Happy Valentine’s Day! Today’s devoted to one of life’s most important primary foods: romantic love. Whether you plan to dine in with your special someone or go out with your spouse, a happy romantic relationship is something to cherish all year long.

Having a partner to love is good for the soul – not just for the moments of passion, but also for the ordinary comforts of sharing how your day went over dinner and watching Modern Family together.

Study after study shows that love is good for your physical health, too. For centuries, scientists have observed the “marriage advantage” phenomeon; people in happy romantic partnerships tend to be healthier and live longer.

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner! Instead of planning a night out with your special someone, why not cook up a lovely meal at home that your Valentine is sure to adore?  We’ve put together some of our favorite healthy Valentine’s Day recipes that will both wow your guest and leave him or her feeling loved and healthy!

Appetizer

Oysters are often associated with Valentine’s Day because they are known to be an aphrodisiac. This recipe for Oyster Ceviche is delicious served with gluten-free crackers or pita chips! If raw fish isn’t your thing, a cheese platter with Heart Shaped Figs is an adorable way to impress your guest.

Soup

After an unseasonably warm winter so far, February is proving to be not quite as kind as January. As the weather gets colder, warm up your dinner guest with a festive red soup such as this Roasted Beet Soup with Crème Fraiche and Dill or this Fire Roasted Tomato Soup with Crispy Chickpeas!

Last week we kicked off our new Vitamin L series, which celebrates the various relationships in our lives throughout the month of February, with a post on friendship.

Next up, we’re talking family. That’s right, those crazy people who drive you nuts, and at one point (circa age 15) you didn’t want to be seen with, but at the end of the day, you love ‘em anyway.

Unlike some other relationships, we don’t get to choose our family members. Who we marry, yes; but that mother of yours who made you take those really awkward photos on the first say of school, you know, the one who is constantly reminding you that she’d like grandchildren someday? Well, you’re sort of stuck with her.

At times it’s easy to be harsh or brutally honest with these people, as we know our family will love us unconditionally. But that’s also the reason that we cherish them so much. On our good days they’re our biggest fans, and on our bad days there's nothing quite like the comfort a family member can provide.

The day of love is upon us. Are you getting your optimal dose of love, or Vitamin L, as we call it?

Amidst the feeling that today is about romantic dinners, chocolates and flowers, check in to make sure you are getting your Vitamin L, in whatever form feels good to you! Vitamin L is what we refer to as love, and it is the most important nutrient for your health and wellbeing. When it comes down to it, love is the food for the soul and it nourishes the body, mind and spirit.

Vitamin L doesn’t have to come only from a romantic partner or relationship, and in fact some of the most nourishing doses of Vitamin L can come from a loving relationship with yourself, or through loving interactions between friends, family members, co-workers, pets, neighbors…there are so many possibilities.

It’s important to recognize these valuable sources and to nurture them so that you can be nourished as well. You can drink all of the green smoothies in the world, but love (in all forms) is a vital component to being a happy, healthy and balanced person! What's your favorite way to make sure you get your Vitamin L?

If you'd like to share how you get your dose of Vitamin L, check out our Vitamin L photo contest. Submit an entry of your own or get new ideas from others!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Arielle Fierman is a graduate of Integrative Nutrition and now works as a health counselor and jeWELLry designer.   Arielle’s signature accessory- the “iloveme” ring -inspires us to love and care for ourselves which will in turn open our hearts so that we can share that love with others.  How appropriate for a truly Happy Valentine’s Day!

What were you doing before IIN?

Before IIN, I worked in special events and public relations for a large cosmetics company in NYC.

What led you to explore IIN's program?

Growing up, I was surrounded by the concept of quick-fix diets and the idea that attaining outer beauty came from spending lots of money on the best creams and perfect shades of lipstick.  I wanted to design and live a life where I could learn how to achieve beauty and health from within.  I attended an IIN information session and decided that it was not only time to learn from the experts, but also a chance to align myself with like-minded friends.

What did you learn at IIN?

Aside from switching my attention away from bad foods and toxic people, I learned that health isn’t just about nourishing your body through food. – it’s a healthy combination of practices that are critical in looking great and feeling fantastic – these may include (and are by no means restricted to) nurturing good relationships, engaging in positive thinking, practicing self-care and exercising on a daily basis!

What do you love about the school?

I love IIN because it continues to encourage me to find my niche and mesh both of my passions- wellness and jewelry.  My work as a Holistic Health Counselor and JeWELLry Designer has given me the opportunity to use my education and creativity to shine my light and inspire others.  I now have a successful business doing what I love.  I feel accomplished everyday when I go to sleep and revved up each day when I wake up!

Your studies led you to start a business. What's the name of your business?  Tell us about your practice.

In 2009, I founded Be Well with Arielle health counseling and jeWELLry company that celebrates inner and outer beauty.  I am devoted to inspiring women to look and feel beautiful, inside and out…one iloveme ring and kale chip at a time!  All of my jeWELLry is designed with the intention of uplifting the chakras (energy centers within the body) which reflect inner beauty and balance the body’s physical, emotional and spiritual energies.  I use reclaimed materials and infuse each piece with energy healing Reiki. Every piece is handmade in New York City with love.