Share an Appetizer or Entrée with Someone

Also, see MRC Nutritional Guide to Eating Out.

Do you know the best foods to order when dining out? Listed below are tips for eating out without destroying your diet. So, what do you do when it is time to eat and there's no kale salad in sight? You make the best decisions based on your menu plan and avoid the pitfalls listed below:

• Share with Someone - Eating out with friends or family presents a perfect opportunity to cut back on calories and prevent overeating. Opt to share an appetizer or entrée and, if that's not practical, order a half portion or ask your waiter to put half your meal in a "to go" box.
• Watch Out for Side Dishes - Avoid fried sides, like French fries or onion rings. Most restaurants today offer healthy sides to accompany your entrée, such as fruit cups or a fresh side salad.
• Compare Condiments and Sauces - Menus at most restaurants now include nutritional information, although you may have to ask to see it. Make sure the condiments, toppings, gravy or sauces are not loaded with calories, fat or sodium.
• Avoid the "Low" Farce - Don't be fooled by dishes that are listed as low-calorie, low-fat, low-sodium or low-sugar, unless it meets a specific dietary need. A key to healthy eating out revolves around selecting menu items with the right balance of macronutrients.
• Avoid Trendy Drinks - You may feel trendy ordering a bottle of vitamin-infused water when dining out. Nonetheless, that brightly hued glass of H2O consists of vitamins added to sugar water with food coloring and is loaded with hidden calories.

Sticking to your menu plan when eating out can be difficult but it is not impossible. Invest the time to determine the healthiest options wherever you choose to eat. When eating out, many restaurants, fast food franchises, and food trucks offer healthy options with menu items that are better for you. Add a splash of will power and make good menu choices and you can enjoy a guilt-free meal.

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Interested in finding the healthiest menu options from your favorite restaurants? Download the Tips For Eating Out guidelines from the National Institute of Health and National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute for additional advice on eating at franchise food chains.