Overcome Six Diet Mistakes

Diet Mistake #2 

You can't remember the last time you used the oven.

If you eat out a lot or rarely cook at home, you're jeopardizing your weight loss. Even if you think you eat healthfully at restaurants, a couple of big things work against your best efforts.

"First of all, the portions are just too large at restaurants," Keri Gans, M.S., R.D., CDN, says. You're probably consuming twice the calories you would if you prepared the same meal at home.

The other problem? "You go to the restaurant hungry," Gans says, and often eat too much bread while waiting for your meal.

Another factor: People want to splurge when they go to a restaurant. When you eat out a lot, the calories in those splurges add up. "Don't use eating out as an excuse to eat poorly," she says. Your best bet is to try to eat at home more.

Try this: When you do go out, eat a cheese stick or piece of fruit to take the edge off hunger. Order two light appetizers rather than an appetizer and a main dish. Or split an entrée with a dining companion. More eating-out survival tips.

Dieting tip: Leftover dessert in the refrigerator is too tempting for most people. To reduce the urge to splurge, allow yourself a sweet treat only when eating out. If you make dessert at home, have one serving and share the rest with friends or coworkers.