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When newspaper articles report on the high amount of fat in Chinese, Italian, and Mexican foods, you may think it's impossible to find a low-fat restaurant meal. Just as at home, though, healthy meals can be had by selecting low-fat options and avoiding the high-fat items.

• At Chinese restaurants, eat more rice and vegetables and less meat and sauce. Skip the fried appetizers and choose steamed dumplings or soup instead.
• At Italian restaurants, select pastas with tomato-based sauces instead of pastas topped with heavy cream and cheese sauces. Pick a salad (with dressing on the side) instead of garlic bread. 
• At Mexican restaurants, rice and beans, if not refried in fat, are a healthy part of your meal. Chicken soft tacos and fajitas are acceptable too. Skip the fried taco shells and taco salads, and limit your intake of sour cream, cheese, and guacamole.
• At fast-food restaurants, choose a plain burger over one with the works, and hold the cheese. Grilled chicken sandwiches are a good choice if not breaded. Try a salad bar instead of fries, but keep the portion reasonable and choose raw vegetables instead of prepared pasta or bean salads.