Eating out is a real treat but restaurant foods are often high in calories. But you can make healthy choices and enjoy dining out without packing on the pounds.
Americans love to splurge when they go out to eat.
"I love macaroni and cheese, I love grits, mash potatoes. I love comfort food," says Tish Davis.
Davis travels often for business and eats out a lot.
If you eat out five or six times a week, like Davis, you have to make sensible choices or it's hard to keep the weight off.
Dietitian Marisa Moore says start by looking for clues that foods are high in calories.
"Things like crispy, creamy, breaded, smothered, those are not the ones you want to order," says Moore. "So you want to look for foods that are grilled or broiled or steamed instead."
Try to order first so you'll be less tempted by others' choices and don't be afraid to ask the server to tailor your meal to make it healthier. Order steamed veggies instead of fries.
"Always order your salad dressing on the side," says Moore.
Moore says don't use all the salad dressing you get. She say you can even ask that the sauce for the entree be put on the side.
The portion sizes of most restaurant meals can actually feed two.
"So as soon as you order your meal, also ask the server to bring a to go box so when your meal arrives you put half of it away, take it home with you," says Moore.
"I'm going to actually try some things tonight when I'm on the road," says Davis.
To help you find the healthiest options at fast food places or fine dining restaurants, there's a website out there that can help. You can go to healthydiningfinder.com to find calorie counts and healthy choices even before you make your reservations.
Look for clues that can lead to high calorie foods.
