A: Here are some time-tested strategies that have worked well for our clients that are on a weight loss program:

1) Substitute sides: Ask for healthier, lower calorie side dishes, such as steamed vegetables instead of French fries, or a side salad instead of a pasta bowl.

 
2) Choose lean meat and fish or skinless chicken as your entree instead of higher calorie cuts of meat.  Most restaurants will accommodate your request if you ask for a specific item.

3) Preparation style: Scan the menu to see how the entrees are prepared. Rather than having an entree that is fried, choose one that is broiled, baked, grilled, steamed, or poached.  

4) Remove temptation to snack prior to your meal.  Ask your waiter to send the bread bowl back.  

5) Use squeezed lemon juice or plain balsamic vinegar as salad dressing.  Refrain from drenching your salad with oil (Olive oil is healthy for you, but healthy does not automatically mean good for fat loss!).
 

6) For all you carb-lovers who just can't say no, choose baked, boiled or roasted potatoes (without butter or sour cream) rather than fried - you'll save significantly on calories.
 

7) For dessert, have fresh fruit or fruit sorbet, not cake, pie or ice cream.  (Check out Eugene's blog post on getting enough fruit)

8) Don't drink your calories - order a glass of ice water with lemon or lime.  The act of your body heating up the ice water will cause you to burn a few extra calories, to boot.

9) We all know avoiding alcohol is the way to go when maintaining a fat loss environment.  If you just HAVE to have a drink (or else you'll lose the account or something), go with red wine.  Polyphenols found in red wine have been shown to provide numerous benefits for longevity and cardiovascular health - hey, at least you're doing something healthy for yourself.

10) Control portions: Share an entree with a friend. Order a salad as your appetizer and an appetizer as your entree.  Don't feel compelled to finish everything on your plate, especially if your plate is bigger than your ass.

11) Use the Green Apple Trick from our book, Black Book of Secrets. 

12) Get OCD: when eating your food, do so in this order: veggies first, protein second, and carbs last.  One tends to overeat when carbs are consumed first or at the same time as the main meal.