Romantic Dinner Ideas for Couples on a Diet

If you and your sweetheart are planning a gourmet dinner for a special celebration, there's no need to sabotage your diet in the process. A romantic dinner can be full of indulgences but also low in fat and calories; the trick is choosing just the right recipes that taste devilishly good but won't leave you with an unnecessary guilt trip after the celebration is over. From stuffed mushroom appetizers to rich chocolate cake, here are some romantic dinner ideas for any couple on a diet:

Start with a Healthy Spinach Salad
Salads can be transformed into a gourmet starter or appetizer with a few creative touches. Put together a spinach salad made with low fat balsamic dressing, grilled chicken strips, peppers, and grilled vegetables for a tasty and nutritious start to your meal. Spinach is full of antioxidants and fiber, and is a top choice for any dieter in need of those leafy greens. A Gourmet Spinach Salad with pine nuts and goat cheese is another option.

Indulge with Appetizers
Appetizers will be an important part of a multi-course menu, and you can indulge with a restaurant-style platter with an assortment of low fat and healthy appetizers that aren't dripping with grease or covered in cheese. Combine fat free cream cheese with garlic and seasonings for this rich and creamy Stuffed Mushroom appetizer, or kick off your dinner with a few slices of bruschetta, restaurant style. This recipe for Low Fat Tomato Basil Bruschetta is sure to start off your dinner just right.

Go for Lean Meats for the Entr�e
Grilled chicken, roast turkey, or even vegetarian entrees made with tofu are all healthy options for your romantic dinner. One of the easiest ways to cook up a restaurant-style meal is to cheat a little with a pre-made marinade. Carmela's Gourmet line is just one option that offers lowfat dressings, vinaigrettes and sauces that can be used to marinade or simmer your favorite meat in. Just baste vegetables, chicken, or fish with the dressing and grill or bake accordingly. It's a simple way to put together that all-important dinner entr�e without extra oil or butter.