Laura Danieri Surviving The Buffet
Cruise ships, all-inclusive resorts and some hotels provide endless buffets. It is a brilliant way to satisfy lots of different tastes in an efficient way. However, when indulging in a buffet, it is tempting to try everything and you can go bonkers if you aren’t careful.
If you want to avoid overindulging and maintain a balanced approach to eating, you have to have a game plan. Prepare yourself before you grab your plate! I cannot stress this enough.
AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE
Hello! This site contains affiliate links. If you click through those links and make a purchase, Everyday Resolutions will receive a little support at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Your support is super-duper appreciated, thank you!
I absolutely love all food (seriously!) AND I am a person who always cleans their plate so buffets are crazy dangerous for me and I have to plan ahead! Here is my tried-and-true strategy for surviving:
Don’t Snack All Day Before You Hit the Buffet
Eat only at regular meal times. Don’t graze all day long. Let your stomach feel emptied before you start the next meal so that you can really appreciate those buffet offerings. If you snack all day and then go to the buffet and load up, you will likely gain weight on your vacation. Pro Tip: before you head to the buffet, drink one full serving of water.
Choose a Small Plate at the Buffet
If there are different plate sizes, pick up the smaller one, you can always go back for a second plate if you are still hungry. Research suggests that people tend to consume less when using smaller plates, as it gives the illusion of a fuller plate.
Start with Fruits and Veggies
Take your plate to the vegetable and fruit section first and load up with lots of fresh goodies! Fill at least half of your plate, for real.
Make Smart Choices at the Buffet
Now, go survey the other options: Take a lap around the buffet without grabbing anything so you can assess all the available choices. This will help you make informed decisions and select the foods you truly want to try.
- Look for lean meats and steer clear of anything swimming in sauce or covered in cheese.
- Choose whole grains (oats, quinoa, brown rice, etc) when available.
- Aim for a balance of colors and textures, which can enhance the visual appeal of your plate leading to greater satisfaction in your meal.
Practice Portion Control
Practice portion control: Be mindful of portion sizes. Start with smaller portions of each food item, and if you’re still hungry after finishing your plate, you can always go back for more. Taking small portions allows you to enjoy a variety of foods without going overboard.
Skip Dessert the First Time Through the Buffet
Don’t pick up dessert the first time through the buffet when you are at your hungriest. It will still be there later.
Eat Slowly
Savor your food, allow yourself to sit with your meal. Pay attention to the flavors, textures, and sensations of the food. Enjoy your dinner companions. Remember, there is no rush. Eating mindfully can help you better recognize your body’s signals of fullness and prevent overeating. After you finish, let your food settle a bit.
Water is Your Friend
Hydrate adequately! Hopefully you drank a glass of water before the buffet meal as this helps control appetite. Drink plenty of water throughout your meal. Sometimes, thirst can be mistaken for hunger, so staying hydrated can help you differentiate between the two and avoid unnecessary eating.
Read this for more on the importance of Hydration During Travel.
Enjoy Conversation
Engaging in conversation with your dining companions can help slow down your eating pace and prevent mindless eating. Enjoy the social aspect of dining and focus on the experience, rather than just the food.
Dessert Time at the Buffet!
Then, after all of the above, strategically think about dessert. Are you still hungry? Will some fresh fruit satisfy that sweet-tooth? If not, grab ONE small dessert that looks absolutely fabulous. Don’t settle for something that only looks so-so. And beware of the “I’ll just try one bite of everything” strategy unless you are truly capable of pulling it off. Personally, I have tried and failed that strategy too many times so now I go for “only the best”.
Listen to Your Body
Pay attention to your body’s cues of hunger and fullness. Stop eating when you feel satisfied, even if there’s still food on your plate.
By implementing these strategies, you can enjoy a buffet without overindulging and maintain a balanced approach to eating.
Want more travel health tips? CLICK HERE
Live well. Be well.
Laura
