But restaurants are beginning to make it easier on us.

While in the past, eating out was the low-protein, high carb scourge of the healthy eater’s existence, nowadays, we workin’ out types can get meals that we can afford to eat and afford to pay for when the check comes.

Here’s a strategy for making it easy on you. Do a search of the area around your home and around your workplace. In each locale, pick 4 restaurants that prepare meals in a way that conforms to your nutritional plan. Two of the restaurants should be fast food places (that’s right, even at McDonalds, Wendy’s, and BK can you do reasonably well nowadays), one should be a medium-priced restaurant (TGI Fridays or Kelsey’s will do nicely here as TGI Friday’s even offers Atkins-friendly meals), and the last should be a higher priced restaurant for finer dining occasions.

(Of course, you’ll have to do a little research on your potential eateries by collecting hard copies of their menus or by visiting their web sites )

Once armed with 4 places that can cook for you when you’re on the go (and can call in your order) or need to have a sit-down lunch or dinner, your excuses for not eating well will slip away. Having a great meal plan is important. Having the right meals available when it’s time to eat is paramount!