Whether you are dropping fat by side-shuffling and lunging at our  Oceanside Long Island Fitness Boot Camp, or running the treadmill at the gym, the LAST thing you want to do is SABOTAGE your  hard work on a quick meal of empty calories.

StrongHealthyWoman has compiled a list of healthy restaurants to both dine-in and take-out in Oceanside, NY, while offering tips on what to get at those not-so-healthy pub-like joints (you might be surprised by our choices!)

HEALTHY CHOICES AT RESTAURANTS IN OCEANSIDE, NY:

1. Busco’s Deli &  Catering 234 Merrick Rd, Oceanside, NY- You can never go wrong with the “create-your-own-salad” option at this restaurant. MAKE SURE you are loading up your bowl with fresh veggies, not cheese and fried chicken!

• DO: get a mixed greens salad with a ton of protein like chick peas, kidney beans,  hard-boiled egg whites and grilled chicken. Busco’s offers an array of fresh veggies and fruits (you can add up to 6 at NO charge!) ranging from edamame and avocado to flax seeds and sun-dried cranberries. Get your dressing on the side to cut even more calories!

• DON’T: order creamy dressings, load up on mixed cheeses, or blow  it with non-nutritional items like fried eggplant and crispy wontons.

2. J. Paul’s – 239 Merrick Rd. Oceanside Long Island – Although this pub-style menu screams comfort food and a brand new double chin, if you know how to order healthy you can eat anywhere and not feel guilty afterward!

• DO: Ask for any chicken or fish entrée GRILLED, not fried or breaded. Double up on your veggies and omit the starch. Ask for any dressings and sauce on the side and don’t be afraid to take half home with you! We all know restaurant portions are out of control, most of the time you can wind up with 2 or 3 servings from one dish!

• DON’T: fill up on bread- in fact, don’t even all ow it on the table! Most times restaurants will give you a L-O-A-F of bread in that little basket! Not to mention the butter,oil and salt that goes with it. Don’t even tempt yourself! Order a small salad if you can’t wait!

3. Sole – 2752 Oceanside Rd. Oceanside, NY –  Italian restaurants aren’t exactly waist-friendly BUT have no fear! At this cozy, upscale Italian eatery you can find many dishes to soothe those gluttonous cravings.

• DO:  As your meal, try  “appetizers” like mussels in white wine sauce, a small salad, or even minestrone soup packed with mixed veggies. Another option is a grilled piece of fish with extra steamed veggies or their ‘Tuscan Shrimp’ with seared spinach, sundried tomato, garlic, lemon, white wine and pine nuts (HEAVEN!) Sole also offers a *Gluten Free* menu, with fresh fish, chicken, and eggplant!

• DON’T : over-do it on pasta!  You will wind up with over a pound of pasta on your plate and another pound or 2 on your saddle bags. Stay away from the creamy sauces and gut-busting parmigiana entrees.

You CAN eat out in Oceanside Long Island AND make smart nutritional choices. Be smart about it and commit to eating healthy BEFORE you leave the house (checking the menu ahead of time helps too!) This way, when you get to the restaurant you already made up your mind and you will leave no room for temptation! Don’t give in because “everyone else is”!

Oceanside Boot Camp is still accepting registrations, it’s not too late!