11 Ways to Lighten Up Any Restaurant Meal

I eat out quite a lot. I fist look up menue check it out. . Most times know ahead what I will order. If in doubt of prep I ask for changes and have always got them. A buffet is usually a good place to pick and choose foods lower in calories.but it's more tempting, so unless you have control, stay away from. There are certain ingredients I can't and won't eat so if in doubt, I aways ask.
I ask for container in the beginning and put half of my entree away. It's my lunch for the next day. I move bread,butter away from my area. Out of sight, out of mind.
After a while you get so used to eating a certain way, ordering from a menue becomes more comfortable..
There are some restaurants that I won't got to for the foods that serve are not what I eat or want to eat. I don't want to be limited to a salad, and chicken.. - 3/21/2013 7:27:39 PM

I love the idea of asking for extra veggies instead of meat. I don't each much meat these days (maybe one meal every one to two weeks) and never thought to just get a dish that has meat and ask them to sub in more veggies. Thanks! - 3/21/2013 9:30:09 AM

Helpful tips thanks. I've got a lot better about asking questions in restaurants. With chain restaurant it's easier to cheat and check the menu online for the lowe cal options before you go. If a chain restaurant doesn't have the calorie or nutrition information available online I always email them to ask them why not. I can understand smaller restaurants can't always do this but for big chains I don't think there's any excuse! And I always let them know that because this information isn't available it might influence my decision on whether to go there. - 3/21/2013 6:18:54 AM

I agree with AZCHICA2006. Dining out is a luxury not an entitlement. For good service, I generally tip %15 plus another 50 cents for each and every "please leave off all the sour cream and cheese" "Please put the dressing on the side." To me this is just simple respect and treating others the way I would want to be treated. If my budget is too tight then I cook at home or go to a self- serve Soup and Salad where I can do those things for myself. Side benefit - when I return to a restaurant I am often remembered and greeted with joy. That is a great reward for simple good manners. - 11/24/2012 10:05:21 AM

Wish I'd read this article 3 days ago when I met a friend for dinner. My idea of Greek lemon soup was broth based, but what I got - because I assumed - was a thick, white lemony soup. To boot, my broiled scallops were dripping with butter. I never thought to ask how the food is prepped. Our waitress was terrific and I know she would have happily to obliged any questions. Instead I consumed many more calories than planned. Bright side: it was a fine Italian restaurant, and the food was fresh and delicious! - 11/18/2012 10:46:03 AM

What should I eat at a chinese restaraunt that is always an all you can eat buffett. This is the place my family loves to eat at. I don't know how I can eat well there unless I just don't eat much. - 4/23/2012 9:45:17 AM

I try to read the nutrition facts, either online before we go or ask at the restaurant. I wish I had done that today, though--I found out after the fact that the oatmeal raisin cookie had more calories than my sandwich!!! - 2/16/2012 10:02:27 PM

While most restaurants will allow for subsitutions and changes to dishes, some changes are much more easily accomodated than others. Yes, you are a paying customer and should be able to have a meal you enjoy but don't get too crazy with substitutions and changes and special requests. Also, when you make said requests do it politely and if the server, manager, kitchen expo says it can't be done either pick something else or enjoy the splurge and only eat some of the plate instead of all of it. Also, leave a big tip if you make numerous changes to a menu item as often times kitchen staff, wait staff and bus staff are required to split the tip and the restuarant did go out of its way to make something special just for you. - 2/16/2012 8:33:55 AM

If I know ahead of time what restaurant we will be going to, I log on to their website and make my selections ahead of time and when I get to the restaurant stick with that selection. - 5/8/2011 9:56:07 PM

I find the most improtant thing is what restaurant you pick, and then having the mindset that you're going to either order smaller portions or save at least 1/2 your meal.

On the other hand, why eat out, if you're just going ot order $15 chicken salad...you can make that at home for 1/4 the price.

Pick restaurants with interesting unique menus. Many of these places usually serve smaller portions anyway and often incorporate healthier ingredients and options.

Sometimes it's just a matter of picking healthier salad dressings and side items... and you cna cut your fat and calories in 1/2. - 5/2/2011 2:17:48 PM

My best practice at restaurants is to decline the high-carb sides like potatoes, rice, tortillas, &/or bread. I can then fill up happily on meat or beans + plenty of veggies without going over my calorie range. - 4/26/2011 2:17:23 PM

Here's one I relearned yesterday: order an appetizer for your entree. - 4/26/2011 11:28:27 AM