Eating out means having options. You can choose which restaurant to go to, what to have to drink and what to order. You also have the option of eating healthy.

While a lot of restaurant fare comes in massive portions and is loaded with calories and fat, a few simple modifications can make eating out both healthy and enjoyable.

First thing’s first

Often, a restaurant meal starts with drinks and appetizers, which can pack in extra calories and fill you up faster. Judy Trumpy, program coordinator for ISU Dining and registered dietitian at Thielen Student Health Center, recommends limiting how much you have to drink with your meal.

If you decide to order an appetizer, choose something light to save room for the rest of the meal.

The main event

Trumpy said restaurant waitstaffs are coming to expect custom orders and substitutions more often. Take advantage of this – you can ask to substitute a whole-wheat bun for a white bun. When it comes to sides, think salads and vegetables, not fries or chips.

Another option is to order two appetizers or a side salad and soup as your main meal. To cut the calories, consider splitting an entrée with a fellow diner.

Trumpy recommends asking your waiter or waitress to only bring out half of your entrée and box up the other half to take home – that way you don’t have to feel bad about not cleaning your plate.

“It’s probably more than you need, but then you have leftovers,” said April Swartz, junior in communication studies.

When the food arrives, people usually see the food and feel they have to finish it.

“Most of the time, people’s attitude is ‘I’m going to get my money’s worth,'” Trumpy said.

By getting half to go, your stomach will thank you today and you’ll have lunch for tomorrow.

The finale

At the end of almost every meal, your waiter or waitress will ask if you’ve saved room for dessert. And the rich, tempting, sugary confections can sometimes push you over the top. But if you want to satisfy your sweet tooth, consider sharing a dessert within your party.

“Sometimes you can split [a dessert] between four people because it’s rich enough,” Trumpy said.

Check, please

It is possible to maintain healthy eating while dining out – all you need is a little know-how and a strategy. Eating out all the time might not be the best idea, even without considering the expense.

“Don’t eat out that frequently – maybe once every two weeks,” Trumpy said.

An occasional splurge is okay, too. The American Dietetic Association suggests eating smaller meals if you know you’re going to be dining out, but not skipping the day’s meals all together.