Book excerpt: Think losing weight is all about avoiding your favourite foods and punishing exercise routines? Wrong! La Dolce Diet combines recipes so delicious and exercises so simple that it won't feel like you are denying yourself. From romantic suppers and meals to impress your guests to healthy snacks and not-so-naughty treats, here is everything you'll need to lose weight and tone-up without missing out on your favourite foods. With menu plans from a leading dietitian and advice on what to eat and what to limit, this stress-free approach to slimming will revolutionise the way you think about healthy eating. Be it Fresh Salmon Carpaccio with Chilli and Oregano followed by Amaretti Biscuits with Vanilla Trifle, or a meal of Light Lamb Burgers with Sundried Tomatoes and Pecorino Cheese finished off with Baked Ice Cream in Crispy Meringue, shedding the pounds has never tasted better.