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When you're trying to lose weight, temptations are everywhere, especially during a night on the town. But with a little thought and a lot of willpower, having a fun time out and still sticking to your weight-loss goals can happen. Take it from our Before & After stars — it can be done. Channel their success with their smart tips below!

    Look for these words: Instead of noticing everything that's off limits, zoom in on healthy cooking techniques like "baked," "grilled," or "blackened," says Taryn, who lost 155 pounds. "I have really had to educate myself on certain words that are found on typical restaurant menus that mean unhealthy choices, and will pick my menu items accordingly," she says. Other good options: foods that are steamed or broiled.

    Preplanning is key: So says Staci, who lost 71 pounds. "So many restaurants have their full nutritional info online, so I will take about 10 minutes, look at the menu, and pick a few entrées I'd like to have," she says. "I figure out the points based off their nutritional info and then, when I get there, I have a 'cheat sheet' on what I can eat." Another smart tip from Staci: make sure you pick a few options in case the restaurant runs out of your first pick. "Giving myself different meal ideas helps avoid the unexpected," she explains.

    Use your 20: The 80/20 rule works, so if eating out is an occasional treat, go ahead and order what you want. "I try to live by the 80/20 rule. I eat clean 80 percent of the time and the other 20 percent I cut myself a little bit of slack," explains Ashley, who lost 115 pounds after years of yo-yo dieting. "That does not mean that I go out and consume 18 cheeseburgers, 10 fries, a milkshake, etc. I still attempt to be healthy when we eat out, but I do so by applying the 80/20 rule." She also recommends waiting a bit before ordering that pizza you're craving. "If I really want something, I don't get it right away. If it's a craving that keeps coming back over and over, I'll indulge, get it out of my system, and move on!"

    Bank calories: Don't go overboard, but if you know you're going to an indulgent dinner, eating lighter throughout the day can help you save calories for your special meal, says Geneva, who lost 103 pounds. "I also eat lighter for my other meals that day to make 'room' for the extra calories eating out brings," she says.

    Check your phone: Smartphone apps are your friend when researching restaurants on the fly. Carrie, who lost 175 pounds, uses apps like Happy Cow, Yelp, and Urbanspoon to help her pick the healthiest option. "I find that I can always find something healthy and plant based at non-American-style restaurants," Carrie adds. "My favorites are Vietnamese and Middle Eastern."

    Don't sweat it: Weight loss is about discipline, but it's also about enjoying life and not feeling deprived. So if you're prepping for an occasional night out, take this advice from Kate, who lost 49 pounds: "I don't get too bothered about what I choose [to eat] because, hey, it's just one night.  .It's not like one night is going to totally destroy my healthy lifestyle." Kate does add, however, that she tries to choose meals that come with a salad or vegetables "just so there is a bit of balance."