Love to be fit on Valentines Day Published Feb. 11, 2005 POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- According to the National Research Foundation, more than 60 percent of American consumers plan to celebrate Valentines Day this year.The holiday was originally meant to remember the death of St. Valentine who would secretly marry couples in defiance of the Roman Emperor Claudius II. These days, people are more likely to remember the messages written on tiny candy hearts than they are to remember St. Valentine.Almost half of those celebrating the holiday plan on giving candy or chocolate to their Valentine along with the now-traditional flowers and cards. After just a month of trying to keep New Years resolutions of trying to get fit, lose weight or eat healthy, how can the health-conscious merge their resolutions into a healthy Valentines Day?Kevin Davalos, fitness program manager here, reminds people to think of their own hearts this Feb. 14.The heart is the most important organ in the body, and taking care of it is one of the most important things we can do to have a long and healthy life, he said.Instead of the traditional box of chocolates, try exotic fruits, walnuts or even a bowl of strawberries. Staff Sgt. Jean Novak, a diet technician at Popes Health and Wellness Center, suggests taking a long walk with your Valentine or going to the gym together.Doing something active together will help people not only feel better about themselves, but about each other, she said. If your 'significant other' has made goals to live a healthy life, doing something with them to support that goal will make him or her feel like you really care.Some other healthy options for Valentines Day could be:-- Take a Pilates or yoga class together. Not only are these classes great for increasing flexibility and meditation, they are a great workout, as well.-- Treat each other (or yourself) to a massage. Nothing quite says I love you like giving your better half a few moments of relaxation and relief from everyday cares. Whether at home or at the spa, a massage can give that much-needed moment of Zen.-- Cook a healthy and romantic meal at home. Whip up a low-fat, low-calorie meal together. Lock out the rest of the world and take some time to enjoy each others company.-- Dance the night away. Burn off calories together on the dance floor. Whether its tango, waltz, hip hop or swing, dancing can burn more than 300 calories per hour.-- Keep it simple. Stress that often comes with expectations can also become unhealthy. Valentines Day is supposed to be about love and appreciating those who you love.In the end, letting that special someone know how you feel is more important than any piece of jewelry or box of chocolates. By keeping things simple, stress levels will be lower and everyone can truly relax and enjoy the day. Air Mobility Command News Service is a service of the Internal Division Office of Public Affairs 503 Ward Drive, Room 214 Scott Air Force Base, Illinois 62225-5335 618-229-7821