Healthy Options for Dining Out — Anywhere

I'm a weight watcher on a low GI-diet — at least, most of the time. But working long hours leaves little time or energy for cooking healthy meals, and I love eating in restaurants. So what's the answer to watching your waistline and still getting waited on?

Well, you could hire a live-in chef. But since that's not an option for most people outside of the Hollywood A-list, I started learning a few tricks that would allow me to have my cake — or whole wheat muffin — and eat it too. 

For example, I had lunch the other day at  on Main Street. Now, for anyone trying to lose weight or avoid fatty food, Mexican isn't usually the first choice in dining. But there are ways to get around most of the big problems and still savor the flavor, and the experience.

Here are some of my most tried-and-true ways to eat out without filling out:

1. Get a starter salad while you wait for your meal. Munch on fresh greens instead of tortilla chips or bread.

2. Order your salad dressing "on the side" — vinaigrette is usually the healthiest choice — and dip your fork into it as you eat, rather than pouring it on. You'll still get the flavor, but use less. 

3. Don't be afraid to ask the server to hold certain items and swap out others. For example: hold the cheese and sour cream, swap the refried beans for black beans, get a whole wheat tortilla.

4. Get creative with condiments. Swap out mayo for Dijon mustard and ketchup for fresh salsa. Choose fresh fruit for sweetness instead of jams and syrups.

5. Pick a starch and stick to it. Choose a single starchy carbohydrate out of either pasta, bread, potatoes, rice or grains and make sure you only have one. So, if your sandwich comes with mashed potatoes, switch out the potatoes for more veggies. 

6. Pile your plate with veggies. Order a salad or veggies instead of fries, potato chips, mashed potatoes or rice. Be careful with the salad extras that can pile on calories, like walnuts, eggs, cranberries and bacon.

7. Go brown. Ask for brown rice and whole wheat bread or tortillas wherever possible. Whole grains are healthier, and keep you feeling full longer.

8. Pick lean meat. Choose chicken or turkey, above beef, lamb or pork.

9. Drink a glass of water before your meal, and sip water throughout.

10. Read the menu thoroughly. If you don't, you might not see healthier options like the "California Burrito" at La Tapatia, which is filled with grilled carrot and zucchini instead of meat. 

What are your tips for making healthy choices when dining out? Share your ideas in the comments below.