Weekly meal planner: Mon 10th-Sun 16th Feb

I’m getting married this year, but losing weight for the big day has never been my intention. In fact, I think it would be the worst kind of false advertising to turn up at the altar as a waif-like version of my former self, and I have no intention of wistfully looking back at my wedding pictures and thinking, ‘I used to be so slim’.

Above all, I enjoy eating well and cooking food that is packed with fresh flavours. My weekly meals must first be totally tasty – and if they happen to be healthy too, then so much the better! 

Click on the arrows to the right of each image to reveal the menu I've put together for the week ahead.

For cooking inspiration, I often turn to vibrant flavours from other countries – and I marvel at the fresh, clean taste of Vietnamese food. I always have lots of limes, chillies and fresh herbs in the fridge to pack a flavour punch without (incidentally) totting up too many calories. Beef pho is a perfect restorative soup for a Monday night. Swap the sirloin for any leftover meat you might have from your Sunday roast.  

This Vietnamese rice salad is so speedy to assemble that I often make it on Monday night ready for Tuesday packed lunches. I also always keep a bag of prawns in the freezer to bulk up the protein content of midweek lunches and meals. 

My hubby-to-be’s idea of a perfect midweek supper is steamed fish, broccoli and rice. As any health addict knows, this is a pretty perfect combo – but it sounds a little too virtuous for me. My demanding tastebuds need to be satisfied, so this Swedish baked fish is the perfect compromise – healthy but packed with flavour. I keep microwaveable quinoa and rice pouches in the cupboard too for quick and easy sides.

We eat so many eggs in our house. Scrambled, fried or poached – as they are in this Warm lentil and poached egg salad – they make the best convenience food. They also make vegetarian dishes feel more substantial, which is good to bear in mind for those meat-free midweek meals.

We’re a very sociable couple, so on Valentine’s Day I would much rather share the love with my friends. In fact, I host a Friday night curry club! I regularly turn to this failsafe, one-pan Chicken tikka masala, which is so quick to prepare after work and makes for a perfect feast to share with friends. A spice paste instantly imparts a wonderful aromatic flavour without having to grind or roast your own spices. The tomato base also feels less naughty than a Korma or a creamy curry. I nip out at lunchtime on a Friday to pick up some beers and oven-bake naan, so I can get home with no delays.

If you're planning a romantic night in this Valentine's Day, try these great easy dinner recipes for two.

Nothing beats a Saturday morning brunch like this Mexican-inspired Energy boosting brunch. Later in the day I become a football widow – and with him being a West Ham supporter, we both need the encouraging energy this brunch provides!

After Saturday night’s antics, a Bloody mary is a perfect treat for a Sunday morning. Due to our differing tastes for spicy heat, I serve the Tabasco on the side so we can each concoct our perfect cocktail. This is my day off from cooking in the kitchen, so it’s off to the pub, where they cook us a roast!