It’s every calorie-counters nightmare – the invite to a slap-up three course meal in a top restaurant. How can you possibly know how many calories 
For your starter; choose salad or soup – salads don’t have to be boring, especially in restaurants. And, ask for the dressing on the side or ask the waiter if they have a low fat alternative.
Or – skip the starter altogether -the hungrier you are, the more you’ll enjoy your main course.
Leave the bread – while it’s tempting to pick at bread when you’re hungry and waiting for your first course to arrive, don’t. It’s packed with calories, especially if you smother it in butter.
Don’t go to buffets – while they’re generally great value and if you choose an ‘around the world’ style buffet, fantastic for a group of friends with very different tastes, they are a dieter’s nightmare. You’ll probably feel the urge to eat far more than you should simply to get your money’s worth so just avoid, avoid, avoid!
Steer clear of anything deep fried – usually items described as crispy or anything coated in batter. Yet if in doubt, ask your waiter.
If you can’t eat it all, take it home – don’t feel pressured to eat more than you can manage just because you’ve paid for it. There’s no shame in taking your leftovers home and having it for lunch the following day.
Avoid the wine – or just have one glass. Water’s better for you and if you shun the bottled variety, much better for your wallet too!
Stay at home – okay I agree, this isn’t the greatest tip in the world, but if your friends make a meal out a weekly event, perhaps it wouldn’t be so bad to say no once in a while.
Instead you can make yourself a low-calorie and healthy meal and wash it down with an acai berry based smoothie rather than half a bottle of wine – you’ll feel much better for it!
