Editor 's note : upwave is Turner Broadcasting 's new lifestyle brand designed to entertain the health into you ! Visit upwave.com for more information and follow upwave on Twitter , Facebook , YouTube , Pinterest and Instagram @ upwave . ( upwave.com ) -- Emotionally , hearts are so darn vulnerable . They break from sorrow , burst with joy and occasionally grow three sizes in one day ( if you 're a Grinch , anyway ) . Physically , they are just as prone to damage . And yet on Valentine 's Day , a holiday dedicated to matters of this most vital organ , we splurge on sweets loaded with unhealthy fats , sugar and cholesterol . This year , turn over a new leaf : Keep both your ticker and your tummy happy by diving into light , nutritious and oh-so-delicious Valentine 's Day desserts . upwave : Tips for a happy and healthy Valentine 's Day . Strawberry Shortbread Stacks from A Guiltless Glutton . Longing for the light , creamy sweetness of strawberry shortcake -- minus all those calories ? Opt for homemade strawberry shortbread stacks , which check in at just 250 calories per serving . This take on the classic dessert features shortbread made with low-fat cottage cheese instead of artery-clogging shortening . Light whipped topping and naturally heart-healthy strawberries top this seemingly indulgent yet skinny dessert . Triple-Chocolate Cake Balls from Half Baked Harvest . This Valentine 's Day , you can have your cake ( balls ) and eat them , too ! This rich and creamy recipe features cocoa and dark chocolate , both widely accepted as aids to cardiovascular health . Other heart-friendly ingredients include fiber-rich whole wheat flour and Greek yogurt , which is packed with appetite-sating protein . The sleeper component of this decadent concoction is -- wait for it -- avocado . Yes , the primary ingredient in guacamole is surprisingly effective at moistening cake . Packed with good fats , avocado also promotes long-term heart health . upwave : Is chocolate good for you ? Guiltless Chocolate Bliss Cupcakes from Amee 's Savory Dish . Dry those eyes ! A breakup with moist , decadent cupcakes is not in your future , thanks to this heart-healthy recipe . Precious few ingredients -- many of which are probably in your pantry already -- are required . Vitamin- and fiber-rich canned pumpkin , which enhances flavor and texture and offers protection against heart disease , serves as an excellent substitute for butter or oil . Egg whites replace whole eggs to keep cholesterol levels in check . And the crowning glory ? Flavonoid-rich cocoa and low-fat cottage cheese ( do n't knock it till you try it ! ) form a low-fat , low-calorie yet creamy frosting that 's sure to woo your sweetie . Mini Cheesecakes from Hungry & Fit . When made with regular cream cheese , cheesecake can serve up an off-the-charts amount of fat and calories . This version calls for Greek cream cheese and Greek yogurt , which dramatically reduce the health-busting components ( while doubling the protein ) . Plus , these itty-bitty cakes are adorable and can be topped with antioxidant-rich berries to enhance flavor , nutrition and presentation . In a word ? Love ! upwave : 7 Greek yogurt recipe substitutions . Raspberry-Coconut Mousse from Almost Skinny Vegan Food . This delightfully creamy mousse is the perfect closer to any Valentine 's Day meal . As an added bonus , it 's simple to make , leaving more time and energy for ... um , more important things ( wink , wink ) . Heart-friendly raspberries add flavor and tons of nutrients , and tofu delivers extra dietary oomph : It 's rich in alpha-linolenic acid , an omega-3 that 's believed to greatly benefit people who have heart disease ( or are at risk of developing it ) . For extra health benefits , toss in some chopped nuts and add the fiber , unsaturated fats and vitamin E that make them heart superstars . Kale Brownies from Chocolate-Covered Katie . This unexpected dessert is packed with taste bud-satisfying yet heart-healthy ingredients . The standout element , of course , is kale , which is commonly hailed as a superfood . In terms of cardiac health , kale helps regulate cholesterol and reduce heart-disease risk , thanks to its many vitamins and minerals . This particular recipe also incorporates ground flax , which studies have linked to optimal heart health . Sure , the recipe sounds a little wild and crazy -- but you only get one heart . This article was originally published on upwave.com . & COPY ; 2013 upwave , All Rights Reserved .
Keep your heart and your tummy happy this Valentine 's Day . These recipes substitute low-fat and healthier ingredients . You do n't have to sacrifice delicious desserts for health .