Eat Out for Less (Calories!)

Take those new calorie counts provided by resturants with a grain of salt. Turns out that some tallies underestimate how many calories you're getting by an average of 18%, a recent study shows, mostly due to cooks who accidentally deviate from recipes. Here, six simple tricks to keep your personal intake in check:

1. Make a Split Decision
> Sharing an entree is smart because most portionsare two to three times as big as they should be. Or try the "one fewer" trick, for four people, order three dishes and a side salad - and split everything.

2. Downsize Your Plate
> Order an appetizer, soup, and/or salad as your main dish. Taking just a few bites of serveral different flavors helps you feel satisfied.

3. Grill Your Waiter (I am famous for this)
> Ask him if sides are included in the total calorie count. If not, be sure to factor them in. "Many times we found that side dishes had more calories than the actual entree.

4. Go Two-Fisted
> Try drinking a full glass of water between glasses of wine. the water fills you up and will cut down on how many 120-calorie glasses of wine you drink.

5. Cut the Grease
> Instead of sauteed foods, opt for grilled sautees like stir-fried dishes or chicken cacciatore are calorie traps because the recipes require lots of oil, which chefs may use liberally. "When it's 120 calories per tablespoon, it matters!"

6. Be a Prima Donna
> If the food isn't good, kindly send it back. "Minding calories is like managing money". If the entree is fine, but you know the dessert rocks, just poke at the penne so you can enjoy the tiramisu later!