To everybody who has actually lost weight, HELP.

Order what you want...eat half...take the rest home for another meal. I did that when my husband and I went to Olive Garden for our anniversary dinner. It fit into my allowance and I got a great meal the next day too. (Oh yeah, and I ordered the salad plain w/o dressing, cheese, or croutons...brought my apple cider vinegar from home!)

I look at the menu for the restaurant and then put what I am going to eat before I go. That way, I don't go over on calories.

^this - plus just because I get a fat @ss cheeseburger and fries doesn't mean I have to eat the whole thing. I usually ask the server to bring me a carryout box when my meal comes and divide it before I ever start eating if it is something that is crazy high in calories. That way I still get to enjoy all the stuff I like but I don't over do it.

Also, if I know I'm going to be going out and eating/drinking a lot I compensate with my workout that day or the day after.

This too! I haven't gone over on calories since I started in January and it it totally due to exercising more or watching the rest of the daily calorie intake for the days I want to eat bad.

ask for grilled chicken breast and broccoli

I plan my days ahead of time. This makes it MUCH easier to say "no". My mom would call and say "hey, we're having this (going there) for dinner, want to come?" and I'd say "No thanks, I already put it my dinner for the day." She understood. I would (will) however, go out every once in awhile. Do not deprive yourself. You will end up HATING your diet and when you go off the deep end, it will probably be bad. Treat yourself. When I first started I would have ONE cheat meal (MEAL, not day) a week. This kept my cravings down and helped me stay on track. Now (7 months and counting) I don't have cheat meals once a week, it's more like once a month (if that). I just don't crave those things anymore, and to be honest, eating out (or eating bad foods) really upsets my stomach. But I understand that's probably more difficult for you if your family likes to eat out often. Have you tried maybe suggesting having a family dinner at home? Maybe a potluck type deal? This might also help with your diet. I have been consistantly tracking since the first of the year and I have lost a total of 13lbs (give or take) and two pant sizes. I am 14lbs (and two pants sizes) away from my goal weight and if you need encouragment/motivation feel free to add me. Best of luck with your situation. Let me say, it gets easier, much MUCH easier. I hardly think about eating out or fast food anymore, when 6-7 months ago, that's all I ate.

I haven't seen this here yet, but eat before you go out to dinner.....yes I said eat. If you go to the restaurant really hungry, your diet will go out the window. If you eat something like a piece of fruit or some nuts, it will cut down that feeling that you want to eat everything. And then when you go, ask for a container when you order your meal. When the meal is served, cut it in half and take the other half home for the next day.

I research the menu ahead of time. Then order the "good" food.

I look at the menu for the restaurant and then put what I am going to eat before I go. That way, I don't go over on calories.

This.

Me too!! I plan ahead of time, I don't even open the menu, then I'm not tempted. I know what I'm going to order and make sure it fits in my calorie count for the day. I eat out alot especially during the summer. Went to Don Pablo's yesterday, took 1/2 my meal home for lunch today.

Yes, sometimes I always take home half of my meal, or tell them to bring me a half order, that way I am not tempted. Sometimes I avoid eating out just for this reason, though that is not an option for you really.

When you order, ask for half the order in a box, or share your meal with someone. This works out well when you have a friend who is also on a diet.

Drink a lot of water or unsweetened tea.

Eat before you go.

Don't get appetizers or desserts, or if you do, get them for the whole table.

For family style dinners, get only a small piece for round 1, and wait until everyone has finished their piece before even contemplating seconds. (This works really well with my dad, because he is an EXTREMELY slow eater.

When you do order, order unbreaded, baked or grilled, sauceless varieties of food.

Watch the bread basket.

I look at the menu for the restaurant and then put what I am going to eat before I go. That way, I don't go over on calories.

I do this too. And get sauces on the side, and even though it is SO HARD SOMETIMES...make a point to eat half, and take half home. You would be AMAZED on how spendy the calories are in things you *think* might be healthier options. And drink TONS of water. Drinking booze is too expensive; you're saving money just doing it at home. Unless someone is buying you drinks, then opt for *shudder* LIGHT beer.

I ate a turkey burger at Ruby Tuesdays, sans bacon and cheese, and it was friggin 700 calories! FOR A TURKEY BURGER. Oh well, still better than a beef burger.

I just tell myself that I've come so far and I don't want to have to lose the same pounds again when I could be losing additional pounds. I go out with my family, I have informed them of my goals and they are very helpful. I go to a restaurant and want a big burger.... but then my mom will say.... "hmmmm.... watch those calories", and that pretty much gets me back on track. Then I go for something more nutritious. I end up feeling better about my decision in the end. I have a goal and every time I slip up I know I am delaying that goal. I started 5/27/12 at 224 lbs. I've lost 17 pounds. I weigh 207 and my goal is to be 190 by August 3. It may seem a bit unrealistic, but if I can get anywhere near that I will be so happy. MFP has helped me out in so many ways and I would recommend it to anyone that is trying to become healthy.