Going out to eat is fun and convenient. Better yet, being served a tasty dinner in a good restaurant is a well-earned reward after a long day or a tough work week. We tend to associate good times with going out to eat, because food and celebrations go hand in hand. The food, of course, is delicious, especially in your favorite restaurant. Why else would it be your favorite?

However, eating out can add more than pure delight to your life. It can add inches to your waistline too. That wonderful tasting food is often higher in salt, fat and sugar than the meals you would prepare at home. If you are currently trying to lose weight, limit your dining out experiences to very special occasions.

Restaurants serve food they know will keep you coming back, not food designed to help you watch your weight. Foods cooked in butter and fat taste great, and the chef knows just how to please your palette by using plenty of these ingredients. With a bit of imagination, you can prepare meals at home that are worthy of a celebration.

You can prepare simple, delicious meals that are low in fat and beautiful to behold. Limit the meat in your meals to instantly eliminate a lot of unnecessary fat in your diet. Cook lean fish instead, such as salmon or tilapia.

Baking allows the foods to retain all their own natural juices. Baking fish and vegetables together creates a juicy and wonderful-tasting mediterranean meal. Cut whole, organic tomatoes in half and place them face down in the baking dish surrounding a fresh piece of your favorite fish. Sprinkle with herbs and spices such as basil, oregano, dill and top with a sprig of fresh rosemary. Use a modest amount of salt and black pepper to heighten the effect of the spices. Add calamata olives and a generous spoonful of capers.

Your beautiful mediterranean meal has fewer calories because you don't need any additional butter or fat. Dining at home can be an incredibly tasty celebration of your favorite food, with a low-fat twist.