Meals on the town used to be a treat.  Once a month, the family would pile in the car to "give mom a break" and gather at a local restaurant.  These days, however, restaurant food is an everyday fact of life for many of us.  It's easy to grab a pizza or bucket of chicken on the way home from work, and picking up a sandwich at lunchtime is certainly faster than packing one in the morning.

There's no doubt that fast food is a real time saver for many.  But while we're saving time and trouble, what kind of effect is all of this having on our bodies?  It takes some diligence, but it is possible to eat healthy when you eat out.

On the Side
You might think that ordering a salad is a great mealtime choice, but those rich dressing can really pack a calorie wallop.  Ask for your salad dressing on the side, and use as much or as little as you wish.  The same holds true for gravy and other sauces.  If you absolutely must have gravy with your fries, at least you can have some control you're your calorie intake.

Grill It
Instead of settling for fried foods, ask that your meal be baked, grilled, broiled, poached, or steamed.  These cooking methods use way less fat in the preparation and are usually much lower in calories.  Grilling brings out so much of the natural flavour in meat, poultry, seafood and vegetables, that you won't need to drown them in sauces and butter. For even greater calorie savings, direct your server or chef to grill your foods without additional butter or oil.  Your food will still taste delicious and only your hips will know the difference.

Healthy Pastabilities
It's OK to love pasta, but too many cream-based sauces can wreak havoc on your waistline.  Pass the alfredo and choose a zesty tomato-based sauce instead.  Tomato sauces are much lower in fat and calories, and can even be counted as a vegetable on your food wheel.  Spices and a little cheese sprinkled on top will make a delicious meal.

Drink To Your Health
Alcoholic beverages are not a great choice to accompany meals.  Order a glass of water, milk, juice or a cup of tea to have with your meal.  Soft drinks are bad choices too.  Just because your value meal comes with a glass of pop, you aren't obligated to accept it.  Ask for beverage alternatives and if you have to pay an extra quarter for a glass of milk, do it.  Your bones will thank you.

Appetizers
Having a little meal before your meal can be a great idea.  Soup is particularly good as an appetizer, as most are low in calories and tend to fill you up before the main course arrives.  Watch out for cream soups and chowders that are loaded with fat and calories.  If you're looking to eat less, order two appetizers, like a soup and side salad, instead of a big main course meal.  You'll eat less and will likely save money at the same time.

Sensible Sides
If you are offered a choice of side dishes, choose fresh vegetables or a baked potato instead for French fries.  Baked potatoes are great side orders, provided they're not weighed down with butter, bacon, cheese or sour cream.  Ask for a side order of salsa to give your spud a healthy kick of flavour.

Fibre First
Base your meal choice on dishes that use fruits and vegetables as key ingredients.  These are essential sources of dietary fibre that your body just can't do without.  Ask for whole wheat bread and pasta, and brown rice instead of white.  Speaking of bread, feel free to have a slice, but skip the butter and oils.

Enough is Enough
When you are full, stop eating.  This may seem obvious, but many people insist on getting their 'money's worth' out of a restaurant meal.  Listen to your body and know when you've had enough.  You can always ask to take the remainder home.  After all, half of tonight's pasta will make a great lunch tomorrow.

Share the Sweetness
If you're craving dessert, your dinner partner probably is as well. Go ahead and order that slice of caramel pecan cheesecake # with two spoons.  Half the dessert means half the calories. Or, get something sweet and sensible like a dish of sherbet or a bowl of berries.

It is important to make healthy choices when you're on the run, but you also need to treat yourself every once in a while.  If it's a special celebration and you want to dip your lobster in butter or cap the night with a brownie sundae, go right ahead.  All types of foods can fit into a well-balanced diet, so don't feel that you need to deprive yourself of the dishes you really love.