Calorie Wise Dining Out,
 used to be when our parents were younger, dining out was an occasional treat.  Nowadays, people tend to eat out more and more.  This is because of a number of factors such as busy schedules, more spending money, and more restaurant choices.  With the increase of dining out, health problems, such as obesity and heart disease have also increased.  Though they taste good, restaurant meals are usually high in calories, carbohydrates, and fat.  Thankfully, lately, society has come to realize the effects on the health of our nation and the trend is towards healthier eating.

    Does this mean that you need to cook at home all the time?  No, fortunately, restaurants around the country have heard the consumer and have opted to add more health conscious options to their menus.  Whether you follow the low carb, low calorie, or low fat diet, restaurants are more than willing to keep your business by offering these choices.  Chain restaurants, such as Applebee’s and TGI Fridays, have teamed up with nationally known diet plans to offer their customers. Even fast food places, such as McDonald’s are cashing in on the healthier lifestyle.  This is good for business and good for people.

    Not all restaurants have low calorie or low fat options.  You do not have to avoid these restaurants though.  Most restaurants are more than willing to cater to the guest.  There are some simple things that can make your dining experience at these places both enjoyable and calorie conscious.
 
    Sharing food, such as appetizers, desserts, and entrees, can cut your calorie intake by half.  Restaurant portions are usually two to three times the recommended portions.  The problem with this is people do not realize how much they are actually eating and tend to eat more depending on the size of the portion.  If you have no one to share your food with, ask for half of it to be boxed up before it even reaches your table.  This way, you are more likely to eat less and you have enough for another meal. Eating an appetizer for an entrée and adding a salad is also a way to cut out unwanted calories.
 
Ask that your salad dressings and other condiments, such as mayonnaise, be served on the side.  Better yet, ask for them to be left off.  Salad dressings are high in calories and fat.  If you cannot live without it, then asking for it on the side leaves you in control of how much you use.  Creams are also a culprit.  Try to steer clear of these and opt for tomato based sauces and broth soups instead.

    Think that when you order something grilled, baked, or broiled you are being healthy.  Ask how it is prepared.  Most restaurants, when grilling, baking, or broiling, add butters and oils that are not necessary.  Simple solution is to ask that oil not be used or that less oil be used.   Asking for steamed vegetables instead of a starch is also a simple way to add flavor to an entrée but keep those calories low.
 
    Remember that extras, like bread and butter also carry extra calories.  Drinks are also high in calories.  Opt for drinks that are diet or sugar free.  When alcohol, use diet for the mixers and stay away from the sweeter liquors.  Clear liquors have fewer calories.  Also, keep in mind that though a beer may say lite, it may only differ in calories minimally from the regular beer.  
    When keeping these tips in mind, you can be both a healthier eater and enjoy your food when eating out.