First off: eating out does not have to mean blowing your diet!  Even experimental foodies can enjoy all types of restaurants while keeping their commitment to a healthy lifestyle. Seek out high-quality restaurants that use fresh, organic ingredients, and keep the below  guidelines in mind when you order.

USDA_dinner.jpg / Foter / Public domain

Traditional “American”

• Hold the:  fried foods, cheese, bacon, potatoes, huge meat portions, bread, gravy, and sweet desserts
• Have the:  grilled chicken, salmon, salad, and fresh fruits

Mexican Restaurants

• Hold the:  chips,fried foods, sour cream, and cheese or cream sauces (they often contain a lot of sugar, too!)
• Have the:  guacamole,  broth-based soups, salsa, pico de gallo, salads, and grilled veggie or chicken fajitas

Italian Restaurants

• Hold the:  fried cheese (or ravioli, or pretty much anything fried), pasta, bread and oily foods
• Have the:  minestrone soups, tomato-based sauces, and salads

Chinese Restaurants

• Hold the: fried rice, sweet sauces (like Mongolian beef) deep-fried meats and veggies
• Have the: steamed veggies, steamed meats and fish, sauce on the side, and brown rice

Thai Restaurants

• Hold the: coconut milk-based curries, fried noodles, and sweetened sticky rice
• Have the: steamed or grilled fish, steamed veggies, and green papaya salad

Mediterranean Restaurants

• Hold the: spanakopita, fried calamari, fried cheese, sausages, moussaka, falafel, and baklava
• Have the:  hummus (with veggies), souvlaki, fish, nuts, beans, vegetables, and yogurt