Your question was: Dining out tips during Nutrisystem diet?.

That would depend on what you are tempted by! I can't go anywhere they give you free chips and salsa. I recommend anywhere you can find that has info online so that you can plan ahead of time what you are going to have. That way you can enjoy your birthday time with your husband without regretting later. Most chain places have nutrition info online...

Meal planner is great too- go to the back and has tons of suggestions. Just remember small portions. I check out restaurant menus online- or ask when get there. IHOP- the waitress looked up crepes for me online and gave me nutritional values. Be easy on yourself too- may not follow it to a T- but we all need to try the best we can. Enjoy yourself and keep it simple...

If you pick out the restaurant before-hand, you can check out their menu on-line and pick out your meal. Remember, most restaurant servings are for 2 not one, so take keep that in mind. When your meal comes, right away ask for a take home container and divide up your food. Also, don't be tempted to think that your safe with a salad. Most restaurant salads and especially the dressing can be high in calories. A lot of folks will eat a N.S.

That way, you can dip your salad fork into the dressing to control calories...

I usually get the non breaded grilled fish and a salad with no dressing or I have also taken my own homemade dressing, Nancy..

Firstly, Happy Birthday to you!.

I agree with Jean that the key is planning ahead. You can definitely find online menus and oftentimes nutritional guides for chain restaurants. If you can't find a menu beforehand, you could do a few different things. Eat your entree at home first so you are not so hungy and then just get a salad or veggies. I went to Outback a few weeks ago and they had some items they would "Lighten up". My friend and I both ordered the salmon, I ordered the lighten up and she ordered regular.

The veggies you could tell - no butter or oil, just steamed. So you could always ask for them without butter or oil..

Good luck and I hope you have a great night out with your husband sans kids!!..

Happy Birthday! Of course you should go out..

I avoided going out at first, too but then I realized I can't put my life on hold while I'm losing weight or Ill just gain it all back again when I'm done. Most restaurants have garden salad and shrimp cocktail, which is what I usually order and eat my Nutrisystem meal either before we go or after we get home depending on the timing...