The holidays are just beginning, and many of us are trying to watch our diets. The deluge of heavy food will soon show up at holiday parties, but you can reverse the effects by eating more Lebanese food. 
Traditionally low in fat, this Mediterranean cuisine is appealing to those who want to try healthier menu options. For example, tabbouleh, a salad made with parsley and bulghur, is a nice vegetarian alternative for those who want to avoid meat. Hummus, a traditional spread made with chick peas, is so popular that you can even get it in most supermarkets.
Here are some great Lebanese restaurants to check out:
Marouch Restaurant in Los Angeles, Calif.
This eatery offers shish barak, a beef dumpling dish cooked in a yogurt sauce. They also have a special dish called kibbeh bil sanieh, a casserole made with veal, cracked wheat, ground beef, and pine nuts.
Steve's Backroom in St. Clair Shores, Mich.
The restaurant has the mujudara, a vegetarian lentil dish cooked with cracked wheat, caramelized onion and spices. Another dish to try is the koussa, a yellow squash entree stuffed with ground lamb and rice.
Al Diwan Restaurant in New York, N.Y.
Ali Diwan serves up baba ghannouj, moussaka, falafels, and more. A hookah bar, belly dancing and other entertainment are also available.
Fattoush Restaurant in Chicago, Ill.
This spot has an interesting fattoush salad that's made with fried piece of pita bread and a medley of vegetables. For those who want protein, they also have the kalayeh, a chicken dish seasoned with tomatoes and onions.
Byblos Restaurant in New York, N.Y.
This NYC eatery offers traditional dishes such as stuffed grape leaves, grilled meat kebabs, and byblos kallage, an appetizer with pita bread and goat cheese.
