You might think that it's not possible to maintain a healthy diet when you eat out at restaurants. In many cases, you would be correct. However, you can still enjoy restaurants occasionally and maintain your healthy diet. You simply need to learn a little bit about nutrition, which will allow you to make the correct food choices to stay healthy, active, mentally stable and happy.

When you pick up the menu, start by skipping over the drinks section. Although you may be tempted to enjoy a beer or mixed beverage with your dinner, these usually have many empty calories, which is not good for your body. The exception to this rule when it comes to alcohol is wine, especially red wine, which can be fine if you have a single glass and can actually help prevent heart disease for some patients.

Also skip over the appetizer menu, unless it's a side salad. Most restaurant appetisers are high-fat foods, which can make you crave more of the same. Some examples are potato skins, nachos, mozzarella sticks and chicken wings. Instead, simply focus on your main course or, if you must indulge, share a single serving with the entire table of people.

You should carefully check the ingedients in the main dish you select Avoid anything with fatty meats or cream-based sauces, and don't order the onion rings, fries or baked potato. Instead order side dishes like vegetables or ask for just the main course when possible.

Remember too that portion control is everything. Order off the lunch menu whenever you can, and ask for a doggie bag right away. Split your meal in half from the start so that you are not tempted to eat the entire thing, which is usually enough for two or three portions.

After the meal, skip dessert. Again, you can share a single desert with the entire table if you feel compelled to order something, or split your portion in half. Bear in mind that the desserts served in restaurants may have more calories than the rest of the meal. Of course, on special occasions, it's alright to cheat a little, but overall healthy eating requires lots of resisting temptation around you.

Mike Devoran runs DietHealthFitness, where you'll find a wealth of information on healthy living.