Everyone loves Italian food. Too bad it’s not as easy on the waistline as it is on the taste buds — but that’s no reason to give it up. Follow my tips below for the Skinny on how to have your pizza and eat it, too — elastic waistband not required!  

Apps:
First things first, skip the breadbasket! One roll with olive oil will cost you 270 calories and 14 grams of fat, before your real appetizer even arrives. To help you avoid it, grab a handful of nuts or a high fiber cracker with a slice of low fat cheese prior to leaving your house — it’ll take the edge off your hunger. Still feeling weak in the willpower department? Make sure the bread’s on the opposite side of the table, or ask the waiter not to bring it out at all.

Instead of fried calamari (360 calories and 22 grams of fat per serving), order a salad (sorry, mozzarella and tomato caprese salad doesn’t count) with dressing on the side or a hearty, tomato-based vegetable soup like pasta fagioli or minestrone. Both options are low in calories and high in fiber, filling you up without any consequences. Additionally, studies show that enjoying soup or salad before your main course helps you eat less overall.  

Pasta:
If you feel like it, go for it. But keep this in mind: Most restaurant portions easily contain 4-5 cups of pasta, which is way more than one serving. Since each cup of cooked pasta (about the size of a woman’s fist) clocks in at about 200 calories, that means you're getting 800-1,000 calories — without sauce! Avoid overeating by sharing with a friend or asking for a half portion. If there’s a whole-wheat option, order that instead. The fiber will fill you up quickly, resulting in less overall calories consumed.

Pizza:
Stick with thin crust (thick crust or Sicilian will run you 350 calories and 15 grams of fat per slice), topped with mixed veggies. Ask for half the usual cheese — it’s just enough to maintain the authentic flavor without all the excess fat.

Things to avoid:
Anything Parmagiana, Milanese, or Fritti — simply put, that means breaded, fried, and often with cheese.

Things to seek out:
The fresh seafood or simple cuts of grilled meat served with lemon and olive oil or marinara sauce.

Dessert:
Say no to tiramisu (420 calories and 34 grams of fat) and cannolis (250 calories and 5 grams of fat). Sip on a skim cappuccino or nibble on mixed berries with a touch of cream — both are 60-calorie treats!

There you have it — the Skinny on Italian dining! Dig in and enjoy all the taste without the extra calories.