Eating Healthy at Outback Steakhouse

This Australia-inspired chain is known for its steaks and the Bloomin' Onion, a deep-fried, batter-dipped appetizer that has more than 2,300 calories! While you'll find plenty of over-the-top dishes, Outback's menu has some healthy fare, too. With a little preparation, you can find a Down Under meal that won't weigh you down.

• Portions here are generous, so try to hold out for your entree. If you really want an appetizer, avoid the aforementioned Bloomin' Onion and its equally unhealthy compadre, the Aussie Cheese Fries (once named the "Worst Food in America" by Men's Health magazine). Opt for a cup of soup (if it's not cream-based) or the seared Ahi Tuna.
  
  
• When choosing a steak, remember that a serving of meat is 3-4 ounces, or about the size of your palm. Choose the smallest and leanest cut possible, then cut off a portion and share with others or ask for a box for the rest. (The bonus of large restaurant portions is getting multiple meals from one dish!)
  
  
• You get two sides with any steak. Skip fries and mashed potatoes and opt for the sweet potato (make sure it's baked), seasonal veggies (ask for no butter) or a salad (with light dressing).
  
  
• Entree salads are usually lower in calories, but skip the croutons and bacon, go easy on the cheese and choose a light dressing.
  
  
• If you want chicken, opt for the Grilled Chicken on the Barbie instead of the Alice Springs chicken, which piles on the mushrooms, bacon, cheese and honey mustard.
  
  
• Skip the combination platters, unless you're sharing with at least two other people.
  
  
• The Outback Grillers combo is a healthy choice. Try the chicken and shrimp grilled with pineapple and vegetables and served with rice. Make sure there is no added oil used for grilling.
  
  
• That famous brown bread is tasty, but skip the sweet butter and limit yourself to just one piece. If you don't want to be tempted by the bread, ask your server not to bring it to the table. Once your loaf is gone, turn down your server's offer for additional bread.
  
  
• Outback Steakhouse now provides nutritional info on its website.