If you’re watching what you eat, then one of the biggest pitfalls can be eating in a restaurant, especially with friends or significant others. When dining out, call the restaurant or get a menu online ahead of time. Many restaurants publish their entire menu online or have copies available for you to take home. Call ahead if you have questions about how food is prepared – whether fried, cooked in butter or prepared in other unhealthful ways. By planning exactly what you’ll be eating, you’re less likely to order a deep-fried, greasy dish in the heat of the moment or dive into that fatty onion petal appetizer. When you’re surrounded by a group of individuals who aren’t in the same health-conscious mindset as yourself, it’s easy to be influenced by their choices. Prevention is key. Study the menu and your options in advance and select a meal that fits best with your healthy eating plan. No matter what everyone else orders, stick to your guns and don’t waver. Don’t overlook the appetizer menu. Many of these offerings are perfect portions and will save you money on a full-priced entrée. If that’s not an option, then choose an entrée to share with a companion or have the waiter box up half of your selection before it’s even brought to the table. Remember to compensate for your dinner out throughout the day as you plan – eat smaller meals more frequently so that you’re not starving before you’re even seated.