Wholesome Valentine’s Day Treats

Ever since becoming a mom, I love finding little ways to make each holiday more special for my son, Jack. I can vividly remember how much I loved holidays as a kid (and still do as an adult!) and want him to feel that same excitement and make the best memories!

That’s why this week, I’m sharing my favorite Valentine’s Day-themed recipes to celebrate love—from the inside out! Because honestly, I think both can coexist—the fun of celebrating with special treats and making choices that nourish our little ones. We can soak up the magic of the holiday while still fueling our kids in a way that feels good for the whole family and aligns with our values.

"I Love You Berry Much" Smoothie – A Valentine’s Day Breakfast

A Valentine’s Day treat that supports your little one’s gut health and development! When I made this last week, my husband, Jack, and I all took one sip and were like, wowwww, this is good! It’s the perfect combo of sweet & creamy, while being incredibly nutrient-dense.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
• 1 cup blackberries
• 1/3 cup steamed golden beets, chopped
• 1 tablespoon raw honey
• 1 banana
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Why This Blend Works:

• Full-fat coconut milk – Rich in MCTs for brain development and energy
• Blackberries – Packed with anthocyanins to support cognitive function and reduce inflammation
• Golden beets – Provide betalains for liver detox and inflammation reduction
• Raw honey – A natural prebiotic that feeds gut bacteria
• Banana – High in vitamin B6 for mood and brain function, plus fiber and resistant starch for gut health
• Cinnamon – Helps balance blood sugar and has antimicrobial properties to support immune function 

Valentine’s Day Gut-Loving Gummies

These heart-shaped, gut-loving gummies are a fun and simple way to celebrate Valentine’s Day while also supporting digestion, neurodevelopment, and overall wellness!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup homemade or high-quality store-bought bone broth
• 3 tablespoons grass-fed gelatin
• 1/4 cup fresh or frozen strawberries (or raspberries for a deeper red color)
• 1-2 tablespoons raw honey or maple syrup (adjust based on sweetness preference)
• 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Blend the fruit base – In a blender, combine the strawberries, honey, and cinnamon. Blend until smooth.
2. Warm the liquid – Pour the blended mixture into a small saucepan and heat over low heat until warm (do not boil).
3. Bloom the gelatin – In a small bowl, add 1/2 cup of warm bone broth. Sprinkle the gelatin over the top and let it sit for about 5 minutes until thick and gel-like.
4. Combine the mixture – Slowly whisk the bloomed gelatin into the warm fruit mixture until fully dissolved and smooth.
5. Add the coconut oil – Stir in the melted coconut oil, whisking thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
6. Pour into molds – Carefully pour the mixture into heart-shaped silicone molds or a shallow dish.
7. Chill until set – Refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours, or until the gummies are firm.
8. Pop out and enjoy! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Why This Recipe Supports Gut and Brain Health:

• Bone broth – Supports gut lining integrity and immune function
• Grass-fed gelatin – Strengthens the gut lining and aids digestion
• Strawberries – Provide vitamin C and antioxidants while adding natural sweetness
• Coconut oil – Supports cognitive function, gut health, and nutrient absorption
• Cinnamon – Helps regulate blood sugar and supports immune health

Why You Should Eat Red Snacks with Your Kids This Valentine’s Day

What better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than by enjoying red fruits and veggies that nourish our little ones and taste super yummy?!

Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant found in red and pink fruits and vegetables. It supports cognitive development, heart health, immune function, and sleep regulation, while also reducing inflammation.

Foods Highest in Lycopene:

• Tomatoes (including cooked tomatoes, tomato paste, and tomato sauce)
• Watermelon
• Strawberries
• Red bell peppers
• Red grapes
• Red cabbage
• Papaya
• Guava

Pairing Lycopene with Fat for Maximum Absorption

Lycopene is a fat-soluble carotenoid, meaning it absorbs better when eaten with a healthy fat. To help kids get the most out of these nutrient-rich foods, I’ve paired them with fats that enhance absorption!

• Tomatoes – Drizzled with olive oil or topped with mozzarella on sourdough. Olive oil provides monounsaturated fats that help with lycopene absorption, and mozzarella adds calcium and protein for a well-rounded snack!
• Watermelon – Blended into a creamy coconut smoothie. Coconut milk adds healthy fats to help the body absorb the lycopene while also supporting the immune system.
• Strawberries – Added into full-fat yogurt or this dairy-free coconut based yogurt  with raw honey. The probiotics in yogurt support digestion, while the healthy fats improve lycopene absorption.
• Red Bell Peppers – Served with a creamy avocado mash for dipping. Avocados not only help with lycopene absorption but also contain vitamin E, which supports cognitive function and learning.
• Red Grapes – Tossed with nut butter and granola. The combination of healthy fats from nut butter and natural fiber from grapes makes for a balanced snack that supports digestion.

Store-Bought Valentine’s Treats I Love

Most conventional Valentine’s candies are packed with refined sugars, dyes, and additives, but there are some great alternatives that still feel special! As a good rule of thumb when checking labels, try and follow these guidelines to best support microbiome health and expansion of your child's palate so they don't become accustomed to overly sweet items:

• Avoid or limit all added sweeteners under age 1 (and no raw honey before 12 months!) 
• Raw honey and maple syrup – Okay for ages 12-24 months
• Coconut sugar – Best for ages 24 months+
• Cane sugar - Avoid or limit till 3 years of age +

Here are my favorite wholesome treats:

• Harmless Harvest Smoothies (sweetened with organic coconut water + coconut meat)
• Honey Mama’s Chocolate Bars (sweetened with raw honey)
• Hu Chocolate (sweetened with coconut sugar)
• Simple Mills Baked Goods (sweetened with coconut sugar and maple syrup)

From my family to yours, we hope you have the best Valentine’s Day—and enjoy all the yummy treats! ❤️