Fitness expert Rania Gamal talks about being fit for love

Dubai - Dubai-based fitness expert, model and TV presenter Rania Gamal reveals some healthy secrets to staying fit before, on and after Valentine's Day

LET'S ADMIT IT, Valentine's Day is an extra romantic day for couples. Red roses can flood the room, huge teddy bears would be hiding at the trunk of your husband's car, a Louis Vuitton or Hermes bag is never impossible, a diamond ring can be a surprise and overflowing chocolates should be a symbol of tender love and sweetness, but Dubai's Rania Gamal has explained a sweeter and sexier way to make your wife or husband a little bit happier - and healthier.
"There is nothing wrong with everything as the best thing in life is to show someone you love that you are thoughtful, passionate and loving, except from too many sweets. If you really care for her or him, you always need to consider healthy options, avoiding excessive sugar that may lead to unwanted cases such as obesity and diabetes."
"I have three tips for everyone, especially for couples and you do not need to purchase a book or an 'online healthy PDF guide' or a DVD for this matter and I will keep it clear and concise as much as possible"
THE PRESENT AND THE FUTURE: For men, we will not lie, every woman wants to be pampered with flowers and gifts especially on Valentine's Day; of course we call our girl friends after Valentine's Day and we will talk about how 'joyful' or 'sorrowful' our Valentines have been. However, women are now more conscious about their figures so instead of giving milky chocolates as a present, give them dark chocolates covered in a creative box (yes, we should not judge a book by its cover but believe me, the appearance of the box counts).
You should think about your partner's future on how these monosaccharides and calories could affect their lifestyle and habit. It might be an excuse for a day of indulgence but the main problem is when it becomes a routine. Dark chocolates on the other hand can be a powerful antioxidant, can lower blood pressure, can improve blood flow and can lower the risk of heart disease. You can also include a love letter inside the chocolate box or even a self-made poem, if you can, to level it up.
A NIGHT TO REMEMBER: For women, a romantic dinner is probably the most common way to celebrate Valentine's Day but we need to move on from the cliche of doing it exclusively at a fancy restaurant, aside from the relief of fighting over a booking or the headache of spending a fortune over some 3-course meal filled with chemicals, calories and excessive carbohydrates. Try preparing a candlelight dinner for two at home, watch some youtube videos on how to do romantic table settings and your partner will surely appreciate your effort.
If you have the money to splurge or if you still prefer to do it outside then it is fine but be sure to opt for a healthy meal such as slices of carrots and celery with a spinach dip, white bean dip or the black bean hummus, miso soup, avocado smash which are all yummy for starters and appetizers. For main course never order fried food, always opt for steam or roasted meat and for dessert, try to avoid sugary and floury stuffs, and go for low-fat yogurt topped with fresh berries or frozen or grilled pineapple and banana chunks with cinnamon and walnuts.
Also, don't just focus on the food, be sure to talk about what made you love him or her, do not be stingy with compliments even if you are already married - like his new haircut or the new color of her cuticle. Talk about all your plans for the future. Use this day as an opportunity to make your relationship grow stronger and you will surely never forget this 'date night'.
THE COUPLE THAT EXERCISE TOGETHER STAYS TOGETHER: For couples, if you are a gym buff and she is obsessed with white chocolate or if you are a fair, vain lady when it comes to fitness and he loves to be a couch potato - it is now time for a big change. You should definitely encourage your partner to work out together. There are many workouts that you can do as a couple and it does not necessarily mean that you have to go on a PDA (public display of affection) at the gym. You can start by running together at 6am in the morning.
Even though the sun can be very hot in the UAE, at 6am there is usually a cooler breeze and the sun is great for you as well as it is a source of Vitamin D. You can also do treadmill together to warm up. Afterwards, he can hold your feet when you do sit ups and vice versa. If you are both members of a gym then you can do squat ball pass, crunch ball throw, push up clap hand, swiss ball bend over raises, burpee box jumps together. You can also do bicycling, swimming and even just a walk at night while talking about everything that you both did for the day. Make it a habit and you'll surely get used to it and you will enjoy a happy and healthy love life.