Did you know that you could still enjoy your favorite restaurants and continue to lose weight, if you would just practice a few easy dining out tips? American restaurants bring in over 500 billion dollars in sales each year, according to the National Restaurant Association. Imagine how that figure would increase if international sales were added. Is it any wonder that people rarely cook at home anymore given our busy schedules, the rising cost of groceries, and hectic work schedules?

The growing obesity epidemic and other health-related issues don't seem to be keeping people out of restaurants, therefore we're going to have to learn how to make healthy choices when dining out. Just follow these quick and easy dining out tips to help you make wise choices and you will be successful on your fat loss journey.

The worst thing you can do is arrive at the restaurant famished. Don't starve yourself all day in anticipation of your night out. Eat on your regular schedule but eat light.

If your hunger is off the charts, eat a small salad before leaving home or eat a cup of soup before you order the rest of your meal.

Plan your meal out in your mind before going to the restaurant. You might not be familiar with their menu, but you'll be able to guess the basic choices. Go through step by step, from wine and appetizer to dessert, visualizing how you want the evening to unfold. When you sit down and look at the menu, remember your plan.

Split a meal with your dining companion or order an appetizer as your meal. Save money and have room for dessert. If that's not an option for you then eat half and carry the other half home.

Always order dressings and sauces on the side. You can dip your fork and get plenty of flavor and very few calories. Never order fried foods. Instead, ask for food that is roasted, broiled, or grilled. Understand that anything "breaded", "sauteed", "au gratin", "scalloped", or "creamed" is going to be high in fat. Know too, that foods described as "smoked", barbecued", or "teriyaki" are high in sodium.

Limiting yourself to one glass of wine is an excellent dining out tip. When you overindulge, your defenses are compromised. Share one dessert with the whole table, or skip dessert entirely!

Another dining out tip that makes a big difference in your weight loss success is to have the waiter hold the breadbasket or chip basket. If your tablemates want these items, then prepare yourself to be strong! Allow yourself no more than one unbuttered piece of bread or half dozen chips with salsa.

Remember that it takes your stomach 20 minutes to realize it has had enough, so slow down your eating process! Eat slowly and really enjoy each bite. Put down your fork and wait a minute between bites. Focus on the conversation instead of your food. Be aware of your hunger and stop eating when you're no longer hungry. Don't wait to be full!

At a buffet, use the salad-sized plates for your meal. Stay away from the salad bar with the exception of the fresh lettuce that you fix yourself. No creamy dressings! Don't load your salad up with croutons, sunflower seeds, and cheese. Add only vegetables or beans. The other "salads" are loaded with fat and calories. Stay away from them. Choose meat from the carving station and add some vegetables. Allow yourself one small dessert.