Let me share with you the number one reason why the foods we eat in restaurants quite often taste so yummy compared to the meals we make at home.  Can it be true that food tastes better when someone else prepares it or  "if it taste good it's not good for you".  To be honest, in some cases those two statements could be true, but in reality unless a restaurant has a passion for delivering healthy meals, they are usually using full fat ingredients so every bite of your meal brings out the most savory flavors.

 In the recent years the restaurant business has become more aware that people are pursuing a healthy lifestyle and that there is a large market of potential customers who are trying to lose weight. As a result, many restaurants are offering menu choices with low fat options. If you are living the healthier life style or want to, then you may be surprised at the different taste of these 'low fat' options.

 When you start being more conscious of what you're eating it will be quite the eye opener. The fat and calories definitely add a rich, tasty flavor to the meals we order. At first you will miss the various flavors from the fatty foods and the sweetness of the sugar in the desserts. If you really want to test this theory just order one of those "low fat" items on the menu next time your dining out. 

 Once you start learning to eat healthier you will develop new tastes and experience the joy of the natural flavors in foods without adding fats.   Here are some tips for Dining Out On The Lite Side:

 • Have a fresh salad before eating your dinner and ask the server to hold the dressing and bring you a little olive oil with a couple lemon wedges for your salad. You can add a little salt and pepper and maybe some granulated garlic. You'll be have a very refreshing low fat salad.

 • Ask them to hold the cheese. You can eliminate a lot of fat just by leaving the cheese out of your dish.  

 • Choose fresh steamed or roasted vegetables instead of the usual fried options like french-fries, onion rings or potatoes.

 • Salads are another item that you should watch out for some restaurant salads could be more fattening than a greasy cheeseburger. Be aware of what is on the salad. Is it breaded and fried? Grilled would be a better choice.  

 • Sipping on a glass of lemon flavored water or cup of decaf coffee five or ten minutes before deciding on dessert will help your meal settle into your blood stream. Now, listen to your body. Do you want anything else to eat?