Dining out is one of life's little rewards, and most of us love to eat a meal that we don't have to fix or clean up after. Sure, it's fun, yet restaurant portions are often so grandiose that they border on obscene. What are some of the sneaky ways that restaurant foods add calories?

Large portions. One popular American chain restaurant serves such large proportions that the majority of customers actually end up complaining about the size of the meal. Those who aren't complaining, are gaining.

Starch on starch. Grabbing a sandwich at the deli for lunch is convenient and nutritious, right? Not if you eat all the chips that are also served alongside the sandwich. You've got plenty of starch in the bread. No need to add chips on top of that. Most people eat them anyway, because of the salt, they're immediately addicting.

Multiple layers. Take a bite of most restaurant sandwiches and you risk dislocating your jaw. The goods are piled on so high that you can't even put it in your mouth. That's not natural.

Add-ons in green salads. Your salad should consist mainly of high quality, fresh, organic greens. Restaurant salads often add on multiple high fat ingredients. Do you really need bacon and eggs, turkey and cheese, plus that high fat dressing? Choose two add-ons. Simplify. Your thighs will thank you.

Grease with your grease. A popular pizza delivery chain is famous for serving greasy bread sticks with its pizza. As if you need that extra dough and fat.

Another way that restaurant foods help you gain unwanted pounds: too much sugar and salt. Salty and/or sugary foods are tasty foods. Most people wouldn't add as much sugar or salt to their meals if they stayed home and cooked.

It's fun to eat out, but when you're trying to lose weight, make your kitchen your friend. Try making your own delicious pizza, top it with sliced tomatoes and fresh diced garlic, some dried or fresh basil. Serve a lovely side dish of raw, organic greens drizzled with some pomegranate vinegar and olive oil. Eat dinner out—at your house!