Eating out can be a nightmare when you're on a diet. It's easy to know what goes into a meal when you make it yourself, but often times in restaurants, you're left in the dark. While some restaurants post nutrition information, not all of them do. Don't fear going to a restaurant anymore; you can still go out and stick to your healthy eating plan. Keep your healthy diet when eating out by following these tips:

• When looking over the menu avoid items that say fried or sauteed; instead, focus on dishes that say grilled, broiled, or steamed.
• Try to fill up on fiber-dense foods like fruits, beans, and vegetables. Choose whole grains if you can. These types of items will keep you fuller, longer.
• Stick to lean meats, like chicken or turkey. Ask the kitchen to bake, broil, or grill the meat.
• Stay away from sugar-loaded drinks by drinking water or diet sodas. 

Eat for a Healthy Heart [U.S. Food and Drug Administration]