Love is in the air, or at least on the brain.

In February we get bombarded with ideas of romance and gifts (maybe chocolate), and we can often lose track of our actual needs vs what society is telling us we should want. Like we must have a partner who showers us with affection for one day out the year and if that doesn't happen we are failing.

Guess what, I'm here to tell you that is complete BS. Valentines day is a religious holiday in origins and had nothing to do with romance. Now we refer to it as a hallmark holiday that makes tons of profit off of us buying into the consumerism. I know I might come off as a cynic but hear me out, not everyone loves flowers, not everyone wants sweets or can eat them without negative consequences, and not everyone wants to eat at a fancy restaurant.

There are lots of people out there where this holiday can be an emotional burden, not to mention a financial one. This is where guilt creeps in. Guilt can come in many forms around food, money and time. So how do we avoid the guilt?

First I propose connecting with yourself and determine how you want to be nourished right now. If romantic gestures of flowers and food do win your heart, sweet. If going for a hike with a friend or your partner hits the mark, do that! Maybe volunteering fills your cup? Then you should look for new opportunities to enrich your community. My point is to know what makes you happy first.

The next step is to clearly communicate that to your partner. We don't all have the same love language and knowing how your partner receives love is most of the battle.

Celebrating by yourself? I love it! Set aside time to do some of the things that make you feel special.

Not Celebrating? I'm with you! Loving yourself, a partner, and the people in your inner circle doesn't require a specific date. (Plus flowers make me sneeze)

What I am trying to get across is we all win when we focus on our needs vs what we are being told we need to be happy.

​​Coach Jen

Pomegranate Chocolate Mousse 1 cup Unsweetened Coconut Yogurt 1/8 tsp Sea Salt 2 tbsp Cacao Powder 1/2 cup Dark Chocolate Chips 1 tsp Vanilla Extract 1/2 cup Pomegranate Seeds ​ Add the yogurt, cacao powder, vanilla extract and salt to a mixing bowl. Set aside. Place a saucepan over medium heat and add water. Bring to a simmer. Turn the heat to low and place a heat-proof bowl on top. Make sure that the bowl doesn't touch the water. Add the chocolate to the bowl and continuously stir until the chocolate has melted. Pour the melted chocolate into the mixing bowl with the yogurt mixture. Use a hand mixer to mix together to create a mousse that is smooth and fluffy. Divide the mousse into bowls and refrigerate for at least one hour. When ready to eat, top with pomegranate seeds. Enjoy!

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