If you don’t want a plateful of hidden calories make sure you don’t get them by speaking up and clarifying what you want.

Here are some tips:

Give VERY specific instructions on how you want your food prepared.

Don’t be afraid to ask for no sauces and skip the “pre-made” salad dressings. Request olive oil and slices of limes or lemon instead.

Ask how things are prepared — it’s their job to answer your questions, you’re paying them to be an expert and deliver to you exactly what you want.