(Shanghai Star)
Updated: 2006-04-18 15:17

Spring has sprung and so has your belt buckle. Whether laying off the meat to repent for your sins this Easter season or to atone for winter overindulgence, Shanghai's meatless options are many and, quite often, can be found in surprising places.

Some of the city's most delightful fish and vegetarian entries may be found in self-labeled meat joints. Enter Feng Long Rou Gu Cha (Singaporean). Their extensive fish and vegetarian options include a light and nourishing fish ball soup (RMB 20), a succulent steamed halibut (RMB 88), and a refreshing take on egg fried rice with pumpkin, chilli and shrimp. In the mood for a light snack instead of a full meal after your Pilates class? Order a sampling of cold dishes (RMB 8), such as carrot slices with sweet and sour sauce or garlic cucumbers, washed down with fresh-squeezed juice (RMB 20).

Healthy options can also be found at just about any Chinese restaurant, if you know how to order. Those on a diet should worship whoever invented lettuce wraps (sheng cai bao). They have the uncanny ability to fool you into thinking you're eating a filling meal rather than chopped veggies and lettuce leaves, making them perfect for those who can't stick to a carrot stick plan. You can fill them up with anything: spicy Thai chicken, the ubiquitous Chinese stir-fried shredded pork, or for those sticking to the vegetarian/Lent diet, Charmant's (Taiwanese) lettuce cups come stuffed with diced stir-fried vegetables. Alternately, another healthy Chinese option is Yin (Shanghainese) Restaurant, where chefs chant the mantra, "MSG and oil-free." Try their steamed Norwegian cod (RMB 88) and stewed eggplant (RMB 23).

If you're after light western dining, ask any health nut and they'll probably point you in the direction of the salads and sandwiches at Element Fresh (American). For those who have had 20 laffa bread salads too many, there is good news-Element Fresh's much-awaited menu makeover has finally been unveiled. New entrees, like the Sesame Crusted Tuna Loin with soba noodles and the Grilled Red Curry Snapper with chili-pineapple salsa, are just in time for the start of spring diets and healthy resolutions.

So if your conscience or your belly bulge has got you down, take a rejuvenating jog to one of these restaurants and start your spring guilt-free.