You may have heard advice to dine out less often if you want to weigh less. But some education can help avoid menu mishaps.
• Check out the menu online to help you plan. If you want to splurge on the fried calamari, choose a grilled entree. If you love sweets, ask to see the dessert menu first so you know where you’re headed.
• Be specific — “May I have more lemon slices?” “Can you lightly brush the fish with butter?”
• See what other diners are eating so you get a visual on portion sizes. Split an entree or plan to box up half for carryout.
• Did you know that olive oil and butter have the same number of calories? And dipping bread in olive oil can soak up more fat than a thin spread of butter.
• Mixed green salads are a great starter, but watch out for goat cheese, blue cheese, cheddar cheese and sugar-glazed nuts that can add hundreds of calories.
• Be honest when the server asks you how you like your meal. Is the snapper still swimming in butter? Send it back.
• Make dining out a special occasion and enjoy the conversation and the entertainment as much as the food.
— Carolyn O’Neil
Atlanta Journal-Constitution