I only eat out on weekends when I allow myself to eat whatever I want anyway so I don't see it as a problem. But many places have the option of smaller portions now so that could help you out maybe.
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Livin' la vida loca!

I read this solution in a couple of different magazines, so I had to try it. I get a "take out" box as soon as I see that the portion is too big for one sitting. Then, half immediately goes into the box. I slide the rest on the appetizer plate, and eat all that. It's a little mind trick. The added bonus is that you have another meal to eat later.

Halving the portion up front is a great option, but for me when I know I'm going out I psyche myself up - making sure I know what's there to tempt me - and make my choice before even leaving the house. That way, when the menu comes I don't even look at it. This is of course if I know the options and restaurant before I go.

I try to plan what I'm going to eat before I even get to the restaurant and I don't even get to the restaurant. Sometimes it's hard to stick with my plan, but it's much easier than trying to decide once I'm there. Of course, this doesn't work if I've never been to the restaurant and they don't have a menu online.

I have cut back on eating out and decide to cook at home most nights. Eating out takes a huge chunk out of my budget.

When I go out to eat with my boyfriend I try to do the best I can whenever possible, like getting vegetables instead of fries and drinking water with lemon. When I am dying for something "bad" though, I make sure to only eat 1/2 of everything, especially the french fries. Also another tip, if you want to make yourself stop, "destroy" your food. Pour or salt all over it so you wont want to eat it anymore, that definitely does the trick.

I have tried to make a water-only rule when eating out. That makes me healthier, and saves quite a bit of money. Also - sometimes I'll make sure that I split meals into portions: one to eat at the restaurant, and one to eat for leftovers.