2. Choose wisely: These days, most restaurants offer meals that fit your meal plan, but it's important to do your research. Select a restaurant that offers a variety of food choices and request a faxed menu in advance, so you can choose what you'll eat and won't be tempted by higher-fat options when you arrive.

3. Get prepped: Think baked, broiled, grilled, poached or stir-fried. Avoid fried and breaded items as well as those smothered in rich sauces, dressings or oils. Don't be afraid to ask how things are prepared-and request that it's made the way you like it...please.

4. Skip it: Many restaurants offer baskets of bread, Chinese noodles and tortilla chips before you've even ordered, but you don't have to eat it just because it's there. Keep your plan in mind: If it calls for three servings of starch at dinner, enjoy one roll plus a baked potato or 10 to 15 corn chips and two medium-size tortillas. Another good rule of thumb: If the bread isn't good enough without butter, why bother?

5. Exercise restaurant rights: Request vegetables and entrees without butter, margarine or oil and ask for sauces and dressings "on the side." You don't have to avoid all fat, but you want to be in control.

6. Learn the lingo: Steer clear of the following pseudonyms for fattening: "au gratin" (with cheese), Stroganoff, stuffed, creamy, crispy and crunchy. When you see dishes described with these terms, there's a good chance that they'll be high in fat and calories.

7. Veg out: By all means, order as many vegetables as you like-but watch out for oily dressings and sauces. Skip the bacon, cheese, cold cuts, olives and seeds on salads, too. Stick with low-fat salad dressing on the side, or drizzle on olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

8. Pay attention to portions: Most restaurants serve single portions that will feed two…or three! Share an entrée with your dining companion or order an appetizer portion, and begin with a salad or soup. Or, split your meal in half and request a "doggie" bag so you can enjoy the other half for lunch or dinner the next day.

9. End sweetly: If you must have dessert, fresh fruit, sorbet and sherbets are lower in fat and a lighter alternative to rich cakes and ice cream.

10. Enjoy the experience! Let's face it, it's wonderful to be served, and even nicer when someone else cleans up! Savor the experience-eat slowly and enjoy your meal without guilt, knowing you haven't overindulged.