Tips on eating out

Three in five Americans dine out at least once a week, and with restaurant portions growing larger, it's easy to overeat without a plan. While you can’t control how the food is prepared or its calorie count, you can make smart choices, plan ahead, and ask questions to ensure your meal is both tasty and healthy. With practice, selecting healthier options and managing portions becomes easier.

Here are some tips for dining out:

• Decide your order ahead of time: This helps avoid feeling rushed or tempted by less healthy options.
• Ask how food is prepared: Opt for boiled, steamed, grilled, or baked instead of fried, sautéed, or breaded items.
• Drink water first: Start with a large glass of water to help curb your appetite.
• Request sauces and dressings on the side: This gives you control over how much you use.
• Skip the freebies: Ask your server to remove chips, salsa, or bread from the table.
• Choose healthier sides: Go for veggies instead of fries or other high-calorie sides.
• Enjoy dessert without guilt: If you want something sweet, cut back on carbs during your meal and share a dessert. The first few bites are often the best, so you can still indulge while controlling your portions.