Most of us eat out from time to time. This includes fit celebrities and fitness professionals. It absolutely can be done. There's good news and bad news. The good news is you can eat out at most restaurants, but you still can't eat fast food and you still can't eat whatever you want. There are some important rules to follow for proper restaurant dining on a diet.

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• Propose Your Own Restaurant
  
  There are so many occasions like birthdays, holidays, promotions, anything celebratory that just require food. Restaurants are the easiest places to meet for dates, the list goes on. You won't always have a say in where you go, but if you do, go online and look for the healthiest restaurants in your area. Then, if you can, propose that you guys meet up there. You don't have to say why. Just say you heard it's really great.
  
  
• Pick Your Meal ahead of Time
  
  Whether you choose the restaurant or not, it is always wise to research the menu ahead of time. Familiarize yourself with it so you won't be caught by surprise with something new and delicious you weren't expecting to have to turn down. Go ahead and read the dessert section thoroughly, know about any specials they may be having, and appetizers because you can bet your friends will be ordering one. Just be ready, you'll be fine. Pick what you're going to order, something that works well with your diet, and just pretend to glance at the menu. If you don't know if it's "okay" just go with old faithful, the grilled chicken salad with light dressing on the side, and hold the cheese and croutons.
  
  
• The Pre-Game
  
  Before you go, eat something light. A big salad will do, or some cucumbers - anything low in calories that will fill you up. Veggies are perfect because they are high in fiber which makes you feel full. Don't fall into the trap of eating less throughout the day to save room for dinner. That's the last thing you want to do. Eat regularly and drink lots and lots of water so you won't be super hungry when you get there. Then, at dinner, stop when you're full, even if there's food left on your plate.