As Valentine's Day approaches I hear my coworkers and friends start to brainstorm about gift ideas for their "special someone". Most of these end up as extravagant dinners, drinks and desserts. Even though it’s perfectly ok to treat yourself, and the one you love, once in a while. It's not good to bask in a week-long string of chocolate kisses and crème Brule.

Trust me guys, my female friends who are in relationships (and they're a super hot bunch o' chicks ;) always admit a bit of animosity around the day of love. They say, "I hope he doesn't buy me chocolates! It's the last thing I need!"

So why not come up with some creative ways to treat your Valentine - without all the extra calories!

Try a few of my personal favorites:

Buy an antique photo album and make a memoir of your time together - starting with pics from your first date and working up until the present day - awwwww!

Take your honey rock climbing! You probably think I'm totally nuts on this one, but picture this...she will be totally secure as you belay her - now what's hotter than that?

Wine and dine your honey with a healthy home cooked meal by candlelight. Check out About.com's Healthy Valentine's Day feast with shrimp and tomato spaghetti (whole wheat of course)!

And last, but my personal favorite - Buy your honey an iPod and upload it with songs you know she'll love. You obviously have to know someone quite well to do this - it's such a personalized and awesome gift, and I swear I would probably marry the guy who did it for me.

Have a happy Valentine's Day everyone!

~ Anna