In many cultures it is costumary to have bread with their meals - especially in Europe and I am one that enjoys bread like the rest of them. As my Grandfather as well - who lived to 92 and we used to eat bread every night at 10pm when I was growing up and we are fine. It is all a matter of moderation.

I think the main issue is that the bread basket is offered prior to the rest of the meal.  If it's offered at the same time, I think it would be less of an issue.  I try to stay away altogether, but I'm typically not the only one at the table and most I dine with prefer it to be available. :(

I do not eat white bread so I am not tempted 

many people are if people can't limit it to one piece then they should say no basket 

I love homemade bread and there's a restaurant that we used to go to all the time that makes the best bread, oh I can taste it. Like Sunny K said, it's all

 in moderation.. I don't get out alot anymore so when I do I enjoy what I can.

I only eat white bread - as it is all I trust. With nut allergies so sever you never know what is in others.

I love the bread, but I do have a problem with moderation, so I always say no if they ask, or have my husband put it out of my reach! He'd never tell me I can't have something, but he's great about supporting and reminding me. I do, however, sometimes just figure it into my daily count so that I can indulge on the rare occasion we go out.

I am one of those people who rarely eats bread unless dining out. To me it is such a comfort food that I choose to have it if I am out and about.  I especially love the really bad ones like garlic toast or Parmesan toasted bread. In fact, many times I choose which restaurant I dine at depending on the bread they serve. i.e. great bread gets a return customer with me. HOWEVER, I generally eat only one piece and bring the  rest home.

When dining out, restaurants always serve too much.  I tell the wait person right up front that I will be taking 1/2 of it home and they always accommodate me.  Pasta dishes especially can be separated into 3 meals as they always serve way too much.  I ALWAYS eat the entire salad and opt for my dressing on the side. It is unbelievable how much less dressing you use when you simply "dip" your crispy salad pieces into it instead of saturating it.  I also order an extra vegetable dish so I can have enough to take home and drink a full glass of water prior to eating.

I LOVE to have my left over dinner at exactly 1pm the next day. It is the time I watch Days of Our Lives . What a way to watch "my show" with a wonderful tasty meal. haha

Cap:

1) Drink a full glass of water prior to eating and throughout the meal.

2) Choose to have one piece of bread

3) Order an extra veggie order so you have some for the next day

5) Ask for your salad dressing on the side and gently dip each corner of a bite for full flavor and way less calories...

6) Eat your entire salad

7) Take 1/2 of your entire order less the salad home to enjoy for your lunch the next day

8) Enjoy 1/2 the total calories for your meal and pat yourself on the back for being a super smart eater.

6) ENJOY your other 1/2 meal for lunch

We usually do not go to restaurants like that.  But if we do I try to order a salad as a side and have it come out with the bread.  Speaking or putting food on the table right when you sit down.  My downfall is chips and salsa at Mexican restaurants.  That I have a hard time resisting.

yea I think they shouhd ask if you would like to have the bread basket or not that way you be filling up on empty calories .

There are certain places i go and look forward to the bread basket but i always work hard in the gym before and the day after to make up for the calories and i always eat something healthy with the bread so the whole meal is not a waste... But like i said certain places i go specifically for the bread... Texas Roadhouse has amazing rolls with cinnamon butter that i love love and Cheesecake factory has the honey oat bread they bring out before the meal which i also like to eat a few pieces of... Then there is one place i go to every couple of years only once and eat the breadsticks and thats of course Olive garden with their endless salad i dont like anything else on their menu... other then that i dont go anywhere where bread is before the meal... But places like Famous Daves where they bring out chips to dip in BBQ sauce i can easily pass up on the freebie because i dont care for the chips and the sauces i like i can just get on the side of whatever meat i am ordering.

i   hope  that  everyone his  a  good  hoilydays  to  everyone

It is so funny you mention this.  Last night my family and I went to Outback last night and brought us, of course, bread.  Not only that, but when we finished the first loaf, they brought another one out without even asking us if we wanted more.  When they bring bread out at a restaurant I feel OBLIGATED to eat it.  Good idea about asking them not to bring it out at all, but sometimes they bring it out before they even take your drink order.  It is also hard when you have a husband that wants the bread, even though he shouldn't be eating it.