We've all heard the ubiquitous recommendation from experts to drink at least 8-eight ounce glasses of water. The benefits purported to come from this include everything from losing weight, reduction in heart disease, protection from cancer, improvement in skin tone and much more.

But where did this original recommendation come from? And furthermore, is there any hard scientific evidence to support the famous 8x8 claim?

Eating out is one of life's great pleasures but also one of the biggest traps for anyone trying to lose weight. Most restaurants do not post calorie or nutrition information, and most restaurants, especially the chains, want you to leave feeling full—very full, judging from how the typical portion size has swelled in the last ten years.

But there are 3 simple things you can do to minimize any possible damage: