Remember the scene in “When Harry Met Sally” when Sally ordered at a restaurant and had so many lengthy particulars with the server about her dish and how it would be prepared (dressing on the side, etc.)…that it was considered one of the landmark funny scenes of the movie? That scene really scarred me from being picky at a restaurant or asking too many questions…not wanting to seem like that kind of girl.

Well you know what? It’s my right to have things prepared as I like (within reason). And if you don’t ask, you don’t get.

So now I’ve started being a bit bolder–not a jerk, just careful. When I order Thai food I make sure to ask that no oil is used (tastes about the same really!). When I order pasta, I ask if the noodles are basted in olive oil before they are covered in sauce…if the answer is yes, I ask them to not baste them in the oil. Dressings are always on the side. Sauteed dishes don’t need all that butter so you ask for less. You know…no one really cares.

So take control of situations that you think may be out of control. ”Oh, I’m eating out so my diet is ruined” no longer flies. You can eat healthily or reasonably all the time…you just need to ask.