Humpday Health: Valentine’s Day treats that won’t ruin your diet

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — According to health expert Evonne Varady, Valentine’s Day is typically one of the big pitfalls for folks looking to turn their health around in the new year. That’s because we are tempted by all the chocolate and cake and wine.

Here are some healthy alternatives to satisfy your cravings this heart day.

What you’ll need for Cherry Cereal Bars:

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 cups mini marshmallows

1/4 cup peanut butter

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

4 cups crispy rice cereal

1 1/4 cups dried cherries

1/2 cup white chocolate chips

Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the marshmallows and salt and stir with the prepared spoon until the marshmallows have completely melted, about 2 minutes. Stir in the peanut butter and vanilla.

Add the rice cereal and cherries and stir until the mixture is fully combined. Remove the pan from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly for a few minutes. Stir in the white chocolate chips. (They will melt slightly.)

Transfer the mixture to a pan and press into an even layer. Let stand at room temperature until firm, about 20 minutes. Cut into 9 bars. Store at room temperature in an airtight container up to 2 days.

What you’ll need for Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries:

1 lb. fresh strawberries

8 oz. Greek cream cheese

1/2 cup Stevia

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Graham cracker crumbs

Dark cocoa powder

Coconut oil

Cut the tops off the strawberries and with a sharp knife cut an X do not cut through the strawberry. Gently remove a little strawberry from the center.

In a small bowl mix cream cheese, Stevia, and vanilla.

Place mixture into a pastry bag or a plastic bag with the tip cut off and pipe in the filling.

Sprinkle graham cracker crumbs on top.

Mix cocoa and coconut oil in a small bowl. Microwave for about 15 seconds. Use a spoon to drizzle chocolate sauce on top of strawberries.

You can use the remaining cream cheese mixture and crushed graham crackers to make cheesecake balls. Just roll the mixture into a ball and then roll the ball into the cracker crumbs. You can even drizzle a little chocolate on top.