Alex Ram

Does this sound familiar? Are you trying to lose weight, but deciding what to eat poses a big challenge? It is not easy to manage what you eat when you eat out, when compared to what you make at home. This is an unsuitable situation for any person trying to lose weight. But there is a way to become free from this calorie loaded 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)Hanami is an ideal place for you, if you are crazy about sushi. This restaurant offers a wide variety of fish that is fresh and the best in terms of quality. If you are particular about starch free items, then you have quite a few items to choose from that help you avoid starch. Other mouthwatering delicacies like tuna and salmon sashimi or dragon ball is also available along with veggies, crab, roe and sauce wrapped in a slice of avocado.Outback Steakhouse (www.outback.com)Yep, that's right. When you think of the Outback Steakhouse, you probably think of their deep-fried onion treat, better known as a "bloomin' onion," which is certainly not something you want to ingest if you're looking to trim your waistline. Nonetheless, this seeming fairyland of fattening fare has some really good choices for the low-carb focused, fitness conscious diner. The seared ahi tuna appetizer is a particularly good choice.Logan Tavern (www.logantavern.com)You'd be mistaken if you felt that an expert personal trainer in DC would not dare to enter a tavern. They are located on 14th and P, across the street from Whole Foods. You can replace their starchy side dishes with vegetables. Their crab cakes are also quite delightful.The Heights (www.theheightsdc.com)Think "mustard crusted tuna" sounds unappetizing? Try again. This tasty dish can meet any dieter's high nutrition, low-calorie requirements. There are other dieter-friendly menu choices, too. Fair warning: Pasta or potatoes come as your side for any dish you order unless otherwise directed, so make sure you order veggie choices instead.Grillfish (www.grillfishdc.com)As long as you stay away from starch, all the items on this menu can be consumed, which is what makes Grillfish the perfect choice. It is best to avoid pasta and ask for vegetable side dishes 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 fitness trainer. DC residents depend on him to help them get the bodies they want in their spare time and without starving themselves or eating nasty food. Click here to find out more about his 7-Day Free Trial.