I've always going out to dinner approximately 1-2 times a week, whether are my heaviest or my lightest. Currently, to save money, we've only been eating out about once a week or once every two weeks. We eat out mostly at fish and sushi restaurants though, which may make a difference (I couldn't even tell you the last time we went to a family-friendly chain like TGIF or Chili's).

My opinion is, if you try and care enough, you can special order anything at restaurants without sabotaging your weight. Most people simply don't bother though. They see the delicious entrees on the menu and don't think twice.

Meg, as to your observation about the large people eating large portions -- I do think there is a link there. But then again, I see large people everywhere! At the mall, the grocery store, even the gym. I think this country has just become full of large people! We live in an environment designed to maximize obesity. And it's succeeding.... The supersized restaurants are just one variable among many in the equation.

About 1 year ago I was sitting in IHOP. I was there not for a treat or a cheat meal. I was there to binge. A woman looked at me and those in the restaurant and said to her boyfriend, "I told you everyone who eats here is overweight." :( Well, she was right, and while I did continue on to have my binge she put a real twist of reality on it.

SO...

everything in moderation.

portions were what i can say helped me initially lose weight. once i took control of my portion sizes the weight dropped off. i coupled that with 5-6 days a week of an hour long cardio session and the weight melted off. i was in korea when i began to take weight loss seriously. i worked long days and really didn't feel like making my own food from the hit-or-miss korean market so eating out was the norm for me. chinese one day, indian the next, and throw in the outback once a week and there you go. i ate great during the day, but would let myself enjoy the healthier choices at the restaurant in moderation.

i do the best i can when i go out to eat knowing full well that i'm not going to get it exactly how i want it unless i prepare it myself at home. i take a hit and enjoy my meal in proper portions and stop when i'm full.

until i can mangle some form of enjoyment from preparing all these wonderful meals i read about all the time, i will definitely continue to eat at restaurants. it hasn't slowed me down yet!