Eating out at a restaurant can be a real challenge when you are dieting. Many restaurants offer delicious meals that are low in saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol, but restaurant food still tends to be higher in fat-increasing culprits such as carbs and sugars.

When eating out, ask which type of fat the restaurant uses. Try to replace the saturated and trans fats in your food with more healthful unsaturated oils. Canola, olive and corn oil are among the most desirable. Request soft and trans-fat-free margarine.

Equally important is the portion size. Help control your weight by asking for smaller portions, or sharing entrees with a companion.

Try following these healthy tips when eating out and still staying on your diet path:

Fried, au gratin, crispy, escalloped, pan-fried, saut?ed or stuffed foods are high in fat and calories. Instead, look for steamed, broiled, baked, grilled, poached or roasted foods.

If you?re not sure about a certain dish, ask your server how it?s prepared.

Even if dishes low in saturated fat and cholesterol aren't on the menu, you may still be able to get a healthy meal, because many restaurants will prepare foods to order. If you?re not sure about a particular restaurant, phone before you go.

High-sodium foods include those that are pickled, in cocktail sauce, smoked, in broth or au jus or in soy or teriyaki sauce. Steer clear of these.

Refrain from filling up on complimentary dinner rolls/bread/tortilla chips, ect. These are given to you as an intentional filler and are extremely high in carbohydrates.

Just because you are dieting doesn't mean you can't enjoy eating out at restaurants. Just follow these few simple tips.

Bon Appetite :-* Jenny