Third date: 3,000 calories for one vodka tonic, deep-fried calamari appetizer, salad with blue-cheese dressing, steak Diane, tiramisu and a bottle of Ferrari-Carano merlot.

Love may not cost a thing, but dating can be hazardous to your jeans. It's that battle of the bulge that comes with fancy meals out, spending time together instead of at the gym and telling life stories over cocktails that can wreak havoc on any waistline.

"What happens when you start dating and your diet depends on what stage of the game you are in?" asked Susan Burke, chief nutritionist for eDiets.com, an online diet and fitness resource.

She said that for most people, it's all or nothing when it comes to watching what you eat.

"When they start dating, they throw diet out the window," Burke said.

The things to worry about are your alcohol intake — empty calories — she said, as well as workout time lost to more cuddling.

It's very difficult when you are dating," she said. "You are having fun and you don't want to deprive yourself or make sacrifices."

TIPS FROM BOHLANDER AND BURKE Watch your alcohol intake. It's a social thing, but make smart choices such as light beer or a white wine spritzer. Supporting each other on a weight-loss plan can have great results. If you are dieting together, remember it is not a race. Don't challenge each other. One person is always going to be more successful. Don't make a temporary change. It has to be a permanent lifestyle change. Go on active dates. Share a menu item. When you go out, realize most places are serving twice the size you should eat. Share dessert. Motivate each other.

"We both have hectic schedules, and we enjoy spending our free time together, so I find I am more likely to pick up less-than-healthy fast food versus going to the grocery store," said Cole. "I have found it very difficult to stay in shape. I prefer spending time with Mike rather than hitting the gym after work. I prefer sleeping in longer and cuddling versus going for a morning jog."

Price admitted to eating more sweets now that he has a sweetie.

"I also find myself content to just sit at home with my girlfriend," he said. "When I was single, I was more active."

But Cole and Price have decided together to take off the few extra pounds caused by their budding romance.

"My goal is that we will start to get fit together, as we have both made statements of gaining a few extra pounds since we started dating," Cole said.

"But, most importantly, why do I need to look good?" Price joked. "I already have a girlfriend."

But that's a rut some people, especially married couples, can fall into. When you've found the one to love, you are no longer wearing the sexy clothes out to clubs. It's more sweatpants and T-shirts.

"It happens more with married couples. You love life, you spend more time with that person, you stop exercising so you put on weight," said Alison Bohlander, outpatient dietitian for Saint Mary's Regional Medical Center. "You become comfortable."

Newlyweds may feel as if they need to have all three meals together as a new family, she said.

"It really can hurt a woman more," she said. "Single women usually eat light at dinner, or they eat smaller meals."

"Suddenly, they are cooking and eating huge meat-and-potato dinners and gaining weight," Bohlander said.

Burke agreed.

"When it comes to a couple who is trying to lose weight, it is always going to be harder for the woman," she said. "Even if they both diet, he will lose faster because of more muscle mass."

But it's not hopeless. Both Burke and Bohlander had some helpful tips.

"Go on active dates and watch your alcohol intake," Bohlander said.

With restaurants offering more choices, it's easier to ease up on the calories, Burke said.