In today's fast paced world, more people eat outside their homes. It is suggested 40 percent of their household budget is spent eating in resturants.

While many resturants are packed with high calorie, high fat, large portion menu items, there are is no reason dining out has to be a dietary disaster.

Here are some dining out tips that will help you meet your low fat needs.

1. Look for menus that display the American Heart Association heart symbol. Theses items are heart healthy. Guaranteed to be low in fat and cholesterol.

2. Make requests, many resturants will eliminate salt, cook without fat, cut back on eggs, cheese and whole milk.

3. Skip all you can eat buffets. Order a'la carte, since full course specials promote overeating, and tend to be high in fat and calories.

4. Avoid Fried Foods. Opt out of appetizers, go for a beverage instead. Tea, lemonade, or water. A slice of whole grain bread.

5. Savor some soup. Try vegatable. broth based soups are best. Cream and meat soups are usually high in fat.

6. Pasta is a good choice, if it is served with tomato or another low fat sauce, avoid creamy high fat sauces.

7. When choosing a dessert, make the portion small. A fruit based, or frozen sorbet, yogurt, or non fat pudding are good choices.

Many resturants serve extra large portions. If dining with others consider splitting your meal with another person. Otherwise eat half of what is served and take home the rest for later.

These are just a few tips to remember when eating out.

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