Meals on the town used to be a treat. Once a month, the family would pile in the car to "give mom a break" and gather at a local restaurant. These days, however, restaurant food is an everyday fact of life for many of us. It's easy to grab a pizza or bucket of chicken on the way home from work, and picking up a sandwich at lunchtime is certainly faster than packing one in the morning.

There's no doubt that fast food can be a real boon to our busy schedules. Still, we need to wonder if all of this convenience is taking a toll on our health. Is it possible to eat restaurant food, and stay on a healthy course?

Greens Means Go

You can't deny that greens and other fresh vegetables are a great diet choice. But, did you know that you may not necessarily be doing your body a favor when you order that salad for lunch or dinner? If you have rich dressing on your salad, you're taking a real calorie wallop. Choose low-fat dressing, or take the dressing on the side. Then, use as little as necessary. This same rule works for other sauces too, so try it next time you order your fries with gravy.

Go for Grilled Goodness

Don't settle for fried foods, when meats and veggies are even more delicious grilled, baked, broiled, poached and steamed. These cooking methods use little fat or no fat at all, so the foods are much lower in calories. Grilling brings out the natural flavors in meat, poultry, seafood and vegetables, so you won't need to drown them in sauces and butter. To save even more fat and calories, ask your server or chef to grill your foods without additional butter or oil. Your food will taste delicious and only your hips will know the difference.

It Is Pastable to Eat Healthy

Think you can't incorporate your love of pasta with your healthy diet? Think again. You can eat pasta, so long as you stay away from those rich, cream-based sauces. Try a zesty fresh tomato-based sauce, instead of a rich alfredo sauce that will wreak havoc on your waistline. Tomato sauces are light, low-fat ways to bring your pastas to life, and will add a vegetable count to your food wheel. Add a sprinkling of cheese and spices for a truly delicious meal.

A Toast to Your Health

When you're eating smart, it only makes sense to drink smart, too. Skip the beer and wine at lunch or dinner, and order a glass of water, milk or juice instead. Even coffee and tea are better options. Soft drinks? Not so smart. Even if your value meal comes with a glass of pop, you aren't obligated to take it. Instead, spend the extra 25 cents and get a carton of milk. Your bones, and your whole body, will thank you for it.

Start Smart

Having a little meal before your meal can be a great idea. Soup is particularly good as an appetizer, as most are low in calories and tend to fill you up before the main course arrives. Watch out for cream soups and chowders that are loaded with fat and calories. If you're looking to eat less, order two appetizers, like a soup and side salad, instead of a big main course meal. You'll eat less and will likely save money at the same time.

Smarts on the Side

When given the option, take a baked potato, rice or better yet, vegetables instead of French fries. Baked potatoes are filling and low in fat, as long as you skip the butter and sour cream. Give you spud a little extra spunk with a scoop of salsa.

Don't Forget the Fiber

Base your meal choice on dishes that use fruits and vegetables as key ingredients. These are essential sources of dietary fiber that your body just can't do without. Ask for whole wheat bread and pasta, and brown rice instead of white. Speaking of bread, feel free to have a slice, but skip the butter and oils.

Know When to Say No

When you are full, stop eating. This may seem obvious, but many people insist on getting their 'money's worth' out of a restaurant meal. Listen to your body and know when you've had enough. You can always ask to take the remainder home. After all, half of tonight's pasta will make a great lunch tomorrow.

Dessert, with Two Spoons

What's better than a devastatingly delicious dessert? Half of one! Go ahead and give in to your dessert craving, and then give half of it to your companion. That caramel pecan cheesecake will be every bit as delicious when you share it with a friend, and you'll only be getting half the calories. If sweet and sensible is more your style, order a fruit salad, yogurt, or sorbet for dessert.

You can make healthy choices when you're eating on the town. And, it's OK to treat yourself now and then. Special events and celebrations are perfectly suited to butter-laden lobsters. Every type of food has its place in a well-balanced diet, so don't deprive yourself of the foods you really love. Your time is precious, so go ahead and savor every moment of it.

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Columnist Kenneth Surr is an author for a variety of web sites, on healthy eating and healthy diet issues.