Even though the Mediterranean diet has been touted as a great way to eat healthily, many of the foods served in Italian restaurants are high in both fat and calories. Creamy sauces (such as Alfredo), plenty of cheese and large portion sizes are the biggest problems with this style of cuisine. If you're dining out on Italian food, try to skip the cream sauce wherever you can. One way to monitor portion size is to order an appetizer for your main meal.

Even foods such as antipasto, bruschetta, ciabatta and foccacia can be high in calories, so choose carefully from what's offered. Try to avoid cheese, salami-type meats, pesto, and butter, as these will add a lot of fat to your meal. If possible, order your food without these types of ingredients.

When ordering pizza, go for a vegetarian option and ask for half the cheese. Better still, make your own healthy pizzas at home on a pita bread base with low-fat ingredients.

When it comes to dessert, skip the Tartufo or Tiramisu and go for a gelati or sorbet instead. Choose a skim cappuccino or latte instead of a full-fat one.