Here are some helpful tips when stopping in at your favorite restaurant:

• Eat a healthy snack before you go! Examples include: apple, banana, peanut butter, veggies and hummus.
• Avoid ALL fast food.
• Make protein and produce the basis of your meal.
• Avoid soda and choose water or unsweetened tea. Adding lemon will add great flavor and quench your thirst longer.
• Ask the server for a healthier option menu. If one does not exist, use the following ways to create your own.
• Avoid all fried foods. Ask for items that are grilled, steamed, or broiled.
• Ask your server how all proteins (meat, seafood, eggs, etc.) are prepared. It is OFTEN the case that they are prepared by adding huge amounts of oil or butter to the pan first. Ask your server to have the cook grill it, spray the pan, or use less butter.
• Choose mixed veggies for sides. Avoid loaded baked potatoes and other fatty and sugary side items.
• If you order a salad, ask for the dressing on the side with no croutons or bacon.
• Adding your own splash of oil and vinegar is a healthier option.
• Refer to the portion size guide and only eat that much. Ask for a to-go box and pack half of it up before you eat.
• Split your meal with someone else. An establishment that is truly concerned about service should have no problem splitting the meal for you in the back and bringing it out on two smaller plates.
• Ask for whole wheat bread or go bunless! You can always ask for extra lettuce and tomatoes for sandwiches and burgers.
• If you must have dessert, order one for the table and pass it around having only a bite or two.
• Remember the 80/20 rule. Focus your choices on nutrition 80% of the time, and use the other 20% as wiggle room for those time when you need to indulge just a bit.

Some questions to ask your server:

• What can I get instead of fries?
• What vegetables can I get with that?
• Do you offer half portions?