Eat Out and Still Lose Weight

More Healthy Eating Tips

Don't be afraid to ask.
Restaurants will honor all kinds of special requests -- all you have to do is speak up. Order your food grilled, baked, broiled, poached, or steamed instead of fried. Ask for dishes to be cooked with a little olive oil instead of butter. Request extra veggies -- and less pasta -- in your pasta primavera.

Get more for less.
So many people get stuck on the notion that they have to eat an entree. Says who? Order two appetizers instead and you'll sample twice the food but eat less overall. Or have one appetizer and share a main course with a friend.

Make healthy swaps.
Choose whole grains such as brown rice or whole-grain bread over refined white bread and rice. Pass up the French fries and the cheese-stuffed potato and order two vegetables, steamed, or a salad and vegetables. Instead of creamy pasta dishes, opt for those with tomato sauces, which are generally lower in fat and calories.

Eat dessert.
We're not kidding. Try to deny yourself the chocolate souffle that sounds so scrumptious and you just might chow down on something worse -- like an entire carton of ice cream -- when you get home. The smart girl's strategy: Order one dessert for the table. A few bites should satisfy your sweet tooth. Not in the mood to share? Ask for a dish of berries or a small fruit sorbet.