If you are eating out for a special occasion, eat whatever turns you on. But, if you are "dining" three times a day in a restaurant-like atmosphere, pay attention to these dining out guidelines:

• Restaurant portions tend to be huge. Consider sharing with a friend, ordering an appetizer portion or asking for a small portion to be served.
• If you plan on having alcohol, first drink something thirst quenching such as water, seltzer or mineral water. This is especially important if salty snack foods like chips, peanuts or pretzels are offered before the meal.
• Avoid going into a meal ravenously hungry. Everything looks good and you will no doubt make impulsive choices. If you are eating at a later than normal mealtime, try having a piece of fruit before you go to the meal.
• Stop eating before you feel full. Chew slowly, savor each bite and remove uneaten food promptly.
• Have it "your way": request "dry"toast, "hold the mayo" and dressings and sauces served "on the side."
• Look for foods that are baked, broiled, grilled, poached, steamed or roasted.
• Take smaller portions—then go back for more if you are still hungry.
• If sitting near the frozen yogurt machine means taking more than you need…move away.
• It may sound healthy and it may be healthy—but read between the lines and check out the restaurant charts in Eating Well on Campus for more information. (see attached examples)