Dining Out - The Low Fat Way

Dining out with friends and family can be a relaxing and satisfying way to connect over a delicious meal. But if you are trying to lose weight or maintain your ideal weight, it's easy to consume half a day's calorie intake with just one restaurant meal. Here are a number of easy ways to enjoy dining out and choose nutritious, low fat foods at the same time:

Avoid buffet style dining. If you must, first fill up on a plate of fresh salad, including raw broccoli, carrots and cauliflower and use a low fat dressing. Eat slowly and allow yourself only one trip for a reasonably sized main dish.
Choose clear, vegetable or tomato-based soups like gazpacho, over creamed soups such as clam chowder.
Avoid sandwiches with high fat-meats such as corned beef, pastrami and sausage.
Order entrees that are steamed, baked, roasted, broiled or poached.
Look for restaurant menus that feature items low in fat, sodium and cholesterol.
Eat steamed rice instead of fried rice.
Dine at restaurants that offer smaller or reduced-size entrees.
Choose fresh fruit, sorbet or angel food cake for a low-fat dessert.
Avoid drinking cola, which served in restaurant sized glasses is about 300 calories. And that doesn't count the refills.

Try taking the focus off of the food when dining out in restaurants. Enjoy the surroundings and the warm and lively conversation of your guests. Eat slowly and savor each bite, and you will continue to maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle.

Kathleen Terrana is the owner of Beautiful Bridal specializing in discount tiaras, veils, bridal and bridesmaid jewelry. Visit our blog for wedding planning tips, advice and information.