Eating Right at a Buffet

I made a rule for myself a few years ago for when I go to buffet restaurants. I limit myself to one plate. If I don't get what I wanted or enough on that one plate, too bad. And I sit with my back to the buffet line, so I am not tempted. It works really well and I make my choices more carefully. However, a few times I got home and added up the cals for lots of buffet-style restaurants (Golden Corral, Chinese food) and my average plate still had around 1500 calories and about three days worth of fat. Now when friends want to go out I suggest similar places to the buffets where I know I can choose healthier items. I just went to Buffalo Wild Wings and only had 500 calories. I thought that was pretty good for out to eat.

Nikki, That's hilarious! At least you're honest with yourself.

I find that to be true. If you feel you have to go back for more, select fruits and raw green veggies. Do not pile your plate up with starches. The macaroni & cheese, mash potatoes, baked potato, etc., is where we get into trouble. The bottom line is what you eat.

Monique

www.easyvegetarian.blogspot.com

i do that now

I agree with you, or if you really want to go back for more, go for fruit or vegetables.

Now I'm grossed out. I try not to think about this stuff at the buffet. I am trusting my immune system!

Proper Hygeine at Buffets! Oh my goodness- I am so glad that I am not the only one. Why do people lick their fingers and then reach for the tongs or tools to dispense their food? Why do parents let their children sample with their fingers from the communal dishes? Oh- I cannot bare to eat at buffets anymore. Oh, and why do people unscrew the lids of pepper shakers when they are clogged and then blow through the holes to make them work better???? The list goes on.....

I know, right? I'm not trying to be gross but it's a scientific fact that not everyone washes their hands when they use the restroom. Then they touch the spoon that you're touching to eat your food - or touch a roll and put it back... plus, by nature, buffets are easy for families and their kids. And kids put their hands everywhere! I would have to say the solution in this matter is to get your dish of food (and only items that can't be touched) then head to the restroom and wash your hands before you eat. And the same after every time you go up there! :)

You are right. It is important also to pick the right choices, such as veggies, fruit and low cal items.

Biruta K.

I have to admit, I like sushi buffets. I don't like things that are swimming in water or oil... or under the heat lamp for hours. If they have fresh oysters, veggies, and bottles of olive oil and vinegar that I can mix, that's great. All I have to do is to take a look at who's eating at a bunch of these buffets and that's enough to deter me.

Though your advice of taking all you want in one go is a good one, I like to eat salad first. Eating salad before the meal aids digestion and I like to think it fills me a bit before I set my eyes on the hot goodies. I wonder, though, if staying away would be best? I really do like the opportunity to pick from many things rather than sticking to one choice from the menu, so I hope we can all (or those of us who can't resist a good buffet) find ways eat off the buffet in a sensible way! Must remember: portion control, portion control, portion control!

Robin, At least you filled up some on the good stuff first! I agree it's best to just stay away. But sometimes... it's fun to go nuts. If you were eating that way several times a week, or even once a week I think you could do some serious damage. A few times a year won't affect your overall health... or waist size...

In my opinion, buffets are usually "disasters waiting to happen" for those who want to eat right. I've been eating very healthy for the past 1-1/2 months. Then, the other night, while out of town, relatives treated my husband and I to dinner at one of those huge buffet restaurants. I did great with my first plate...baked salmon, green beans, and carrotts. I did good with my second plate, a salad (with only healthy stuff) and low fat dressing. Then...I went back for a third time, and got the fried shrimp, clams...then desserts! I guess I felt like I needed to eat my money's worth. I find that I just need to avoid buffets!

Good advice. I read about a study where people were offered a single color of M&Ms and another group offered a multi-colored bowl. The variety of colors resulted in people taking more! Something about the variety of a buffet makes us crazy! I just eat what I want. To minimize the damage I try avoid buffets altogether as often as possible!

I never thought about buffet and hygiene - just sort of took it for granted. Somehow, eating at a buffet doesn't seem so inviting now!

I couldn't help but smile while reading yur posting!Hats off you your honesty!

My big beef with some of these buffets that are available is the lack of hygiene. People can paw the food and even put it back if they've touched it and changed their mind. I don't think the worst thing you have to worry about at a buffet is weight gain - it's catching a cold or... something.

I'll sometimes start with a huge salad with very little dressing (essentially no cals) then I go back for the little I still have room for. Actually, that is a lie. I overeat at buffets. I wish I did that though.

Some buffets are only worth one trip whereas others are worth a trip or two. Most buffets have very nice salads and light healthy food like chicken and sea food. I feel up the salad makings and the light stuff. Then, I treat myself to something decadent. Ordering a bottle of sparkling water helps too.