"lighter options" news and stories

It can be very difficult watching your calorie and fat consumption during Valentine's Day simply because everything looks and tastes so delicious. Having dessert (or at the very least, chocolates) is pretty much a given, so save yourself some calories on the appetizer or main course so that you are able to indulge with a little less guilt. Over the next few days I'll be writing up some menu ideas that work well simply because you won't slip into that food-induced sleepy coma, because really...who wants that on Valentine's night? In the meantime, here are a few tips to get you started on your menu planning:

• If you want to serve pasta, make it as an appetizer and fill small bowls or plates rather than serving a full portion. If you are serving dessert later, try to avoid heavy cream or cheese sauces and stick to lighter, tomato-based options like marinara instead.

• You can rarely go wrong with salad as a starter, and soup works well too as long as it doesn't have a heavy cream base. I'd also avoid thick and hearty soups like minestrone.

• Choose menu items that you can prepare mostly in advance. You don't want to be stuck in the kitchen the whole night, especially between courses.

• Prepare a small fruit and cheese plate in advance, place it in the fridge, and have it available for a midnight snack. Chances are good you might be hungry later on.