#132 break the rules

THERE isn't a law that says you have to order an entrée every time you eat out. Don't take my word for it - look it up!

I'M BEING a little silly here, by most of the people I know are under the impression that eating out requires ordering selections from the appetizer, entrée, and dessert sections of the menu.

Okay, if you're ordering from a fixed-price menu, your liberties may be abridged somewhat. But most of the time, you really of have freedom of choice. The next time you go out to eat, ask yourself, "Am I really so hungry that I need to order every course? For that matter, do I really want the entrée?"

Listen to your appetite. Maybe your hunger will be amply satisfied if you only get a dinner salad. Or soup and bread. Or even an appetizer alone, assuming the appetizers are fairly large. Don't feel coerced into ordering more than you want. you're the customer, which means that you're calling the shots. Let anarchy reign!

BOTTOM LINE: Lose 4-20 pounds

When I eat out, I might get a side order of steamed shrimp, accompanied by a salad on the side. This order will supply about 250 fewer calories than the entrée with all the fixings. Even if you only eat out once a week, that could add up to 4 lost pounds a year!