Making healthy choices starts with where you’re eating. Menus from three of the most popular cuisines in the U.S.—American, Italian, Chinese—had the least healthy options, according to the JAAND study. When deciding where to go for dinner, opt for cuisines centered around whole grains, veggies, fats, and lean protein (Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, Vietnamese, Japanese, Greek, and Indian typically have better-for-you options).

Also, put restaurants with menus that change seasonally on your radar, which indicates a focus on fresh, local produce. Not only does that make it a more veg-heavy meal, but you’ll notice how much better it tastes too.

If the Italian joint on the corner is the only place your S.O. wants to go, we have a solution for that too. And it’s not just telling you to order the Caprese salad. How you order is as important as what you order.

Portion sizes have grown by as much as 138 percent since the 1970s (just look at the sizes of sodas now vs. 40 years ago). So instead of passing on your favorite cacio e pepe and ordering a “meal” from the appetizer section, take advantage of the growing portion sizes and order the decadent entrée that you’ve been eyeing with the mindset that half of it will come home with you. The best leftovers are ones that won’t suffer from reheating or hanging out in your fridge for a day. Think rich risotto; creamy pasta dishes; or big, meaty steaks. Plus, when you have leftovers, you’re getting a two-for-one deal, and man, do we love saving money.

Whether you’re preoccupied with texts and Snaps or watching the game on a television behind the bar, distracted eating can lead to eating too much. A report published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that when you’re not paying attention to your meal, you’re not tuned into the signs that you’re full (or truly enjoying what you’re eating). The report also found that paying attention to a meal was linked to eating less later in the day. So do that trendy thing and be more mindful when you eat.

How’s that for advice? If you know you’ll be dining at a restaurant that serves rich food and huge portions, one of the best ways to avoid overdoing isn’t to “save up” for dinner, but to eat throughout the day. You’re not you when you’re hungry, so don’t deprive yourself. Aim to eat a filling, healthy breakfast; a lighter lunch; and a small snack before dinner. If you don’t, it’ll likely be harder to resist the more indulgent (see: fatty, fried, and sweet) dishes on the menu.

We know you’re popular, so this might be tough, but you might consider curbing the number of people in your party if you’re trying to be a bit healthier. Several studies, including one published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found that the more people you dine with at the table, the more you eat.

Part of the excitement of going out to eat is studying the menu front to back ahead of time to see what it has to offer. While you’re browsing, plan your order. When you get to dinner, you won’t be swayed by what your friends are having. Diners tend to mimic the food choices of fellow diners. So if you’re prepared to select a healthier option, maybe your friends will too.