- Eat lightly during the day if you are planning to go out to dinner.
- Have a plan of action prior to ordering your meal.
- Split the entrée or ask for a “take home” container and split the entrée right away.
- "Yes" you want a glass of water, when asked.
- Try to drink most of your water prior to ordering.
- Be careful ordering drinks. It is easy to add 300 -500 calories from just beverages.
- Order as healthy as possible; choose whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, brown or wild rice, lean meats skinless poultry, fish, and simply prepared entrees.
- Do not order quickly, evaluate your choices.
- Stay away from breaded, fried, or sauce covered food.
- Try ordering 'off of the menu'. Tell the server what you really want.
- Ask how the food is prepared - 'truth in menu' laws vary from city to city and state to state.
- Remember the satiety mechanism. Feeling full requires at least 15- 20 minutes to kick in.
- Take a pause while eating; put down your fork, take a breath and converse.
- Make a point not to just eat, but to actually dine.
- Salads: Stick with fresh vegetables and simple dressing on the side.
- Skip the rolls; you do not eat them before your meal at home.
- Dessert: Have a taste maybe, split one at the most.
- Chinese: Avoid 'sweet and sour' and fried dishes. Stay away from duck sauce and have it made with out MSG (very high sodium).
- French: County over classic. Classic relies on buttery and cream sauces.
- Italian: Avoid Alfredo and entrees loaded with cheese.
- Mexican: Skip the chips and dishes covered in cheese.
- Steak House: Remember the leanest cuts have the word 'loin' in them.
- Seafood: Order dry grilled, steamed or poached fish.
- Pizza: Order whole wheat crust, lots of tomato sauce and fresh vegetables.
- Barbeque: Remove the skin from chicken, order boiled vegetables and baked potatoes.
25 QUICK TIPS TO DINING OUT