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Every one of us gets pleasure from dining out. After all, what is not to enjoy no cooking, no cleaning up and someone serving you a delicious meal? The only catch' is, can that wonderful, relaxing, delectable meal be healthy too? And the answer is of course it can!

We'll begin with our choice of beverage. Water is, of course, the best selection, but you can enjoy a nice green tea with your dinner. Most importantly, avoid the sugar laden beverages (soft drinks and many mixed drinks). If you feel you must have a cocktail, have only one and have it with your dinner.

Now, let's peruse the menu. Some restaurants now offer healthy options (labeled on their menus as such). Generally these make good selections. If the restaurant doesn't have these obvious choices, you can still choose the healthy alternative.

You could decide on a salad, but be careful. Not all salads are healthful. Choose one with lots of mixed greens and fresh vegetables that also contain some healthy protein (think grilled chicken, fish or shrimp). Order the vinaigrette dressing on the side.

If a salad is not what you're craving, then seek out a lean protein entre (grilled, broiled, baked, poached chicken, fish, seafood or even a very lean cut of beef or pork). Avoid sauces loaded with calories or order sauces on the side so you can control the amount more easily. Add a healthy side like whole grain rice, baked potato (sans the sour cream and butter) and steamed vegetables. YUM!

What if a pasta option is on your mind? Yes, you can! Whole wheat pasta is a healthful option but not readily available. So opt instead for a lighter sauce marinara or tomato. If the pasta entre you really want is smothered in cheese ask the chef to prepare it with half the usual cheese portion.

Now that we have identified some healthy choices for our dinner, let's make out it a little healthier and figure friendly. When your entre arrives, divide it in half; eat half tonight and save the remainder for lunch or dinner tomorrow. Portion control is truly the key to healthier restaurant dining. If you happen (through no fault of your own) to find yourself at a restaurant with seemingly no wholesome options fall back on portion control again. (You know what I mean cut that burger in half and don't eat those French fries!)

And now, here are a few more healthful tip reminders for dining out. When ordering your meal, don't be afraid to ask your server for special preparation or for options not on the menu. If ordering a cheesy entre, ask them to half the cheese. Always try to avoid fried or deep fried. Remember to select baked, grilled, broiled and poached when ordering meat, poultry, fish and seafood options. Don't be concerned about asking for options not shown on the menu (such as special preparation or presentation) most restaurateurs and their chefs will be happy to accommodate.

With these healthful and helpful tips, your dining out becomes even more a delight. So sit back and enjoy - no cooking, no cleaning and a scrumptious, healthy dinner being served to you, exactly the way like it. Appetizing, Nutritious and Delicious Bon Apptit!

Learn more about this author, Lynette Crawford.
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