It's hard to eat healthily when you're going to a restaurant. If other people at the table are ordering appetizers, it's impolite not to do so as well. Salads are safe to order so long as they aren't heavily dressed or include substantial meat portions. Don't be afraid to ask for dressing on the side, as that really pumps up the calorie counts.

One good way to handle the big portions offered at restaurants is to simply order two appetizers instead of that and a main course. Avoid eating too much bread, as that contains a great deal of calories. Never order soda. If you're interested in losing weight, alcohol of any kind will greatly hamper your efforts, particularly if you haven't exercised yet during the day. You can eat any amount of food, really, and still just work it off if you just exercise more, but alcohol impairs your ability to effectively work out and also occupies your metabolism. Even if other people are ordering drinks or wine, it isn't terribly impolite to just stick with water.

When you're eating out and want to stay healthy, you have a choice. You can eat whatever you want and just exercise harder, or you can abstain from rich foods and maintain regular levels of exercise. Ultimately, relying on dieting to maintain good health is risky, stressful, generally self-defeating and dreary. If you have received warnings about particular foods because of diabetes, heart problems or your cholesterol level, then you should listen to your doctor.