1) Don't starve yourself all day if you are going out to dinner in the evening. You will be too hungry to eat with control. Have a light breakfast and lunch and have a small snack, such as a piece of fruit, 1-2 hours before going out. Make a special effort to avoid foods high in fat during the day as your restaurant meal might not be particularly low in fat.
2) Choose wisely Beware of the salad. Watch out for calorie and fat-laden salad dressings. Avoid salads containing high fat ingredients like bacon, cheese, avocado, sliced meats or olives. Order dressing on the side so you can control the amount, preferably a low fat or reduced calorie dressing.
3) Get prepared. Before ordering, ask how the food is prepared. Guesswork can result in extra calorie and fat intake if foods are fried, breaded, covered in rich sauces, dressings or oils. Request substitutions if necessary, for example, meat to be grilled instead of fried. Ask for sauces and dressings to be served separately.
4) Skip it. You don't have to eat everything on your plate. It may be possible to order 2 or 3 starters instead of an oversized main course
.5) Exercise restaurant rights If you order a higher fat or calorie starter, balance it with a lower fat or calorie main course. Fill up by eating your lower fat or calorie foods first.
6) Refreshments Keep an eye on your alcohol intake. Keep a glass of water beside your wine to sip throughout your meal. Try adding soda water to white wine to make a light and refreshing spritzer.
7) Eat wisely Eat only what you order. Do not fill up on tortilla chips, crisps, crackers, bread, olives or anything else that is placed on the table before the meal.
8) Be dessert smart Wait until you have finished your meal before ordering dessert. Most restaurants have some type of low-calorie, low-fat offering, such as fresh fruit salad. Ask for your dessert to be served without extra cream or ice-cream.
9) Vegetables Ask for vegetables to be served without butter or oil.
10) Take your time. Eat slowly and enjoy your meal, knowing you have not over-indulged.
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