All of us need to eat out once in a while.  Of course, eating out on freestyling* days is not a problem. For program days, we are gradually building up a list of local restaurants with specific menu items that fall within the guidelines. All the restaurants listed below are in the Clear Lake area and all items are from the lunch menu. This list changes as we discover new eateries!

The Mediterraneo Market and Café at 18033 Upper Bay Rd. in Nassau Bay, TX 77058 (281-333-3180) is a personal favorite.  The grilled chicken salad, the chicken or lamb kebab plate, and the grilled chicken plate are wonderful.  They also have a great veggie plate- but not for the first two weeks! If you do order this plate, consider passing on the dolmas (rice-stuffed grape leaves); have them give you some extra falafel (garbanzo fritters). They are glad to do it. With any of these dishes, don't eat the pita bread- send it away immediately so that you won't be tempted. I also like the lentil soup.  This comes with toasted pita triangles.  I have to confess that I usually end up eating a few of these.  By the way, have the cup of soup; the bowl is too much. It will leave no room for anything else.

The Mediterranean Chef at 1305 NASA Rd. 1, Houston TX 77058-3112. (281-486-8854) is another place that I frequent regularly.  The Greek salad with either chicken or gyros is an excellent micronutrient meal.  Have them bring the dressing on the side; you will get one container of olive oil vinaigrette and one of a creamy dressing. Pour half the vinaigrette over the salad. Dip your fork in the creamy dressing before each bite. As always, send back the pita bread.

Chubaca’s Steaks and Rotisserie at 316 Nasa Rd. 1, Webster, TX 77598 (281-554-8000) has an excellent lunch salad buffet.  The veggies are great. The meats on the salad bar are all either breaded or covered with barbecue sauce (high sugar content)- but not to worry. I have talked to the proprietor, Mr. Charles White, and they will be glad to substitute meats without breading or sauce. In addition, Mr. White has assured me that they will start putting some "heart-healthy" meats on the salad bar. This place is definitely worth a visit.

Salad Express at 595 West Bay Area Blvd., Webster, TX 77598 (281-338-2791. Good basic salad at a good basic price- the full salad bar with soup and all the trimmings was $6.10 at a recent visit. In the main salad section, fill up on the "above the ground" veggies; use the root vegetables with a light hand, and AVOID the pasta. The boiled egg is fine, as is a sprinkle- just a sprinkle- of the cubed ham. Use a full-fat dressing, but use it sparingly. Walk past the taco-stand to the soups. The beef and vegetable soup is fine, but leave the chunks of potato behind. Avoid the bread and the brownies. Finish off with a small piece of fruit.

Baba's Mediterranean Grill at 300 West Bay Area Blvd. (#300), Webster, TX 77598 (281-554-2222). This restaurant has a variety of fresh food.  The salads, falafel, and vegetables are excellent, and are all within the bounds of the program. I am partial to the tomato and artichoke salad; I also like the Greed salad and the cabbage and spinach salad. Use the hummus sparingly, and tell them NOT to put olive oil on it. Just a reasonably-priced restaurant with a nice ambience and good food.

Deno's at 12141 Beamer Rd. Houston TX 77089 (281-481-0563). This restaurant is on Beamer between Scarsdale and Beltway 8. Start with a cup of chicken soup- it is simply delicious. Then have a either the Greek Salad or the Traditional Greek Salad- both are great choices. Top the salad with chicken. Yes I know you just had the chicken soup, but the tastes are very different! You can ask for the grilled chicken for the topping, but you can also be bad and have the crispy chicken.  I don't think that the little bit of crust will hurt...The salad at my last visit was the best Greek Salad I have ever had. Period.