This may seem all too familiar to you. You have been trying to lose weight but choosing what you eat has been a tough task. Since most often you need to eat out, you have no control over what you should eat, as opposed to the control you have at home when you prepare your own food. This is a very hopeless situation for all those who target at losing weight. But do not worry, there is a way out of this calorie dominated lifestyle.

If you have to eat out a lot, it’s tough. It’s very, very easy to have “just a little” of something you know is forbidden, even though you shouldn’t, which can keep you from reaching your goals. But as the best personal trainer in DC will tell you, there are places you can go and get good quality food that won’t break the bank — or expand your waistline, either. Let’s take a look at a few restaurants in the DC area that have fresh, healthy food at reasonable prices.

Hanami (www.hanamijapanese.com)

Do you like sushi? If so, you’re in luck, because Hanami (www.hanamijapanese.com) has a lot of fish you can choose from that is very high quality and very fresh. You can also choose from quite a selection of starch free items if you’re looking to restrict starch in your diet. Choose from mouthwatering dishes like the tuna and salmon sashimi or the Dragon Ball, with veggies, crab, roe and sauce, wrapped in thinly sliced avocado.

Outback Steakhouse (www.outback.com)

Whenever you talk about outback steakhouse, “bloomin onion” - their deep fried onion treat, is the first thing that strikes your mind. This is not at all recommended for you if you are aiming to lose a few pounds. However, this apparently high calorie land also includes some low-carb choices aiming at fitness conscious dieters. For all such people, seared ahi tuna appetizer is the ideal choice.

Logan Tavern (www.logantavern.com)

Yes, a DC personal trainer can also be lured into a tavern, specially since their starchy side dishes can be replaced by vegetables and the crab cakes available here are delicious and also a great choice for those on a strict diet. They are across the street from Whole Foods on 14th and P.

The Heights (www.theheightsdc.com)

Although the words “Mustard crusted tuna” may not get your mouth watering, it is delicious and is the best choice for dieters with high nutrition and low calorie requirements. There are several other dieter oriented items on the menu to choose from. But make note of the fact that all dishes come with a side of pasta or potatoes unless otherwise specified. So, make sure you get some veggies instead.

Grillfish (www.grillfishdc.com)

The great thing about Grillfish is that you can eat every single item on their menu as long as you steer clear of starches. Avoid eating pasta and potatoes. This can be done easily, all you have to do is opt for veggies as a side dish instead of potatoes.

One other thing: Make sure you loosely plan your meals ahead of time, even if you are eating out. Doesn’t have to be set in stone, but making sure you include certain types of foods (like fish and steamed vegetables, for example) and exclude others (like desserts) will help keep you on track.

Josef Brandenburg is an award winning personal trainer. DC residents count on him to help them get the bodies they have always wanted in their spare time and without being hungry or eating nasty food. Click here to find out more about his 7-Day Free Trial.