Most restaurants entree dishes are quite large therefore consider ordering from the entre menu as your main meal or ask for an entre size for your main. Try to avoid anything fried and perhaps opt for a soup or salad with chicken, lean beef or fish. Another option is to order a main dish and take the rest home to have the next day or even share the main course with a companion. You will automatically cut your calorie consumption in half by doing it this way.
Remember that there is no shame in asking for a doggy bag; after all you're the paying customer.
Don't Eat Garlic and Herb Breads.
Bread is a starchy carbohydrate and should be avoided at meal times particularly if you are trying to lose weight. Most garlic and herb breads are high in fat, the ones which you need to avoid, saturated and transient fat. Although they may be tasty, they are definitely not good for your health. These types of breads are usually made out of a white dough mixture and therefore much more likely to be highly refined and processed offering no or limited nutritional value. Another tip too if you have ordered pasta for your entre or main then you certainly don't need another carbohydrate.
Order dressings and sauces on the side.
Most take out places, cafes, bars and restaurants will oblige if you ask for your gravies, butter and other types of salad dressings to be served on the side of your plate. By doing this you are in control of just how much of the saturated fat and cholesterol you are consuming by just adding a little amount to your dish. Again you will be saving yourself from extra calories that you don't need.