Going out to dinner to celebrate New Year’s Eve? The best way to eat healthy and still enjoy the foods you love is to consider some smart strategies before heading out. Why? According to a recent study by the American College of Cardiology, most people consume an additional 500 calories when dining out. If you’re following the South Beach Diet, you already know this healthy lifestyle doesn’t stress counting calories; however, calories do count. Here are easy ways to avoid overeating when dining out.

1. Just say no to the bread basket.
   If it’s not in front of you, you’re less likely to grab a piece of bread and eat it out of habit. Moreover, eating highly processed foods and refined carbs, such as white bread, white rice, and white tortilla wraps, can cause your blood-sugar levels to spike, and thus make you hungrier. If the restaurant offers a variety of bread in the basket, and you’re not on Phase 1, then go for the whole-grain roll. Or ask for vegetable soup or a side salad instead.

2. Load up on veggies.
   While most restaurant meals include a side of potatoes or rice, you could substitute a side of steamed vegetables or a small salad to complement your dinner instead. Why? Filling up on vegetables curbs your hunger by delaying the absorption of glucose into your bloodstream.

3. Stick to lean protein.
   Not only does eating lean protein allow you to maintain muscle mass during weight loss, but it also helps curb cravings and keep you feeling fuller, longer. The best lean beef choices are ground sirloin, beef tenderloin, top loin, top round, and flank steak. Other lean protein choices include skinless turkey and chicken breast, pork loin, and fish and shellfish.

4. Consider your beverages.
   Skip the mixed drink or cocktail and order a nonalcoholic beverage, such as water, club soda with a twist, diet soda, or unsweetened iced tea. You can have a glass of red or white wine with dinner if you’re on Phase 2.

5. Enjoy a decadent dessert.
   You can enjoy dessert during all Phases of the South Beach Diet. If you’re on Phase 1, wait to get home to enjoy your ricotta crème or another Phase 1 dessert. However, if you’re on Phase 2 or 3, you can enjoy a restaurant dessert now and then. Simply employ the South Beach Diet "3-Bite Rule": Order the dessert that is tantalizing you — along with enough forks for your tablemates. Then, savor a few bites and pass the plate to your fellow diners. You’ll soon see that enjoying just three bites of a delicious dessert can satisfy your sweet tooth.