This is great advice

I think that order an appetizer and a side is a fantastic idea that I will definitely will try myself.

If you know where you are going ahead of time, you can look online for nutrional info and plan ahead fo time. I have actually tried new things because of finding out nutritional info. (Ruby Tuesday's: I have the petite steak, tomatoes/mozz salad, and steamed veggies - I never used to order steak!)

If you don't know the nutritional info, opt for baked, grilled, steamed, etc. Skip sauces and dressings or have them put on the side. If you can skip cheese and skip bacon that can help, too.

There is a board set up in our gym about food choices... it actually says a few wings is better than a serving of nachos. Wings have more protein and less fat.

Trainer at the gym said if I am drinking to make sure I am eating a little protein. (booze = carb and it is good to have a little carbs with a little protein)

She also said to drink booze straight. (she sips tequilla) Mixers are loaded with calories. I, however, choose NOT to sip tequilla straight. I sometimes opt for a martini type drink - mostly booze. And I only need about 2!

Another thing I do is try to water drinks down with seltzer. Wine + seltzer = Wine spritzer and is actually quite tasty. (I was scared to try, but was glad I did!) Or sometimes I will put seltzer in a Cape Codder (Cranberry juice + vodka)

Beer: I try to have one or two good beers instead of five cheap, crap beers. And I sip and enjoy them. (Cheap beer has less alcohol anyways!)

AND if you want to skip booze (this coming from someone who's 20's are a little fuzzy) you can do seltzer + juice, which is somthing I enjoy on a regular basis (yum! tastier than soda!!). The bars will often put a wedge of lime in it and it looks like you are having an alcoholic drink.

Sorry to write so much. I find my time spent with my friends was well worth it. I just wish I had started making the smarter choices sooner.