Top 5 tips for dining out

If everyone followed these great tips maybe America wouldn't be the most obese nation on Earth. Nice job! I just want to add that picking the restaurant where you eat is one of the most aspects of eating well while dining out. "Eastern" style restaurants like Indian, thai, tibeten and Japanese usually have healthier options than american restaurants like Chilis or the Olive garden.

I've always thought that you go out to eat to enjoy the luxury of someone else cooking your favorite foods. Eating a snack before, ordering a doggy bag for after, don't you think that this is somewhat transforming this luxury to a obligation that should be removed from your lifestyle. mmmm..... chilis, olive garden!

These are excellent tips if you dine out a lot. I am sure there are folks who have to eat out a lot for business or spouse is an avid diner. Since I rarely eat out because I am busy and rather cook for myself, I take advantage of the restaurant and eat for enjoyment and relaxation. "Let someone else do the cooking." and "What's for dessert?" is my motto when I go out to dinner. But don't get me wrong. I am still health conscious when ordering food -- avoiding the fatty oils and greasy, deep fried stuff. I will always love a colorful, fresh salad that is made to look beautiful and fills the plate. Desserts with fresh fruit is awesome.

Thanks for the great tips Rachel! I am not sure what my grandmother would say about eating a snack before the meal, but sometime it just helps reduce the immediate hunger and tendency to eat fast early in the meal. One bit can be enough sometime - I sometime grab a dried banana chip from Dave's dinner before the meal--it actually works!

.... totally put a new wrinkle in my brain. That was a new one. Great tip, since we're hungry right at the beginning of meals and will usually start pounding down what's first put in front of us: bread. I also tend to drink a good glass of water before eating...... when i begin my meal without being hydrated, I tend to spoon in more food for some reason.

There are some places where you KNOW the portions are insanely big, like Maggianos. Decide to go with a friend and decide ahead of time that you will share. Also, if you know a place has a big cheesesteak, for example, cut it in half and save it right away for the next day. Also, some restaurants will do half portions, just ask. Don't be afraid to have them add an extra veggie instead of potatos.

These are great tips. Also, ordering off the appetizer menu sometimes works well. I really try to get exactly what I want, even if it's not technically a 'meal'. And share. A lot of times I'll get salad or soup and eat off my kids' plates!