Eating out on a weight loss program, The Biggest Loser style

The Biggest Loser contestants had to face eating out at their favorite spots when they traveled home. How did they manage to stay on the program?

Eating out and losing weight aren't necessarily a match made in heaven.

Even though The Biggest Loser contestants had been schooled for weeks, when they faced the menus temptation reared its ugly head. Jackson had to teach his mother about how he substitutes spaghetti squash for pasta. Get some great recipes for that, here..

Joe at the Italian restaurant.

With his twin brother and family around him he hit up his favorite place. He pointed out the dishes he used to order and instead of sharing them, like he observed some doing, he would devour them all by himself. The menu offered a few things he could eat safely and he ordered them, but he had to watch as his family consumed his usual favorites like the eggplant rollatini.

Gina at the Mexican restaurant

For some reason, Gina received the wrong entree --- at least that's what she said. She stared at the refried beans, yellow rice and the cheese encrusted chicken on her plate and wrestled with whether or not to send it back. She ended up swapping it out for a salad with chicken, but like Joe, Gina might be switching her go-to eatery once she's off the show.

Jeff at the sports bar

Jeff more than anyone, had a difficult time dealing with being around his guy pals, all twenty-somethings, who powered down the fries, burgers and especially wings. His guy friends showed no mercy for his dilemma and Jeff looked unhappy. He got through it, but was hit with the realization that once home his hangout spots might have to change.

How did they do?

Each of the contestants lost at least 5% of their body weight in the two weeks off the ranch. Joe took off 17 pounds, Gina dropped another 10 and Jeff shocked himself with a huge loss of 19 pounds.

Unlike the contestants, we can choose where we eat and look for spots that offer a variety of choices.

Here are a few suggestions for keeping on program when dining out.

• Go online and read the menu. If you are in a state that mandates its restaurant chains to provide nutrition info you can scope that out in advance.
• Make menu choice before you set foot in the restaurant to avoid the temptation of something catching your fancy.
• Once there, ask the wait staff if substituting is allowed so you can order fruit or veggies instead of the french fries.
• If large portions are the issue, ask the waiter to present you with half the entree on the dish and the other half wrapped up in a to-go box.

What are your favorite tips to stay on track when dining out?

Image: NBC/The Biggest Loser