Good low-cal restaurants?

Hey, I haven't decided where I'm going for dinner tonight so I need your advice on low calorie restaurants. Some place where I can order more than a salad. Any ideas?

Nope, and in some cases the salads can have more calories than a regular entree.

Sadly enough, fast-food restaurants are the only places with nutritional info readily available.

Portion control is key. If it looks like too much food, it probably is. Just eat half if you think it's too much.

Applebee's has a weight watcher's menue.

Sadly enough, fast-food restaurants are the only places with nutritional info readily available.

I'm sorry, but I don't agree. A lot of restaurants have nutritional information, just look it up. I wouldn't let my dog eat the crap they serve at fast food restaurants. Ew.

I love Chilis. The Guiltless Grill options are great -- I love the chicken with rice and the salmon with veggies. So good!

A number of chain restaurants also have nutritional information posted.

Even if you don't have that for the restaurant you decide to go to, it can help if you look at the menu before you arrive. Fettucine alfredo is going to be worse than grilled salmon, other things being equal.

You can also order an appetizer to be served at the same time as everyone else's entree instead of an entree

Or if you have an accomodating dining companion, split an entree.

Some waiters/waitresses can be very accomodating, so you might be able to talk the waiter into substitutions. For example:

• Substitute something like tomatoes or steamed broccoli for french fries
• Order smaller meals from the children's or seniors' menu
• Get sauces/dressings on the side (or not at all)

So don't be afraid to ask for what you want. Of course, tip very well for good service. If you like the food and they accomodate you, they will very likely knock themselves out if you become a regular who is known as a good tipper.

Works for me!

I love the "skinny chicken" dish at Macaroni Grill.  It's just glazed grilled chicken, spinach and a tomato with feta and really yum for only about ten bucks.

I love tilapia at Red Lobster! A half portion is huge, get a baked potato with nothing on it, and vegetables no seasoning/butter, and you get an amazing meal! : D

PF Chang's posts their nutritionals on line.  The Singapore Street Noodles and the Cantonese Scallops are both good options (hope I got the names of the dishes right...check online).  Just watch your intake of the brown rice.

Anybody know if Macaroni Grille still offers grilled asparagus or other veggies in place of the pasta?

The Weight Watchers choices at Applebee's are so good I feel guilty eating them.  Hard to belive that the calories are as low as they say.  Love the steak and shrimp skewers.  Yum.

Panera.  Lots of choices and all their nutritional info is available.

www.healthydiningfinder.com might help