How to Eat Healthier When Dining Out

March 9, 2012— -- intro: Ever go out to dinner and at the end of the meal say to yourself, "Wow, I can't believe I ate the whole thing?" Think about this, the recommended serving of pasta is one cup which equals 200 calories and that's without any sauce. A restaurant serving of pasta is usually about three to four cups and you may not even realize it because the plates at most restaurants are much larger than a typical dinner plate. That means that you are being served an additional 400-600 calories on this supersized saucer -- and this IS NOT the amount you are supposed to eat at one sitting! To add insult to injury, studies have shown that the larger the portion given at a restaurant, the more food a customer will eat regardless of how hungry he or she is. In other words, if it's in front of you -- you will probably clean your plate.

Eating out is a pleasure and everyone deserves the experience and break from the kitchen. For me the mere fact that someone else is cooking, serving and cleaning up is the clincher. Unfortunately, dining out can do some damage to your waistline if you are not armed and ready with a little knowledge and a lot of self control.

Here are some of my tips to help you dine out without busting a button.

quicklist:1category: title: Think aheadurl: text: Check out the restaurant menu ahead of time to reduce impulse ordering. Don't starve yourself the same day you are going out to eat. This will most likely backfire and lead to not-so-healthy food choices. Instead have a lighter lunch and a small snack an hour or two before going outWatch the booze! If you plan to imbibe, limit yourself to one glass of wine, cocktail or beer. Alcohol can pack on the pounds and weaken your willpower.media: related:

quicklist:2category: title: Learn the lingourl: text: Familiarize yourself with healthy cooking techniques and don't be shy -- ask your server about how things are cooked and request items the way you want them.Eat more foods prepared with these methods:SteamedPoachedBlackenedGrilledRoastedStewedStir-friedmedia: related:

quicklist:1category: title: Ditch the Doughurl: text: Skip the refined white bread and butter -- it spoils your appetite, is nutritionally void and served with olive oil or butter. Don't even let your server put it on the table! Instead, order an appetizer right away and opt for the healthier choices:raw bar items (clams, shrimp, crab meat, etc)grilled chicken bitessalad,broth based soupsveggie platters with dip media: related:

quicklist:1category: title: Get Sauce Smarturl: text: Use condiments sparingly and order sauces, gravies, and dressings on the side. Limit or avoid menu items with these words in the description:AlfredoBeurre blancTempuraParmigianaAu gratinEn crouteFlaky/crustyBéchamelBéarnaisemedia: related: