Eating at a restaurant does not have to sabotage a healthy diet.
Use smart-eating strategies: plan ahead, consider the menu and choose foods carefully to keep you on your plan.

1. Think ahead. Plan where you want to go and consider the meal options at the location.
2. Hunger can tend to make you eat too much bread before your meal arrives. Ask the waiter to hold onto the bread and chips until your meal is served. Out of sight, out of mind.
3. Order the regular or child size portions. For a lighter meal order an appetizer in place of a main course.
4. Ask for sauces, dressings and toppings to be served on the side. Then you have control over how much you eat.
5. Split your order. Share an extra large sandwich or main course with a friend or take half home for another meal.

Courtesy of the American Dietetic Association.

This article originally appeared in the January 2010 issue of aakpRENALIFE.

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