At one time, having dinner on the town was a rare treat. Every few weeks, the entire family would jump in the car and drive to the local restaurant to "give mom a break". Times have changed. These days, restaurant food is an everyday fact of life for many busy people. We stop for burgers or salads at lunch time, and visit the drive-thru on the way home. Our non-stop lifestyles demand the instant meal gratification that only restaurants can deliver.

With our busy schedules, there's no doubt that fast food is a real time saver. But, is the time and trouble we're saving worth the toll on our bodies? You can use diligence and eat healthy when you're out on the town.

On the Side

You might think that ordering a salad is a great mealtime choice, but those rich dressing can really pack a calorie wallop. Ask for your salad dressing on the side, and use as much or as little as you wish. The same holds true for gravy and other sauces. If you absolutely must have gravy with your fries, at least you can have some control over your calorie intake.

Go for Grilled Goodness

Instead of settling for fried foods, ask that your meal be baked, grilled, broiled, poached, or steamed. These cooking methods use way less fat in the preparation and are usually much lower in calories. Grilling brings out so much of the natural flavor in meat, poultry, seafood and vegetables, that you won't need to drown them in sauces and butter. For even greater calorie savings, direct your server or chef to grill your foods without additional butter or oil. Your food will still taste delicious and only your hips will know the difference.

Healthy Pastabilities

It's OK to love pasta, but too many cream-based sauces can wreak havoc on your waistline. Pass the alfredo and choose a zesty tomato-based sauce instead. Tomato sauces are much lower in fat and calories, and can even be counted as a vegetable on your food wheel. Spices and a little cheese sprinkled on top will make a delicious meal.

A Toast to Your Health

When you're eating smart, it only makes sense to drink smart, too. Skip the beer and wine at lunch or dinner, and order a glass of water, milk or juice instead. Even coffee and tea are better options. Soft drinks? Not so smart. Even if your value meal comes with a glass of pop, you aren't obligated to take it. Instead, spend the extra 25 cents and get a carton of milk. Your bones, and your whole body, will thank you for it.

Start Smart

A little meal before your meal can be a great idea. Soups are sensational appetizers, as most are low in calories and take the edge off of your hunger before the main course arrives. Watch out for cream soups and chowders that are loaded with fat and calories. You can even eat two appetizers, a soup and salad perhaps, instead of one large main-course meal. You'll eat less and save money.

Sensible Sides

If you are offered a choice of side dishes, choose fresh vegetables or a baked potato instead of french fries. Baked potatoes are great side orders, provided they're not weighed down with butter, bacon, cheese, or sour cream. Ask for a side order of salsa to give your spud a healthy kick of flavor.

Don't Forget the Fiber

Fiber is so important to your healthy diet, so be sure to include servings of fruits and vegetables every day. These are essential sources of natural fiber that your body just can't do without. Ask your server for brown rice, whole grain bread and whole wheat pasta. Break all the bread you want, but hold the butter.

Know When to Say No

Stop eating when you feel full. Sound a little too obvious? Not for those people who insist on getting "their money's worth" from their restaurant meals. Heed your belly, and know when you've had enough. Go ahead and ask for a doggy bag. Half of tonight's pasta will make a fantastic lunch tomorrow.

Dessert, with Two Spoons

What's better than a sinfully delicious dessert? Half of it! If you're craving dessert, go for it -- then give half to your companion. Order that slice of caramel pecan cheesecake, with two spoons, please. Half the dessert equals half the calories. If you prefer, opt for sweet and sensible, like fruit salad or light and tasty sorbet.

You can make healthy choices when you're eating on the town. And, it's OK to treat yourself now and then. Special events and celebrations are perfectly suited to butter-laden lobsters. Every type of food has its place in a well-balanced diet, so don't deprive yourself of the foods you really love. Your time is precious, so go ahead and savor every moment of it.