Ask and Receive
I used to be reticent to make special requests or modifications at restaurants. Then, one day I simply realized that as a paying customer, I had to right to put my quest for a healthier life first and make any request that would help me meet that goal. After all, the worst they can do is say no. So, I rarely order without asking something "special" from my server: Can I have that without butter? Grilled? With the sauce on the side? Those little changes really do add up.More: 10 Tips for Eating Out on a Diet
Downsize Portions
To outsmart portions that are out of control, I sometimes order a salad as an appetizer and split a main dish with someone else at the table. Or, I will sometimes create my own meal from the starters menu and add a side dish or two, such as steamed vegetables.More: 10 Tips for Controlling Portions
Spot the Clues
A lot of healthy words are easy to spot, such as baked, grilled, or seared. But other words we have gotten accustomed to seeing on menus may not send up the red flags they should. Look for "buzz words" to avoid such as au gratin, scalloped, hollandaise, or Bolognese.More: Restaurant Rules
Go Basic with Your Burger
At fast food restaurants, the best bet is often to order the most basic burger or a children's meal. A regular burger with ketchup, mustard and veggies may only set you back a couple hundred calories, while one with high cal toppings like bacon, cheese and mayonnaise, double-burgers and even extra bread can double that or triple it, getting you closer than you realize to 1,000 calories.More: Fast Food Quick Guides
...And Smart with Your Salad
Ordering a salad at fast food eateries is also smart, but just be sure to avoid croutons (Extra calories for stale bread? No thanks!) as well as obviously high calorie choices like grated cheese and bacon. Always ask if a fat-free, low-fat or low-cal dressing is available. Get it on the side to make sure it is palatable to you; if not, try a very small amount of regular dressing by dipping your fork in a bit before you spear each bite.More: Build Smarter Salads
Liquidate Liquid Calories
What we drink can have an impact on what, and how much, we eat during a meal. We all know to avoid high calorie sodas, but adult beverages up the calorie count very quickly, too. Alternating alcoholic beverages with water or diet soda will help you stay in control of your appetite and avoid the overeating that overdrinking seems to inevitably lead to. Of course, you don't want to be so careful about eating too much that you drink on a nearly empty stomach.More: Drinks Quick Guide
