| With the fast pace and competitiveness of | | | | grams of fat (75-percent fat). |
| American society, dining out is a way of life for | | | | Skip or limit the chile con queso dip. One cup has |
| many people. Americans eat out an average of | | | | about 529 calories and 31 grams of fat (53 |
| three to four meals a week. Unfortunately, in | | | | percent fat). |
| many cases, restaurant food often contains a lot | | | | Drink light beer or a wine spritzer instead of a |
| of fat, sugar and sodium for taste and | | | | margarita (90-100 calories versus 250 calories for |
| preservative value. It is possible, however, to eat | | | | the margarita). |
| healthy and choose wisely if you're skilled at | | | | Split orders and take home half in a doggie bag. |
| special ordering and knowledgeable about food | | | | Share the praline or sopapilla, if you must indulge. |
| preparation for different cuisines. | | | | Be aware of: tortilla shells, chorizo (Mexican |
| Tips: | | | | sausage), deep-fried, refried beans, "served over |
| Hold or limit guacamole and sour cream. Two | | | | chips, stuffed or covered with cheese or bacon," |
| tablespoons of guacamole has about 50 calories | | | | cheese sauce, queso, guacamole, sour cream, |
| and four grams of fat (72 percent fat) and two | | | | sauces (con queso). |
| tablespoons of sour cream have 45 calories and | | | | Go for: flour tortillas (2-3 grams fat), corn tortillas |
| five grams of fat (100 percent fat). | | | | (1 gram fat), soft tacos, marinated, simmered, |
| Hold or limit the chips. A typical basket of chips | | | | grilled chicken, shrimp, fish, pinto beans, Mexican |
| contains 1,040 calories and 43 percent fat. | | | | rice, black beans, hot peppers, served with salsa, |
| Hold the cheese or get it on the side. A one-inch | | | | covered with enchilada sauce, salsa verde with |
| cube of cheese has about 100 calories and eight | | | | tomato, lettuce, onion, mole, tomato. |