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Pasta is one of the main sources of carbohydrates at an Italian restaurant. If you are trying to limit your consumption of carbohydrates, be sure to avoid it. This will help your meal be more balanced.  Ask for grilled or steamed vegetables instead. Order high-protein appetizers to reduce hunger. Eating bread is a very common way people ruin their appetite for healthier options. Garlic bread, breadsticks, and garlic knots are all filled with unneeded calories, and are pure filler.  Look for bruschetta (tomato, fresh basil, garlic, and olive oil atop pieces of lightly toasted bread). Try vegetable appetizers, such as a house salad, roasted peppers and mushrooms, artichokes, or Brussels sprouts. Ask your waiter not to bring out the bread. Thin crusts have far less carbohydrates, sugars, and fats. Ordering a thin crust is a way to help balance out the nutrients in your meal. Make sure to limit yourself to no more than 2 slices of pizza, no matter what type of crust you get. These foods tend to lack nutritional value. Look for fresh fruit desserts instead that will provide that little bit of sweetness without going overboard.  Order Macedonia. It’s an Italian fruit salad made with fresh seasonal fruits, mint, and a bit of fresh lemon juice. It’s refreshing, delicious, and won’t weigh you down.  Finish your meal with a cool and cleansing Italian ice. It’s made with a bit of sugar, ice, and comes in many different flavors. Ask your server what’s available, and which has the least amount of sugar. It is okay to indulge now and then, but having a large portion of a heavy dessert is unhealthy. Instead, ask someone (or a couple of people) to split dessert with you. That will prevent you from consuming too much of it.   For example, if you want to try the tiramisu in a favorite Italian restaurant, ask someone in your group if they want to share it with you. You could even order a couple of desserts for your whole table to share and request extra spoons or forks so everyone can have a few bites of each item. Sipping on an espresso after a well-enjoyed meal is a great way to rebound from your dinner. It will help you leave the table feeling invigorated and ready to go about your day.  Don't add sugar. Add a biscotti on the side. You’ve worked so hard to stay healthy during your meal. Reward yourself with this delicious, crunchy treat. After all, rewarding yourself reinforces positive behaviors.
Watch out for too much pasta. Start your meal by limiting your bread intake. Get the thinnest and crispiest crust you can when ordering pizza. Avoid high-carb desserts like tiramisu or panna cotta. Split a heavier dessert with a friend. Order an espresso instead of a dessert.