A USDA survey showed that more than one-third of our daily calories come from foods eaten away from home. If you eat out often you need to make smart choices.
Recognize that portions are huge. Simply realizing this can help you eat less.
Consider splitting a meal. Restaurants have become used to this and many will divide the meal in the kitchen before it is served.
Order an appetizer as a main course, then the breadbasket or the chips and dip won’t sabotage your entire meal.
Don’t be embarrassed to take leftovers home. It is the sign of a smart eater.
Split dessert or skip dessert and order a flavored coffee instead.
When you go to a fast food chain order small. Kid’s meals can let you indulge in favorites once in a while—without going overboard.
At sandwich shops, order a half sandwich if available or split with your lunch companion. Some chains offer a half sandwich, cup-of-soup option.
Don’t be seduced by customized salads, the add-ons and dressing can often make them more calorie dense than a burger. Choose additional ingredients wisely and ask for dressing on the side.
