Know Your Enemies

It goes without saying that you should try and pick the healthiest restaurant possible, but if this isn't an option or you don't know what the restaurant will offer, try to identify ahead of time which menu items could throw you off your diet. Address them in advance by checking out the restaurant's menu online. Simply search for the restaurant’s name, and if they don't post their menu or have their own Web site, see if you can look up some general nutritional facts for dishes that the restaurant is likely to serve. If the restaurant serves an unhealthy dish that you know you can't resist, like the best French fries or soft breadsticks in town, pick another place. There's always another restaurant. If your kids are hell-bent on the pizza joint, resist the urge for a slice of the pepperoni pizza and you'll probably still be able to enjoy a salad, chicken, or fish.