Eating out is a luxury most of us take pleasure in from time to time, and for many, buffet dining is a very fashionable choice. But as a dieter, that's probably a doomsday. It is difficult to resist grabbing a huge plate and hogging on breads, biryanis, meats, cakes, cookies and ice creams.
Buffets are infamous for their high-calorie, high-fat food offerings. Although one trip to the buffet can easily disturb your diet, it need not do so. By practicing the tips below you can save your weight loss plan and enjoy the buffet.
- Start with water: Drink one full glass of water before you even hit the buffet. This way you will not be downright hungry when you hit it. This will also fill your stomach before you start eating.
- Scan the buffet: Scan the buffet before you even start with it. It's not a good idea to just grab a plate, get in line and to start hogging. Take a moment to look over the whole buffet to see what you like.
- Take a small plate: Take a smaller plate when you go up to the buffet. For example, use the dessert plate for the main course. This way you can fill it with less stuff, and so you will eat less.
- Take small quantities: Don't heap the food on your plate. Take a small sample of the food of each type. This way you get to sample all the foods and you can go for a second serving for whichever food you like.
- Start with the salad: All buffets have at least a small section dedicated to salad. Fill your plate with cucumbers, carrots, lettuce, tomatoes etc. You can't go wrong with them. Always opt for fat-free dressing if available.
- Go for proteins: To reduce the risk of excessive calorie intake, avoid high-fat, high-carbs items. Go for high proteins stuff like chicken, eggs, seafood etc. This will make you feel full faster.
- Avoid heavy sauces: Sauces and gravies mostly are high in calories. Select choices that are loaded with fresh vegetables and have little to no sauces.
- Eat slowly: Slow down on your eating pattern. Stretch out your meal and enjoy the company. This will help you eat a lot less calories and will also help your digestion process. Just chew, swallow, take a sip of liquid, and contemplate the flavors of what you just ate.
- Drink wisely: Alcohol, soft drinks, fruit punches - they all have calories, so limit their consumption. Spare yourself additional calories by going with beverages that are calorie free or just stick to water.
- Don't stand near the buffet: It may be a tempting idea to stand near the buffet and have conversations. But remember to grab your food and move away from the buffet. The farther you are the more you will avoid making multiple trips.
- Be careful of the deserts: They may look wonderful, they may smell wonderful, and they may taste delicious. But they are also high in calories. Avoid making multiple trips for them.
- Socialize: Buffets are public occasions, so keep the chat going around the table to delay frequent top-ups at the food line.
By following these buffet eating tips, your weight loss plan may not be totally destroyed. So have fun, stays healthy and be successful maintaining your weight!
