Do you realize how easy it is to make pizza at home. I prefer a vegitable pizza with part-skim mozzarella. Preferablly onions, peppers, garlic, and other fresh vegitables sauted in olive oil to soften them a little before going on the pie. When I cook with one of my friends we use fat free mozzarella for our cheese pizza and given time creating a sauce can be fun. Though when using fat free cheese it can be helpful to give the pie a LIGHT spray of olive oil to prevent over-cooking the cheese. Pizza dough is fairly easy. Warm water, yeast, 1 tsp sugar, 1 tsp salt, a little olive oil and flour. Mix water and yeast in a large bowl, let sit 5 Min. Add sugar then salt then olive oil and flour in that order. The oil allows for a softer crust when done. It should make a soft dough. Let sit in a warm place to rise, expect the dough to stick to the bowl a bit. I cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel to prevent it from drying out. Once it rises turn it out onto a floured surface to knead. Let it rest an hour. Then press it into an oiled pizza pan or strech it out and lay it onto a pizza pan. Top, cook and eat. Enjoy!

My personal thought on eating anything is: EAT IN MODERATION!!!
When my husband and I go out to eat, we amost always share a meal. Sometimes one of us might order an extra "small dinner salad" It's like cutting the meal in half plus saving money at the same time. It's a GREAT WAY to not overindulge.

Pizza Hut DOES spray some of their pizza crusts with a butter/garlic mix, but the fat and calorie content doesn't make the pizza that much worse for you than it already is. I worked there as well, and you can ask them not to use it if you prefer.

in case you get hungry in Tennessee. Love you!

Pizza Hut definitely does not "spray" their pizza; I worked there. Matter of fact, at the time I had roommates who never bought food at home, so I only ate at work. That was the smallest I've ever been (117 lbs.)! They do smear an oil/butter coating on the breadsticks, but most pizza places do. Don't eat breadsticks. Also, high fructose corn syrup is terrible for you. It's in A LOT of stuff, so be label conscious. And don't drink soda. At all.

I've never eaten Ruby Tuesday's Buffalo burger but have been told it's really good. For those of us meat eaters, isn't that low in fat and calories?

I've never eaten Ruby Tuesday's Buffalo burger but have been told it's really good. For those of us meat eaters, isn't that low in fat and calories?

DEAR ONES...

I LOVE MY DAILY COCKTAIL HOUR, YES..I LIKE MINE MARTINI OR TWO, AND I LL HAVE THAR MARLBORO, THANKS! SO I LIVE WITH PLEASURE, ITS WORTH IT...AND YES THAT STEAK WITH THE SOUR CREAM AND BAKED POTATO IS WUNDERFUL...AND I LL HAVE A PECAN PIE PLEASE..MAKE IT ALA MODE! I DUNT NEED NO GOVT TO SUPPORT MY HEALTH,,,I CAN TAKE CARE OF MYSELF ILL HAVE YOU ALL KNOW...I AM WELL OFF....I AM FULLY SELF RELIANT,. AND I DUNT APPRECIATE THAT MEMORIAL AT APPLEBEES COMMENT..I LL HAVE YOU KNOW....HOW CRASS!

I would like to say to the person who feels that everything made at applebees is out of a bag and microwaved, you have no idea. I worked there we do not microwave everything. as a matter of fact the only thing microwaved is our steamed Vegetables. look into your facts before you judge something next time thanks! by the way that waiter was obviously lying.

I don't do chains, i much prefer to support the creativity and service of our local eateries. Although there is no way to know the exact calorie count at these places. There are things you can do to keep the calories in check. Always, order dressing on the side with salads. Drink water or unsweetened tea with or after the meal. Sometimes the appetizers are the most interesting items, substitute one or two of these for those often over sized entrees. Order dishes which are heavy on vegetables or fruit. Avoid anyting fried. If you must have dessert see if anyone else at the table is willing to split it with you.

I am with Diet.com and we just launched a new text message service that is free - depending on your text messaging plan - that you can get nutrition info for menu items at restaurants... All you have to do is text message the restaurant name and menu item to the shortcode 34381 (Diet1) and within a minute you will receive info for that product. We just launched a few weeks ago and are getting some great response.... enjoy!

When I eat out, whether with my husband or girlfriends, we almost always split a meal. It's saves calories and money. If I cannot split, I immediately ask for a to-go box and put half the meal in it so I'm not tempted to eat everything on my plate. To reduce sodium when eating out I ask the kitchen to not season my food. When eating at Longhorn, the steak was so salty I could barely enjoy it. Now we ask for no seasoning and it comes out perfect and delicious. I find most restaurants are accomodating when it comes to giving you what you want.

Among the many comments I recall something about not using sour cream. I use plain yogurt,with no additives, drained overnight. I use it instead of cream cheese on bagels, and wherever sour cream is in a recipe.

In our area we have a Jason's Deli. Their food is really good and much of what they use is organic. They are also fat conscious in what they offer.

Get off the diet, and move your buns, and you wont have a problem, I eat pizza, burgers, and yes fried foods. I am 63 years old and weight 125. No I never take diet pills, I don't have thyroid problems, I just don't over eat, and drink lots, and lots of clean water. I do not eat canned foods, the preservatives in them slow the matabolism down. No I don't run 5 miles a day of even walk 5 miles a day. I just don't over eat.

Another comment about various restaurants mentioned here. Our local Ruby Tuesdays are GREAT--no "cleanliness" problems with the salad bar or otherwise--again, don't assume all Ruby Tuesdays are the same.

That restaurant is one of my favorites. I also like Applebee's and have had no problems there, ditto Chili's, although it's not as easy to find what I consider healthy food there. (They will give me, for instance, burgers without buns with no problems, which is a plus.)

I think most people here, including me, *usually* eat at home. That doesn't lessen our desire to occasionally eat out on something like a regular basis, and it *can* be done without blowing one's diet to smithereens. I think that's the point of this whole line of comment, so people popping up and saying things like "you should all be eating at home" seems unnecessary and somewhat arrogant to me.

Norma: I've eaten at Red Lobster pretty regularly over the years and NEVER had a problem with any of the seafood or fish not being fresh, so I DON'T think the salt is for preservation. It's just part of the seasoning. (BTW, NEVER get their seasoned veggies unless you like them drowned in pepper; I don't have a problem with the variety of veggies they give you, just the amount of pepper.) Bear in mind that different branches of the restaurant will do things different ways, so don't write them all off because of that one restaurant.

Vonnie: one doesn't *have* to have fried food when eating out--there are plenty of grilled/broiled options, as this article makes clear.

For the record, I have been through all the conventional wisdom-based, standard diet types and gotten nowhere weight loss-wise. I've developed a starch allergy and am now trying to follow a low carb diet. My big beef with restaurants right now is they dropped their low carb menus as if it was a fad, meanwhile there are people like me still following these diets and looking for low-carb options, NOT dropping it as a fad. Guess I'll just have to go on using my best judgement as to what's low-carb and what isn't. (I eat meat, dairy and lots of veggies.)

I would like to see the restaurants that offer low fat or weight watchers meals use smaller serving plates. The food is good, and it is usually enough to fill you up, but when it comes out on a full sized plate, it looks disappointingly small.

If you go to the OUTBACK STEAK HOUSE website you can get all the information you need....All sorts of diet restrictions listed...I hope this helps Kelly...I know that CalorieKing does not list everything..because I am a member...but have learned to search the websites on my own....

Re: your comments about Cheesecake Factory-We've given it many chances-but their food remains the worst in the restaurant business-no matter whether it's lo-cal or otherwise-they do an awful job of making it taste good. Do a study on Pei Wei sometime-their food is fantastic-especially their salads-but everything is good. It would be nice to know how healthy it is.

I enjoy Applebee's Steak and Portabello as well as their tilapia. I did discover that not all Applebee's are alike in that the quaity of the food depends on who cooks it. The restaurant will bring a new dish if the food is not cooked the way one likes it. When possible, they will remove any ingredient that the customer can't eat. I have also been able to exchange french fries for rice or vegetables

I agree with Bonnie about Ruby Tuesdays, I ate from the salad bar and all most at the bottom of my plate was a long black hair about 7" long, which wasn't mind since my hair is short and not black.
I told the manger and he was very up set. It appears someone making up the salads didn't wear a hair net.
Ginny

I agree with Bonnie about Ruby Tuesdays, I ate from the salad bar and all most at the bottom of my plate was a long black hair about 7" long, which wasn't mind since my hair is short and not black.
I told the manger and he was very up set. It appears someone making up the salads didn't wear a hair net.
Ginny

APPLEBEE'S IS THE MOST DISCUSTING FOOD EVER---CHILIE'S HOWEVER IS THE ONLY PLACE LISTED HERE THAT OFFERS VEGETARIAN MEAL...THEY HAVE OFF MENUE VEGGI MEALS ALSO IF YOU ASK YOUR SERVER--TRY THEM

My experience with the Applebees Weight Watchers menu has always been good. Contrary to your report they include WW points. As a WW lifetime member for five years, WW's point system measures fat, fiber and calories. Also, my neighborhood Applebees has its own kitche,

The Cheese Cake Factory is WAYYYY OVER RATED!
In my experience,
the large prawn I had were fishy and the salad tasted sandy. The waiters apron was completely dirty.

This is personally a pet-peeve of mine. Neither calorie-count.com nor calorieking.com have listed info for Outback. It makes me sick to think that we are paying these big biz to literally kill us. I would much rather make good informed choices.... let's face it we are all still very likely to go out to eat -- just give us the info & let us kill ourselves "our way". Great article, appreciate the info - keep them coming :-)

I'd like to see a more exstensive review of all of the big box restaurants like Outback, Cheddars etc...also some comments about Sushi would be appreciated by this reader. Great Job!

Stephen

anyone can go to www.calorie-count.com and get all the information you may need on just about any resturant wonderful website.

anyone can go to www.calorie-count.com and get all the information you may need on just about any resturant wonderful website.

I enjoyed reading everyone's comments and couldn't help sharing my experience. The article mentioned Red Lobster's grilled tilapia and "seasoned vegetables". I ordered that recently and found the vegetables were actually just a huge portion of only broccoli. I found the tilapia to be extremely salty so I tried eating it along with the broccoli only to find the broccoli had an extreme amount of salt AND pepper. The meal wasn't edible but I had ordered it to go on my way out of town. I contacted Red Lobster and let them know of my experience. I also asked if they salt the fish to preserve it, (thinking it probably wasn't fresh) but they didn't answer that question. They did, however, send me some free coupons to get another meal which I haven't used yet. I'm hoping that was just a fluke, not the usual but I have gotten baked fish at Luby's Cafeteria that's been too salty also. Does anyone know if my suspicions are accurate, that they do this to make it last longer?

The website below is an excellent resource if you're looking for ways to eat a healthier diet at restaurants.

http://www.healthydiningfinder.com/site/

Have any of you realized when eating out at most seafood restaurants you are getting farm-raised EVERYTHING! I always ask..if we all questioned maybe we could get the wild version. Good for us AND fishermen, shrimpers and lobstermen.

Have any of you realized when eating out at most seafood restaurants you are getting farm-raised EVERYTHING! I always ask..if we all questioned maybe we could get the wild version. Good for us AND fishermen, shrimpers and lobstermen.

Concerning APPLEBEE'S and MSG. My granddaughter worked at Applebee's for awhile a couple of year's ago. When my husband and I ate there one time, I wanted to change the way one of my veggies was served. The waitress said she couldn't change it. I asked my granddaughter why she couldn't change it, she said everything was prepackaged and they just heated it. This was a way of controlling portions.
As for the as the MSG...I used to have really bad headaches. I had allergery test run and found out I was allergic to it and this was actually causing my headaches. My allergery doctor said about 95% of the population is allergic to it to some degree. But most people just go ahead eat it and take some powerful pain pill to get rid of the headache. I never get a headache now unless I eat something with MSG. The new Campbell soup's made to cook with are delious, but as I found out accidently they are loaded with MSG. I usually read all my lables, but this time I guess I was hoping they had left it out of this new soup, since they had come out with healthier soups. Healthly Request does not have MSG. MSG is a flavor enhancer and is being blamed for all sorts of health problems from obesity to headaches. I guess the companies making headache medicine would just about go out of business if the government made the food companies quit using MSG.
So I would much rather cook at home and not have a headache than to eat out. I also have a big problem with cottonseed oil which a lot of businesses have taken out of their products.
I garden a lot so I don't have a weight or health problem and I will soon be 71 years old.

I saw a mention about McD's Happy Meal for $1.25... well, I don't know about that, but I do know that around here (and probably most places) they call Tuesdays 3-8 p.m. Family Night, and Happy Meals are $1.49. I'm not quite a senior citizen, but I buy one for myself, substitute apples for fries and get white milk instead of soda. You get a hamburger with the $1.49 meal. I think it's a good deal for the occasional night out.

From the UK
This correspondence is a fascinating insight into the eating culture in the US. We have a number of fast food chains here but nothing like your apparent selection. What we do have are ethnic takeaways - Chinese and fish and chips - horribly calorie laden. Outside of towns and cities - which here means large conurbations of 200,000 population and upwards, you would probably go to a pub, for a bite while travelling. Alas, ridiculously large portions have now become common here, and even the doggie bag is beginning to become more common.Usually you would not get the choice you seem to enjoy but it is easier to order from a more traditional menu of starters, mains and dessert. Anyone with a normal appetite could only put away one, or at most two courses. I find that the starter is often a good main course leaving room for a light dessert or cheese and biscuits. Eating out here is a treat for those on small incomes as prices are creeping up. Roast Sunday lunch is what packs the pubs at the weekend either from a carvery or a plated up helping of roast meat with vegetables and gravy served separately. This is enough to fill you up unless your stomach has been stretched by overeating. Alas, obesity is now a huge (sorry) problem here. There are numerous TV documentaries directed against the dangers of being overweight. The National Health Service is being rationed in some places where grossly obese people are not treated. This is a sort of cruelty, but what is more cruel is allowing free rein to expanding food cjains selling unhealthy food to mostly the ignorant and poor.

What about Logan's Roadhouse. We love to eat there all the time. The food is great. But im not sure what is best for me to eat?

Red Robin now lets you customize your meals on line to check out the nutrients before you go....Gives you calories, fats.etc.etc....I love doing that...Just go to their web site and play....

Beaglemom, Where did you get this rediculous info about spraying their pizza? Perhaps you saw them spraying garlic flavor on ONE of their menu items (which probably isn't there anymore). If youy want to avoid a heart attack pizza, don't have the Meatlovers pizza (from any pizzeria). On another note, the thin crust veggie pizza with (easy on sauce and cheese) is the best diet pizza you can have .... and it tastes great too!!!

I'd like to know where that lady gets a Happy Meal for $1.25!!!

Of the restaurants listed, I would choose Ruby Tuesday, specifically their salad bar. But pay attention to their cleanliness! When you walk, before deciding to eat there, go LOOK at the salad bar. If it's messy and the tomatoes, broc,etc look like yesterdays, get a salad off the menu. Salt, MSG,high fructose corn syrup are bad at home or ou. You just gotta be careful!

This is the kind of info that should be posted straight on the menu. If only we knew the calories and fat in what we were ordering right there at the restaurant, then we all would make the right choices.

When my family and I go out to McDonald's for a quick meal; I always order a Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad w/Low-Fat Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing.

The Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing has 3 grams of fat and 40 calories. Sometimes the employees accidentally give you the Caesar Dressing that goes with the salad. The Caesar Dressing has 18 grams of fat and 190 calories.

I always ask for a cup for water and have been doing this for my kids too and they don't seem to mind. Even my husband orders the Caesar Salad now, but he usually goes for the Caesar Dressing.

None of all this really matters. If you only eat out to these places between one to two times a year, then you are not going to get a heart attack by eating one fried onion. When was the last time I went to Big Dog's Nellis and ordered some chicken fingers and onion rings with a pitcher of beer and got smashed? I don't do it everyday, I'll tell you that. It really is a treat to go out and spend $10 on a plate, $12 for the pitcher and $5 for the tip.

trying to make healthy choices eating out at american franchise restaurants is just barking up the wrong tree, in my opinion. sure go there for a treat and enjoy it and make your choices but healthy living is to do with fresh fruit, vegetables, and lean protein; as little processed food as possible; no chemicals etc, i.e. water not soda, fresh air, exercise. that's when you get the vibrant body filled with energy that most people dream of but don't think is possible; they are too tempted to just go to the in and out burger on the way home, because they haven't learned the alternatives.

If restaurants are starting to serve smaller portions, I wonder if they will "serve" smaller prices. I doubt that. Better to take half home. There used to be a few diet restaurants around. Can't find them anymore. The California Pizza Kitchen serves a wonderful portabella mushroom vegetable sandwich. Also, what about Subway sandwiches? They have some interesting stories about people who have lost weight eating their sandwiches. They have all of their nutrients listed on their napkins.

If restaurants are starting to serve smaller portions, I wonder if they will "serve" smaller prices. I doubt that. Better to take half home. There used to be a few diet restaurants around. Can't find them anymore. The California Pizza Kitchen serves a wonderful portabella mushroom vegetable sandwich. Also, what about Subway sandwiches? They have some interesting stories about people who have lost weight eating their sandwiches. They have all of their nutrients listed on their napkins.

I'm glad TGI Fridays is listed, though regardless of how healthy their menu turns, I seriously doubt that it will be a place on my list of "let's eat there's" after going through a nice bout of serious food poisoning from dining there on chicken. It's prepped hours before use and has been known to sit in a nice little metal container on the counter for hours developing all kinds of nice bacteria. Yum!

One other thing. I've heard that veggie burgers have MSG in them. MSG doesn't have to be listed as such on the ingredient list. It can be labeled as something like "flavoring" or "seasoning" on an ingredient list. Vegetarians who eat lots of soy products, watch out, too.

Note that even the "healthiest" restaurants like Panera include high fructose corn syrup in foods like their tomato soup. You'll also find high fructose corn syrup (not sugar) in certain grocery store pasta sauces and even bread! Real sugar is a bit better for you. We can't be sure what we're eating anymore...

I've been getting info from REALAGE for a while & often put it in a folder"USEFUL INFO TO REVIEW".I read all the comments about eating healthy meals at fast food places.The only suggestion I can add is that most of those foods are high in fat,salt,& sugar because they add flavor.There are healthy choicesbut everyone has to educate him(her)self about food.I admit I eat too often at fast food places because there must be at least 6 within 5 minutes from where I work.But I'm working on it.

The salads would be better or grilled chicken than a burger but they have a pamphlet with cals. and fat sodium content on one or the other side of the counter.

HI - SOMETIMES WHILE CAUGHT HUNGRY ON THE ROAD, I'LL STOP AT A MCDONALDS AND ORDER A KIDS MEAL FOR $1.25. I GET THE SMALL PLAIN HAMBURGER WITH A SMALL MILK (SKIM IF THEY HAVE IT) AND GIVE THE FRENCH FRIES TO THE SEA GULLS.
I DON'T KNOW THE FAT OR CALORIE CONTENT THOUGH, OR IF I'M DOING THE WRONG THING.
BY: LYNN

I lost 60 pounds a couple of years ago and I did it while being on the road and eating in fast food and regular chains. You can eat in Cracker Barrel and make wise choices. You just have to use your brain and make smart choices.

Robin is right! Restaurants will do just about anything to make you happy about eating there. Pizza Hut will go so far as to not spray (fat) on your pizza. How many out there even knew that they spray their pizza after baking it? How many out there know that some breakfast serving restaurants add sugar to their orange juice?

When are these chain restaurants going to offer up some vegan options? It's a new world out there.

RUBY TUESDAY HAS A NICE SALAD BAR ALSO

My husband and I eat out once a week, that is our treat for staying lowfat and calorie conscientious all week. I did have the Key West shrimp at TGI yesterday it was very good.

great choice of comments about eatout fooods - thanks - ann

great choice of comments about eatout fooods - thanks - ann

I quit eating out in April 2007 when my Doctor told me to cut out the fried foods. I steam my fish and vegs. and I eat Buffalo meat instead of Beef. I have lost 40 lbs. and my doctor said I added 5 yrs. to my life.

I disagree with David about Vegans. I have been one about 18yrs. I just turned 74 yrs. old. Some good advice,don't drink with your meals,it dilutes your digestive juices that need to digest the food you are eating.Read everything or ask.

Thanks for the article, but why do people even need to be told? People know this stuff--they just pretend not to. The vast majority of chain customers think more food means better value. They play little mental games with themselves; "I'll only eat half and take the other half home for lunch tomorrow." The reality is that the more food they are served, the more food they will eat. As long as chains are rewarded by consumers for serving up ridiculously unhealthy fare, they will continue to do so. Don't blame the restaurants; look in the mirror folks. No one is holding a gun to your head to eat that stuff--and pulleeze! Do NOT try to pretend that when you order a pasta dish oozing alfredo sauce, or a Chinese chicken salad the size of basketball, that you "didn't realize" it was unhealthy!
Start taking responsibility for your lives!

I don't eat much in restaurants, as I worked in the buisness for 15 plus years. There is way too much fat, sodium, sugar and junk in restaurant food. I love to cook at home, I am in control of what we eat. There are so many great reasons to dine at home with the family. Try it!

dun't be so hard on Mary! She is comfortable with her weight and preferences, and that's a good thing. I'm obsessive about mine. feel like I've been watching my calories/carbs/fat forever. love to eat out, especially seafood. I cannot stand a "fishy smell" - didn't know it was because fish was not fresh! makes sense. Paying the price we must for seafood it ought to be perfect! where are the best restaurants to safely enjoy seafood?

Since nearly half the public are looking for healthy ways of earing, It would seem logical that more of the chain food stores would put more focus on providing a variety of health foods on their menues; I also think that it would be very profitable to come up with a system that simplifies the entire health food lifestyle; ...but then, who has time for common sense?

Quote from my Son who Worked
at Applebees..Yes they Do Cook
their Food.
Ask Any place to Illiminate
MSG before they cook it.
Ask Any place the Ingredients of your order, Before you order it.
Any Meals Unsattisfied CAN BE
Returned and Changed if You Ask .
Most people Don't Open Up more
when there dissapointed about something. You'll find they compromise more than you think.
Variety of places to eat makes
eating out more enjoyable too.

Just a tid bit to those worried that food may come from a bag. Inless your avoiding major franchise restaurants like Olive Garden, Chipotle, Applebees, etc. many menu items do come out of a bag so that they can A. bring you your food faster, and B. so that there is a consistancey between restaurants nationwide. As far as the microwave thing goes for the most part my understanding is that everything is still cooked and most paritiables are fresh, it's normally meats and pastas that have special seasonings and may take longer to prepare that are bagged. Also almost all restaurants allow dressing on the side if requested. If anyone is worried about things like these we microwave dinners at home and buy things in packages at the grocery store why would you assume restaurants are different? And if you want to eat healthier the best way to start is by making your own meals so that you can pay attention to the fat content and what is going into your food. Otherwise it is ones own choice to eat out and shouldn't complain about what their eating or how fattening it is inless they are actually eating at a restaurant designed specifically for health needs, such as certain vegan, vegitarian, and pro organic chains.

On the go Nancy - When eating salads out, be sure to ask for your dressing on the side. That is the one of the first things they teach you in WW. That way you only use what you want instead of what the restaurant "thinks" you need. It saves a good bit on cal's. Good luck!

Have you ever thought about eating RAW. it's healthy and wonderful, once you get use to it. We've been doing it for six months and are off all medications and lost 30 lbs each. Doctors say we are both very healthy!
Judi

Where do you people grow up?? Almost all places give you dressing on the side, if not ask for it...it's so simple. Almost every place that is fast food offers some sort of healthy option. You could get a chicken sand, just opt out on the cheese and bacon, opt out of the mayo, and you can eat fries. If you want to eat the "tastier" meals. Cut you portions in half and set it aside. You can still loose weight eating higher fat foods. Its portion control that people have a problem with. my friend lost weight on Macdonalds. He ate it at least once a week. he just ate happy meals. or subbed in a salad for fries. check out weight watchers if you have questions. they seem the best with creating a lifestyle rather than a diet.

To on the road Nancy, I am also a traveling artist and I would suggest to you to go to a grocery store while you are traveling. Every town has one. Most grocery stores have great deli sections or just buy some raw veggies. You can eat them raw and they are delicious! I travel to art shows almost every other weekend and have not eaten in a fast food restaurant for 3 years. Your health is more important than just eating the easiest thing you can find. Put a little effort into it!

Obviously, it is better to cook healthy meals and eat at home but that isn't always possible. I applaud restaurants for at least attempting to have some healthy options and encourage everyone to make it known to restaurants that customers want more healthy options. I have also started emailing restaurants that don't have their nutrition information posted on their web sites that this is something I would like to see. If enough people request it, perhaps they will start publishing the info. The best thing to do when eating out is go somewhere that has nutrition info so you know what you are eating. Otherwise it's easy to eat 1,000 plus calories in one sitting without even realizing it.

I agree with other comments here, one of my favorite fast food places is Wendy's, you can get a cheap relatively healthy meal there if you watch what you are doing. For example, a small chili and Caesar side salad with reduced fat ranch dressing weighs in at only 390 calories although a little high in fat at 19 grams, but it makes a great meal on the run. The nutrition info on their web site is one of the best I've seen since you can customize it down to the condiments. And they don't force you to get the dreaded fries with their combo meals.

Chipotle's burito bowl with extra veggies, extra chicken(hormone-free),mild salsa and lettuce with no rice and no beans can not be matched by any of your choices.

Throw away the salt. There is sodium in everything. You don't need to add it. But if you must, at least use sea salt. When going out to eat. I have found that I can't always get a smaller portion. When that happens I ask for a takeout container to come with my meal and split it immediately. If it is off your plate you won't overeat.

To the person that bashed Applebee's saying all food is microwaved and comes in bags, that waiter was pulling your leg. My son works for Applebee's and is an area director - started his career in the kitchen. I know first hand that is totally false. They definitely COOK their food. Don't believe everything you hear, folks!

Personally, I rarely eat out anymore as the fat/sodium is always high....even in salad dressings from places like Pappadeaux's.

I agree with Rita, the MSG in dishes from Applebees is pretty hefty. Better know if you are alergic to it or if you have high blood pressure problems like I do.
Note: Panara Bread will give you the dressing for your salads on the side so that you can decide for yourself how much you want on yor salad.

I agree with Rita, the MSG in dishes from Applebees is pretty hefty. Better know if you are alergic to it or if you have high blood pressure problems like I do.
Note: Panara Bread will give you the dressing for your salads on the side so that you can decide for yourself how much yo