Nowadays, most restaurants are providing healthier options to diners so that dining out can feel more comfortable.

Tips for Eating Healthy in Restaurants

* Ask questions. If you do not know what's in a certain dish, ask the food server. Many restaurants have menus that are used to entice you rather than reveal what is in the dish. If the server can't answer your questions, then ask for the manager.

* Avoid fast food restaurants. Choose a place to eat that offers good healthy options. Seafood restaurants are a good option as well as Vietnamese and Indian restaurants. The food in these types of restaurants are cooked with very little fat and butter and use a variety of healthy spices that taste great.

* Look out for the foul language on a menu. This means words such as fried, breaded, creamy, butter and poached in olive oil or butter. These words on a menu are a big no-no, so stay away from ordering foods that contain them.

* Select lean meats. Instead of lamb, pick chicken. Choose venison over beef. These meats taste great and are much lower in fat.

* Eat more protein than carbohydrates. Some restaurants try to fill your plate with rice, potatoes and bread. Ask to have a bigger portion of meat with a half portion of rice. Or don't eat all of the rice that is put on your plate.

* Your money, your way. Make a request to cook your dish a certain way. Lightly seasoned or hold the special sauce, salad dressing on the side, low salt, no salt, add veggies, no cheese-all requests that can be easily met.

* Doggie bag it. Remember restaurants make portion sizes big because that is what we are used to. So don't be shy and ask for the server to doggie bag the rest of your food. You'll be able to enjoy this fine meal again for lunch tomorrow.

* Share the unhealthy choices. If you want to eat some French fries or garlic bread, split it with someone. This allows you to enjoy the treat and not feel guilty about it

Savor every bite of your meal. Don't beat yourself up about it. Enjoy your company and Bon Apetit.