by Fiona Haynes

Cook a simple but special low fat dinner for your Valentine instead of eating a high-fat, high calorie meal at an expensive restaurant. It’s well known that it’s easier to cook low fat at home than it is to eat low fat at many restaurants.

But if you’re a little nervous about making a special meal for your loved one, just remember to keep things as simple as possible. Valentine’s Day is probably not the best time to see if you can flambé bananas or try your first ever soufflé. Take advantage of the fact that many appetizers and desserts can be prepared ahead of time, so you don't have to feel under so much pressure. If your sweetheart truly loves you, then serving his or her favorite (low fat) home-style dish by candlelight, with some mood-enhancing music in the background, may be all that’s needed for a memorable evening.

If you’re in need of some low fat Valentine’s Day menu ideas, try these:

• Spinach and Pink Grapefruit Salad



• Salmon and Asparagus in Foil or
• Shrimp and Tomato Spaghetti or
• Farfalle with Asparagus and Cherry Tomatoes



• Fat-Free Crème Brûlée or
• Meringue Nests with Strawberries. And as an after dinner treat:



• Chocolate Truffles or
• Chocolate Dipped Strawberries

And for more low fat Valentine’s Day ideas …