Thirsty Thursday: Be My Valentine?

Today is Valentine's Day, the holiday of love. But it is also one of the many holidays in which we have moved away from the underlying values that motivated it. At present, celebration of Saint Valentine's Day feeds our consumer society, revolving around the purchase of increasingly showy gifts of flowers, chocolates, cards, and jewelry. While that tradition actually dates back to the 15th century, the way we approach it has adjusted to fit the times, tending towards more mass-produced and expensive offerings. With shelves stocked with candy and endless commercials promoting excessive displays of consumer spending, it seems like we have veered away from the thought and care that the spirit of the holiday calls for.

Saint Valentine was also a bit of a radical, going against the Roman Empire to perform weddings for soldiers and Christians. It is interesting to think that even to this day, millennia later, human society is still dealing with issues of marriage rights. Perhaps we should celebrate today by trying to be a bit more mindful of others, open to their perspectives and values, and grateful for those in your life you care for and who care for you. Do a good deed and approach the day with more awareness and intention. One first step is to love yourself and stay healthy, so today we have an antioxidant-rich treat to start off right!

 
That Valentine's Smoothie

2/3 cup strawberries, fresh or frozen

1/2 red beet, chopped or grated

1/2 banana

1/4 cup chocolate almond milk

1 heaping tbs cocoa powder

5 drops liquid stevia

1/4 cup chopped red kale

A blender would be helpful, but you can also manage with an immersion blender (it will just be a little more coarse). Enjoy!

You guessed it! Also up on Wellness Weekends and Slightly Indulgent Tuesdays.