
There are many preconceptions about yoga that simply aren't true. One of them is that yoga is not a couple's activity. Yoga, like dancing, can be a great way to work up a sweat with a partner. Classes range from Ananda yoga—a calm style that focuses on controlled breathing, slow movements, and body alignment—to the physically demanding and strength-building Ashtanga and Bikram yoga styles.
While our previous ideas for healthy activities involved getting out of the house, number six requires that you do the exact opposite. Staying inside for a day of bedroom romance is actually one of the healthiest ways you can spend your day. The health benefits of sex are almost too numerous to list. Sex improves mood, burns calories, prevents prostate cancer, increases bladder control, reduces the risk of breast cancer, lowers blood pressure, and regulates hormone levels. You can learn more about the health benefits of sex here. But do you really need an excuse to spend the day under the covers? We didn't think so.
In the right quantities, both red wine and dark chocolate can be perfectly healthy and even beneficial to your body. Most people are now well aware of the health benefits of red wine; a glass or two a day can lower blood pressure and prevent heart disease. What many people do not know is that small amounts of dark chocolate can have the same effect on your body. Chocolate is also proven to improve your mood as well. Just remember, a "small amount" is not a tub of Ben & Jerry's.
For a weekend of health and luxury, a couple's health retreat could be the perfect thing. Across the country there are numerous retreats that emphasize a healthy lifestyle while providing a weekend of relaxation. Possible retreat activities range from delicious organic meals to couple's massages and saunas. Many retreats also offer day-trips for hiking, mountain biking, or other nature-inspired sightseeing.
In the colder months, it might seem tough to find an active date idea, but don't worry—an indoor date can be just as healthy as an outdoor date. Bowling is great fun and improves hand-eye coordination. A day at the lanes is perfect for a first date. It'll give you a fun, low-key, and possibly embarrassing activity that you can laugh about. And, contrary to popular belief, bowling and beer do not have to go hand-in-hand.
Saddle up for a romantic horseback ride. The idea of a horseback ride at sunset has become something of a classic date idea, leading people to only see it as a fantasy. This is unfortunate because a date on horseback is entirely feasible and leads to both exercise and adventure. Guided rides are available all across the country, outside virtually every city. Horseback riding improves your posture and gets your heart rate up, increasing cardiovascular health. A horseback ride at dusk is a date neither of you will likely forget.
Going out on a healthy date is a great first step towards developing and maintaining a romantic relationship built on healthy practices. To make sure you keep your relationships physically and emotionally healthy, learn how to openly talk to your partner and get tips on keeping your partner satisfied. Also, learn how to help your loved ones avoid and handle stress.
