If you're watching your weight, you'll have to be careful with the takeout food. Limit your consumption of burgers and French fries, for example, and steer yourself toward low-fat meats like chicken. If that chicken is deep-fried, though, your best move is to peel the skin off before you eat.

Want a quick picnic? You don't have to slave over the stove for hours to fill that picnic basket. Instead, drop by a fast-food restaurant for takeout food. Some restaurants, especially chicken places, will gladly provide you with extras like mashed potatoes and gravy and cole slaw for a little more money.

When ordering takeout food for delivery, write down your entire order before you call. That way, you won’t forget anything, and you won't tie up the restaurant's phone for too long. This is especially important when you're ordering for a group.