So im going out to eat with my friends tonight. I just started my diet this week...i have no clue on how to handle it. Any advise on how to eat out without over doing it?

You might want to check out this thread - it's got some great ideas.

http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/showthread.php?t=155708

If you're really going out to dinner, you can order a side salad to come before the meal. Then take your meal and split it in half, taking one half home! It's a great calorie and money-saver! Or my boyfriend and I split an entree and each get a salad or soup before hand.

Hi! This is a great test for you, you can do it!

First, if this is a well-known restaurant... I would suggest going onto their website, looking at the menu, and then deciding beforehand what you will be ordering. It's SO easy to get caught up in all of the unhealthy options if you don't plan ahead.

Stick with what you decide beforehand. Also, a light soup before your main course will help to keep you from over-eating. Remember to look out for words like: fried, creamy, batter. Avoid these like the plague! You're much better off with: steamed, grilled, light...

Also, don't be afraid to make special requests (dressing on the side, broccoli instead of french fries, etc...)

I've also noticed that the person doing the most talking always ends up eating less/slower. Be a chatter box and get into your stories... you'll be talking more than eating which is really what social gatherings are all about anyway!

Good luck!

Thank you. That does help. =D

dietfacts.com helps me when I have to decide what to have when going out to eat. Click on resturants at the top.

It also helps to have a small healthy snack before going so that you aren't extremely hungry.

Don't order anything fried, avoid gravy and cream sauces, order salad with dressing on the side,what kind of restaurant are you going to? It is possble to find out calorie counts before you go.