Worried About Eating Out with Friends or Family?

Also, see MRC Nutritional Guide to Eating Out.

Going to a sit-down or fast food restaurant shouldn't be an excuse to eat unhealthy foods. If you are trying to maintain or lose weight, you need to plan ahead, because making the best decisions isn't always easy once you are at the restaurant. For better results, start by following these simple tips:

• Watch the Alcohol - A problem with dining out is the temptation to indulge and drinking alcoholic beverages can add a significant number of calories, e.g. a large glass of red wine is about the same as a candy bar. So, order small or ask for a sparkling water with a wedge of lime.
• Keep Sugars and Salts in Check - One of the main problems with eating processed foods are the added sodium and sugars. Choose foods and side dishes with less sauces or gravy.
• Look for Heart Marks - At times, a new restaurant's menu can present you with an overwhelming number of possibilities. That can lead to incorrectly ordering the first thing that sounds good. If the menu has the Heart-Healthy Mark or denotes Vegan dishes, select from those items to be safe.
• Ask for Extra Plates - Order one appetizer, one entrée, and one side dish along with extra plates. Then, divide each with friends or family members.
• Quit the Clean Your Plate Club - Take leftovers home. To avoid snacking from the container, put them in the refrigerator when you get home. Splitting your serving into another meal is a good habit.

When eating out, sticking to your diet can be difficult, especially at fast food restaurants. Fortunately, most establishments offer several healthy dishes or options in how your meals are prepared. Whether you're dining out with friends or meeting an associate at your favorite coffee shop, you can keep your weight management plan intact by following a few tips and making smart food choices.

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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.