First Date Dining Tips for Sticking to Your Diet

As if first dates weren't nerve wrecking enough. Worrying about what to eat when on a dinner date can be stressful. You want to stick to your healthy way but want to avoid looking like a overly obsessed calorie counter. Don't bail on your date or give into unhealthy dishes, instead come prepared with these easy eating out tips.

If you happen to know where you're headed for dinner, study the menu beforehand as if you were studying for finals. Most menus are available online, so a little research can end up saving you a lot of calories. Calculate the calories on your own with enough time to make the smartest decision on date night.

Have a light healthy snack a an hour before the date. You don't want to feel full but by the time you arrive at the restaurant and actually have a seat at your table, it may be a few hours later. If you feel famished you may be more lenient to over order and thus over eat. A small snack high in protein can curb your appetite and keep you in control at the dinner table.

Request small substitutions in main dishes. don't ask the waiter to modify the chef's entire dish, but if you ask there might be a chance there is a whole wheat option for the pasta, grilled option for the battered fish, and the baked chicken with white meat instead of dark. You can also tell them to hold the cream sauce or any unnecessary side dish of carbs.

Unfortunately, half-portions are typically only available during lunch, but ordering an appetizer as the main course is always an option. If an appetizer doesn't seem filling enough, a soup or salad may be the perfect pairing without over indulging.

Be romantic and request to split a main course. Should the main dish not keep you both full you can always split dessert!