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Going out to eat is fun, relaxing, and gives you a chance to try new things. However, if you're not careful, your waistline could seriously pay for it. I've learned some different ways to enjoy restaurant food and still be healthy.

First of all, the portions are larger than many people realize. A typical restaurant meal is often double, or even triple, to what a serving size is supposed to be. It's a good idea to eat just half of it and take the rest home. I have a huge appetite, and I use to always want to scarf the whole thing down because it was just that GOOD. But I try not to do that anymore, and I'll take some home in a "doggy bag" so that I'll have some nice leftovers for lunch the next day.

Many of the sauces and dressings that restaurants use have a lot of calories and fat. Now, this has always been a problem for me because I like a lot of those rich, fattening sauces and large amounts of dressing on my salads. I also tend to be drawn to pasta and seafood. I've found that marinara sauce is much less fattening than cream-based sauces, such as Alfredo. It's been said that you should ask for the salad dressing on the side and then dip the veggies in it-that way, you're not as likely to use too much.

Cheese is another weakness of mine. I like it on a lot of things, including salads and baked potatoes. But you shouldn't go overboard with it. You may even ask if the restaurant serves lower-fat versions of cheese. Speaking of baked potatoes, many people like sour cream on them. You should ask if they have low-fat sour cream-or even plain yogurt, which is a good substitute.

Those cream-based soups can also pack a lot of calories. So choose a vegetable-based soup, like minestrone, tomato, or chicken noodle. Having soup with the meal can make you feel fuller so that you won't need to eat the entire main course.

When ordering chicken or fish, get it grilled or broiled instead of fried. Order a baked potato or rice instead of French fries. Better yet, get mixed vegetables with it. That way, you know you're getting a more balanced meal. For dessert, look for something that consists of mostly fruit. Many restaurants are offering healthier meals that are still very tasty-you just have to know where to look!

Learn more about this author, Tamma Ocain.
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