You know the feeling: you go out to a restaurant, and you’re instantly overwhelmed by the amount of options on the menu. Your companions order a few appetizers for the table, and you might have a cocktail as well. You’re already a bit full when the meal arrives, but it’s so delicious that you can’t help but eat it anyway. Before you know it, you've eaten too much!

If you’re familiar with this situation, these helpful tips from the USDA can help you keep you on track:

• Set the tone by taking control of your beverages. Choose water or unsweetened iced tea instead of sugary beverages.
• Start your meal with a salad. This helps to avoid fried or fattening appetizers, gives you full serving of vegetables and keeps you from overdoing it once your meal comes.
• Ask for dressings or sauces on the side so that you can control the amount you consume.
• If portions are large, limit yourself by immediately putting half in a takeout box or sharing with a friend.
• Avoid dishes with words like “fried” or “sautéed” in favor of things like “steamed” or “grilled”.
• If you order a sandwich, ask for whole wheat bread instead of the usual white.

For more helpful tips for eating healthfully at restaurants, visit the USDA website.

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/caboosespiceco

If you’re looking for a satisfying meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor, Mario’s Flying Pizza & Italian Restaurant is going to make you very happy. Since 1969, this place has been serving the Gulf Coast authentic New York style pizza with a thin, crispy crust and just enough toppings. The dough is exceptional – just a little tangy and with great consistency, and their sauce is made fresh and delicious.

Some popular combinations include the Tamarella, topped with alfredo sauce, fresh spinach and tomatoes, as well as the sausage and peppers with feta. In addition to pizza, they offer a wide selection of other Italian dishes, with frequent diners recommending the baked lasagna, the chicken Valdostana and the submarine sandwiches. One element of the restaurant that wins unexpected raves is its remarkably fresh salad bar. Great prices and service round out the experience at this Webster, Texas Italian restaurant.

Mario’s Flying Pizza & Italian Restaurant
618 W. NASA Road 1
Webster, TX 77598
(281) 332-2202
http://www.mariosflyingpizzaclearlake.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/marios-flying-pizza-and-italian-restaurant-webster

You use a recipe for pastas, soups and cakes, but you probably wouldn’t think of looking up a recipe for a sandwich. These helpful websites feature sandwich recipes that are much more elaborate than your usual grilled cheese, and you’ll certainly notice the difference in taste.

Food Network
The Food Network is home to some wonderful shows about sandwiches, and now you can learn to make them yourself. Their Top Sandwich Recipes page features everything from grown-up turkey sandwiches to hot, gravy-covered sandwiches that are more dinner than lunch. The Mahi Mahi Banh Mi is a Vietnamese sandwich that you might not have heard of, while the French Dip recipe will show you how to make this diner favorite right at home.

101 Cookbooks
Instead of updating the sandwiches you already love, try something completely new with the unique recipes on 101 Cookbooks. This beautifully-designed website is easy to navigate, and it makes for hours of inspiration for your next sandwich. 101 Cookbooks features an Avocado Asparagus Tartine, Vegetarian Lentil Burgers, and even an Egg Salad Sandwich with Greek yogurt instead of the usual mayonnaise.

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/accidentalhedonist