Dining out? Watch those portions!

The portions served at restaurants are often too big for one person, so it's a good idea to split entrees or take half the meal home.
You can even put half the entree in a takeout container at the beginning of the meal so you're not tempted to eat it.

That was the advice of several of the 126 registered dietitians who responded to USA TODAY's recent survey on diet and exercise habits.

Here are some of their other recommendations for sticking with your eating plan when dining out:

•Choose your restaurants with care. Know the nutrition facts of the foods at places where you go frequently.

•Don't go out famished or you're more likely to overeat. Enjoy a piece of fruit or a small yogurt a half-hour before you go out.

•Ask the server not to bring the bread basket to the table.

•Don't drink your calories. Order no-calorie or low-calorie drinks.

•Order salad dressings and sauces on the side. Try the "dip and stab" method. Dip a fork in a cup of dressing, then spear your salad ingredients.

•Consider a healthful salad with light dressing or grilled chicken sandwich or the smallest-sized sandwiches with a side salad at fast-food restaurants. Don't supersize your order.