Managing calories when eating out on a diet
Eating out doesn't have to derail your diet. Smart menu choices and simple modifications — asking for sauces on the side, choosing grilled instead of fried, reducing bread and starch portions — can cut 200–400 calories from a single meal without leaving you hungry.
Target 500–700 calories per meal when dieting. Drinks are often overlooked: a flavored latte or fruit juice can add 300–500 calories on top of your meal. Water, unsweetened tea, or zero-calorie sodas are the safest choices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Chain restaurants in the US are required to display calorie information on menus. Apps like MyFitnessPal, Lose It, and Cronometer also have large restaurant food databases.
Yes, most restaurants can accommodate requests like dressing on the side, no croutons, grilled instead of fried, or smaller portions. Just ask — it's a normal request.