Fine dining on Valentine’s Day is a time-honored tradition — not to mention a good excuse for the recession-weary to splurge a little. But don’t make the holiday a feeding frenzy, save some energy for a romantic stroll or tête-à-tête with these tips from Jenna Bergen, author of Your Big Fat Boyfriend: How to Stay Thin When Dating a Diet Disaster (Quirk Books, 2008).

Make it a goal to finish a glass of water before the first plates are set down on the table, advises Bergen. “It will fill you up and help ensure you’re not just eating when you’re actually just parched.” Bergen also recommends dressing up when dining out — something we’re sure to do on Valentine’s Day, although this tip works even for a weeknight visit to our favorite local eatery. “The better you feel in your skin, the more you’ll want to put something good in your body,” she writes. Plus, if you’re wearing something that clings to your curves, you may be more inclined to be more mindful of your portions.

Do you have any tips for celebrating Valentine’s Day without gaining a Cupid-like paunch? What are your favorite dining-out pointers?

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Tags: author, energy, Hospitality/Recreation, Human Interest, Jenna Bergen, Love, Tête à Tête, Valentine's Day