With today's busy lifestyle, people don't often have the time to sit down to a leisurely meal, and fast food restaurants are usually the answer. The good news is fast food restaurants are changing, and although it might take more thought, low-fat meals can be found in most of these restaurants.

Many people watching their fat and calorie intake feel that Italian restaurants are off limits because Italian food is presumed to be loaded with fat.

Many people watching their fat and calorie intake feel that Mexican restaurants are off limits because Mexican food is presumed to be very fattening. This is not necessarily the case because there is a lighter side to Mexican fare.

Some restaurants' menus have items that the restaurant claims are low-fat or 'heart-healthy,' but it's important to find out what the ingredients actually are and how they're prepared to determine whether that claim is valid for you.

Low-fat cooking and fine dining aren't necessarily contradictory. Cholesterol is found only in animal products, including meats, poultry, fish, and dairy.