American restaurants are notorious for providing their patrons with unhealthy food. This statement is true, as we are viewed to be the fattest nation in the world, but it doesn't apply to eating "American."
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Yes, fast food joints are associated with America, and with good reason, but those are shoddy establishments created with no style in mind, just availability. American-style restaurants, such as Applebee's and Ruby Tuesday, have much healthier choices than McDonald's and should not be feared by dieters; however, they still have unhealthy choices, so you'll need to be careful.
Side dishes at American-style restaurants are numerous and vary greatly. From French fries to coleslaw, the least noticeable part of your meal is one of the most important. Let's say you order a burger and see that it comes with a choice of a side dish. The easy choice would be fries, but if you want to eat healthier, ask for vegetables or coleslaw instead. This will cut out the fattiest part of your meal without requiring much thought at all.
Appetizers are rather tantalizing, particularly if you are out with friends and family and have been waiting for half an hour to be seated. While any dieter should refrain from ordering an appetizer to avoid adding excess calories to their intake, there are some options that aren't so bad.
For example, Applebee's makes some delicious boneless buffalo wings. These are chicken wings without bones breaded and dipped in a spicy buffalo sauce; they're much healthier than a platter of mozzarella sticks or onion rings. If you want to be the most safe, however, don't order an appetizer; it can't do any harm to your diet if you don't eat it.
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Salads are usually included with a main course at an American-style restaurant. They are healthy because they are filled with lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, and even chicken strips can be included. However, if you find a salad that is big enough for you, order a salad for your dinner and call it a night. Many restaurants have salads listed as options for main courses, so why force yourself to eat a salad in addition to another course? You might find yourself eating too much, so a salad is never a bad option.
Now to the main course. At American-style restaurants, these will vary greatly: anything from burgers to salmon fillet is fair game on their menus. Keeping in mind which side dish you are most inclined to order, pick a main course that does not come in a huge portion.
Ask your server, if you have to, how large a certain course is, and stay away from ones that are meant to be shared. While a whole rack of sixteen ribs is rather appetizing, it will spike your calorie intake, so if you're in the mood for ribs, go with a half-rack instead.
Although portions are of paramount importance for the main course, pay attention to the actual food. Try to avoid relatively greasy foods such as burgers, and eat fish instead. Fish is very light and contains a high concentration of protein, making it a much healthier choice than a burger or steak.
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Dessert will be the final test for the night. Most dieters will recoil at the offer and politely refuse a dessert menu, but you don't have to conform. Now, I'm not saying that you should pig-out on the triple chocolate cake, but having a few scoops of ice cream will be fine. Have something light or nothing at all, and your American-style dining experience will be healthy and complete.