Healthy eating shouldn't ruin all the fun. If your friends or family members are headed out to eat, don't be afraid to join them. You can enjoy an evening out while sticking to your nutritional goals. Take it from us; use these dining tips for the dieting.

Drink Water while waiting on your food; it will fill your stomach and keep you from overeating when your food arrives. It will also keep you from dehydration, which is often mistaken for hunger.

Do Research before leaving the house. Know what is on the menu, and don’t be afraid to call ahead to find out how dishes are prepared. Most restaurants are willing to answer your questions to secure return customers!

Don’t Waste your calories! Refrain from the less important foods. You spend time and money picking the meal you want to eat when you dine out. Don’t ruin it by filling up on chips or bread before the meal. Want a calorie-rich drink? Fine, but limit yourself in other areas if your drink is that important to you. Remember: not all drinks are created equal. If you refrain from the extras, you will be free to enjoy your meal.

Split a Meal. Either order a reasonable portion, or splurge on a large one – but consider splitting it with a friend or having half of it bagged “to go” before it even reaches the table.

Beginning, Middle, End. Every meal has an ending. Before you begin eating, look at your plate and decide how much of it you are going to eat. Decide if the sides are worth it or not. Decide if the portions are too big or small. When you have reached your “quota,” push your plate away. Douse your plate with sugar or another spice that ruins the taste, or simply ask the waiter to take it from the table.