It is possible to enjoy eating out when on a diet. It’s simply a matter of making the right choices. Here are some ways on how to eat out and not ruin your diet:

Have a Snack

Eat a small piece of fruit or other healthy snack before you go to the restaurant. This will curb your appetite.

Don't Clean Your Plate

Leave at least ½ of your entrée on the plate. Instead of actually leaving it, when your entrée arrives, immediately divide it in half and ask for a takeout box right then. Place one half in the box and set it aside, then enjoy the rest of your meal. Doing this actually serves several purposes. Not only will you be able to enjoy a dish you are especially fond of because you are only eating half of it, but you will have leftovers for the next day. You also are not wasting food.

Eat Slowly

If you’re like most people, you try to reserve eating out times for special occasions. So, take advantage of the time by eating more slowly. Put your eating utensils down between bites and enjoy conversation with your dinner companions.

Order Smaller Portions

Order from the appetizer menu and add a small side salad. The portions are usually smaller than regular dinner portions and the side salad will help fill you up. Remember, that added condiments such as bacon bits, cheese and dressing will increase the calorie count of your salad, so asking for dressing on the side allows you to decide how much you want to indulge in.

Stop After One

Eat one slice of bread from the bread basket and don’t add butter or dip it in any kind of sauce or oil. Better yet indulge in a bread stick instead.

Adjust in Other Places

If you have an idea of what you will order before you go out to eat, check your food journal as well as your nutrition and exercise plan in order to determine if you can make some adjustments in order to be able to indulge a bit more.