8 Tips for Dining Out on The South Beach Diet

Eating out at your favorite restaurant doesn't have to be a thing of the past just because you're on a diet! With a little preparation, you can stick to The South Beach Diet no matter where you dine!

1. Know Your Stuff
   Know the allowable foods for your particular Phase backwards and forwards so you won't be overwhelmed by the menu and the availability of a greater variety of foods. Take the list with you if you need to.
2. Preparation is Key
   Keep meats in check by grilling, baking, roasting, broiling or boiling them. If something on the menu confuses you, request details about preparation methods. Ask, "Is the chicken in that healthy-sounding dish breaded?" You may sound like a picky eater, but that's what it takes to stay "on the Beach"!
3. Have a Smarter Starter
   Whether you're following the SBD or just want to watch your weight in general, having a salad or cup of soup as an appetizer is a great weight loss aid both at home and when dining out. These starters curb your hunger and prevent overeating.
4. Do Your Homework
   Ask your favorite eateries to fax you take out menus and then keep them on-hand. Highlight the best "Beach-friendly" options and choose your entree ahead of time.
5. Decode Dish Descriptions
   Menu looking scary? Ask for entrees and sides to be boiled, broiled, or roasted even if they're described as being prepared differently on the menu. Request vegetables be served plain as they're likely to contain butter or sauce if you don't. Watch out for buzz words like cream sauces, butter, oil, breaded, au gratin and batter-dipped.
6. Go Halves
   Whether you're following the SBD or you're just looking to cut back on calories, restaurant portions can make or break weight loss efforts because they're always out-of-proportion. Keep temptation at bay by asking the server to wrap up half your meal before you start eating. Split take out meals with a buddy or put half into plastic containers and stash it in the fridge.
7. Be Savvy About Snacking
   Don't forget that snacks are not only allowed on The South Beach Diet, they're required. Dr. Agatston included them for a very important reason: Eating healthful snacks between meals helps level out your blood sugar and keeps your metabolism going strong. Getting in your snack will help keep you from overeating when you get to the restaurant.
8. Bye, Bye Breadie
   If the restaurant provides appetizer dinner rolls (or chips and salsa, or flat bread, etc.), this can spell SBD disaster, particularly on Phase 1. Ask the server to remove the extra food from the table. Avoid the temptation to think, "It's free. I really should eat it." It may be free to your wallet, but not your waistline!