10 Steps to Surviving the Buffet Table

Eating out is a luxury most of us enjoy from time to time, and for many buffet dining is a very popular choice.

But, you may be thinking it’s impossible to be restrained at a buffet table. With masses of food presented to you from every side it certainly can be difficult to avoid indulging a little.

But, despite the all-you-can-eat mantra, going to a buffet-style restaurant doesn’t have to throw your whole diet out of sync.

In fact, if you take a closer look at what’s on offer, you may just find it contains as many healthy selections as it does high calorie options.

So, this is my 10 step guide to help you choose a healthier meal next time you’re in the buffet line:

#1 Have a plan of action
Before you go to the restaurant remind yourself of a few important rules, such as how many times you’ll refill your plate, and any foods you want to avoid.

You should also remind yourself to eat slowly, and drink lots of water between courses.

#2 Check your options
If you begin at one end of the buffet table and move steadily along to the other end, your plate will probably look more like Mount Everest than dinner!

Instead, take a few minutes to scan the food on offer, and then make your selection based on what you want to have most, including dessert. If something looks completely irresistible, leave room for it by cutting back on your other portions.

Remember, it isn’t necessary to sample every single dish available!

#3 Healthy plate proportions
When you make your meal selection remind yourself of the various segments which make up a healthy diet. This will help you to choose a more balanced meal, and to control your food portions.

• Go for a mixture of colourful salad greens and vegetables, and choose a large portion without creamy sauces, or rich dressings.
• Choose lean meats such as chicken, turkey, lean beef, or fish which hasn’t been battered or bread crumbed.
• Opt for wholegrains where possible, and take care with your carb portion size.
• Eat three plates of food max – this means for example one bowl of salad or soup to start, one main course, and potentially one dessert – but don’t pile your plate too high with food.

#4 Get your food and go
If you’re at a work or social function it can be very tempting to stand next to the buffet table all evening. This is not a good idea!

Instead, get your plate of food and leave the table. This will help you avoid overeating!

#5 Avoid foods with heavy sauces
Again this may seem like a pretty obvious one, but it could really save a massive amount of calories.

Many of the foods available at the buffet table are extremely heavy on sauce, so if possible ask for yours on the side, or try to limit your intake of these types of foods.

#6 Eat slowly
Not only is eating slowly better for your digestion, you will also take in fewer calories if you slow things down a little.

Remember, putting your knife and fork down between mouthfuls can really help with this one.

#7 Balance things up
If you can’t live without those cheesy potato skins, have a small portion, and then choose grilled or baked meat or fish, along with steamed vegetables to accompany them.

Or, if desserts more your thing, consider making a compromise by skipping the appetizer, or cutting back the amount you eat in your main meal – this way you’ll be less likely to overeat.

Alternatively, you could share dessert with a friend, or go for something that will give you a sweet fix without too many calories, such as fresh fruit, frozen yoghurt, or sorbet.

#8 Drink wisely
A large portion of your calorie intake could be coming from soft drinks and alcoholic drinks, which pack a pretty big punch in terms of calories.

Try to limit yourself to only one of these, and stick with water, or lower cal drinks most of the time.

#9 If you’re still hungry…
It’s best to avoid making multiple trips to the buffet table, but if you must choose more salads, vegetables, or fruit rather than adding fatty fried foods or more starchy carbs to your plate.

#10 And finally…
If you simply can’t eat healthy at the regular buffets, why not try a sushi buffet for something completely different?

They tend to offer more in the line of fresh fish, seafood, and vegetables so it should be easier to make a healthy choice. However do choose carefully here too.

So, what do you think? Can buffet dining be an acceptable option for you?

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