You can check out their website to get a taste of the books. It's not only informative, but it's fun to read!

I eat out a lot, and I've still been successful. Whenever I'm going to dine someplace new or unfamiliar, I try to look up nutrition information before I even leave home. That way I can make a decision on something that sounds both good to me and healthy enough before I get all caught up in my hunger and emotions once I arrive. I don't even have to look at the menu and get tempted by anything else. After a while, I sort of mentally blocked out the unhealthy items anyway. If I can't look up the nutrition ahead of time, I often scout them through my smartphone or look for something "safe" to order, and look to see if they have a special section for the more health-conscious. I most often eat at particular places though and already have certain go-to items to choose from that I know I'll be happy with.

When I first started, I actually made a list of the restaurants I most frequent, looked up their nutrition info, and wrote lists of acceptable meals into a little notebook to carry in my purse. I relied on the notebook until I got more comfortable and familiar with what I was doing. Maybe that would help you as well?

That's a great idea for someone counting calories or doing WW!

If I am able to, I always try to check the menu beforehand online and to double check the exact ingredients. If I am not able to do that, I try to play it safe with what I know is mostly okay: grilled, whole wheat, veggies, salads without a ton of dressing, minus croutons, etc.

I always try to make it a point to check out the nutritional menu!

Thank you for the website link. It's a fantastic resource! And yes, your excellent advice will REALLY HELP me. Thx!

Dear Pink,

Yes, I think planning ahead is the best strategy for me, too. If I know what I'm going to order, I can stay on track and not get sidelined by spontenaity.

Thanks for your feedback!

Don't think this has been mentioned -

this app:http://www.healthyandfitcommunities....rant-nutrition

Has all the calorie counts for popular restaurants.

I don't have an Iphone, but DH downloaded it to his Ipod and it is awesome.

jen

I'm in the mindset this time around of doing this for the long haul so my strategy is this:

• Eat out less frequently.
• Eat very lightly during the day before going out to eat.
• When I do eat out make better choices (no soda, no dessert, forgo the bread)
• Enjoy myself - depriving myself isn't worth it. It'll make me give up on my healthier lifestyle altogether. The last time I ate out I had a beer, a fatty cheeseburger, and fries. My net calories for the day were still negative (I'd done a 4.5 mile hike that afternoon) but not as negative as it could be. I'm ok with that.

Sounds like a great strategy for long term success. Well done!

I don't think anyone has mentioned this site yet...
http://www.exercise4weightloss.com/w...rs-points.html
It has WW points (both PP and original) for restaurant chains, but even if you do not do WW it lists all the nutritional information too. I find it very helpful for planning ahead when I go out to eat, so I can plan my splurges Good Luck!

Thank you so much for this! I've looked for an app like this but somehow didn't have any luck. I actually had fun browsing through the various menus last night.