Remember to Sit Far From the Buffet
Going to the buffet is a big treat, but it doesn't mean you have to gorge on food to enjoy yourself. By using a few simple buffet hacks, you can be full, get your money's worth, and not have to be rolled home because you're overstuffed. Here are 20 ways to keep yourself in check at buffets.
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1. Survey the Buffet Before Eating
Before you grab one of those warm plates, walk the buffet and survey the items available. Seeing all the options can help you plan instead of just piling food onto your plate. This tip will minimize your impulse to try everything, and you won't regret wasting stomach real estate on something you don't really want to eat.
2. Use Smaller Plates
Buffets are notorious for providing large plates in an attempt to limit trips to get food. Choose a smaller plate to trick your brain into wanting less. This simple tip can reduce overeating and make you feel like you ate more than you actually did.
3. Start Light
A good tip to take it easy at the buffet is to start with a salad or a serving of vegetables. Fiber-rich greens and vegetables will help you feel full and make it easier to resist heavier food. You will walk away having had a more balanced buffet dinner.
4. Don't Skip Breakfast
If you know you're having dinner at a buffet, you might think that saving room in your stomach is a good strategy. This will backfire, and a better idea is to have a balanced breakfast with protein and fiber to stabilize your blood sugar and curb your cravings. Always eat moderately before hitting the buffet and never skip a meal in preparation.
5. Drink Water Before Eating
Thirst is often confused with hunger. It's recommended to drink a glass of water before stepping up to the buffet to stay hydrated and take the hunger edge off. Drinking water will also slow down your pace once you start eating. It will naturally reduce your caloric intake without feeling like you're missing out.
6. Sit Away From the Buffet
A good rule to remember at the buffet is out of sight, out of mind. By sitting far away from the buffet, you will feel less tempted and can exercise some portion control. The idea is to create physical distance between you and the food.
7. Prioritize Protein
Protein will make you feel fuller for longer, stabilize your blood sugar, and prevent that extra trip or two to the buffet for more fried food. Choose lean proteins if they are available, and beans can ensure your plate is satisfying without being overly heavy.
8. Don't Adopt the All You Can Eat Mentality
People visit a buffet to get their money's worth. This usually means that they plan to eat excessively. A better strategy is to go with quality over quantity and to remind yourself that overeating results in discomfort and not satisfaction.
9. Start With Small Portions
A buffet is a place to sample lots of different dishes. Start with small servings of a variety of dishes, and avoid the heaping piles of food on your plate.
10. Eat Slowly
When at a buffet, it's easy to rush through every plate of food because there's more on the horizon. Instead, go slow, chew thoroughly, and savor every bite. To make this happen, try putting your fork down between bites.
11. Limited Fried and Creamy Foods
Buffets are packed with fried foods and rich, creamy dishes. These foods are always tempting, but they contain a ton of calories and won't make you feel full for long. The trick is to limit them, not avoid them, by taking smaller portions.
12. Skip the Bread Basket
Bread is offered at most buffets, but it's a total waste of time. It has very little nutritional value and will fill you up fast. If you must have some bread, then go for one bun or slice and call it a day.
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13. Don't Mix Too Many Foods
When everything is piled onto a plate, it's easy to overeat without enjoying the meal. Limit your plate to a few items at a time and keep it balanced. This way, you can taste and savor each dish.
14. Wait Before Going Back
Your brain typically requires 20 minutes to register fullness. It's a great idea to take a break before returning for another round of eating. Use this time to chat with others and rehydrate.
15. Avoid Sugary Drinks
Juices, cocktails, and sodas add unnecessary calories and sugar to an already heavy meal. You will also be hungry again shortly after leaving the buffet. Swap a sugary drink for water and save the calories for the more satisfying foods.
16. Eat Fruit for Dessert
The dessert table at the buffet is like a beacon, convincing you that you still have some room left in your stomach. Forego the dessert table, enjoy some extra proteins, and finish your meal with some fresh fruit.
17. Don't Pile a Plate Too High
Overloaded plates are a recipe for disaster. You'll feel pressure to overheat and finish everything on your plate. Instead, keep to modest portions and leave space between items.
18. Skimp on Sauces
Sauces, gravies, and dressings have a lot of calories. Spoon only light amounts of sauces on your food to control how much you have per serving.
19. Don't Eat If You're Not Hungry
Stop eating as soon as you are full, no matter how tempting another plate of food might be. Buffets make it easy to keep eating, so it's on you to stop once you're satisfied.
20. Only Eat When Sitting
You'll want to sample the food on your plate as you tour the buffet or walk back to your table. Follow the rule of only eating when you are seated.
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