Well, this article is one epic example of “It is easier said than done”. If you are anything like me buffet is a very looked forward to occasion, and the fact that you can eat all you want really does test your discipline. I am still am learning how to not overeat at one. Below are some easy techniques that are working for me, letting me enjoy the lavish spread and not leaving me all bloated and uneasy at the same time. Hope they work for you too!!
Have a small pre-buffet meal at home: It is quite the opposite of what we’ve been doing all our lives, staying hungry and maybe skipping the previous meals to eat more at the party. But that hunger causes you to binge-eat at the buffet. Besides, if you eat a small portion beforehand, you won’t be famished and have more energy to socialize before you head for the food spread.
Exercise earlier on that day: How is that even related? It is. When you’ve put in efforts to burn those many calories, you will tend to be more mindful about not over-eating. Nobody wants to ruin all the efforts of getting up early and working out, and you will now have good control of the situation. Maybe!!
Take smaller plates: Age-old tactic it is, working so efficiently. Your mind gets tricked into believing you are eating a lot of food, as your tiny plate looked over-filled even with small portions. Plus there is no space in there for you to actually take a lot.
Choose your seating far away from the spread: If you are seated on the other end of the hall, you will not make frequent visits to refill your plate. The laziness gene does help sometimes.
Check out the entire menu before filling in the food: You do not want to fill up your plate, only to realize later that you have space neither in your plate nor in your stomach to eat your favorite lasagne. Take a walk, know your options and then dig in!! And yes eat a little more of your favorite dishes, you totally deserve it.
Stay away from alcohol: Not only do they have empty calories, but they also mess with your idea of mindful eating. Instead, have a glass of water or fresh juice in one hand for that satisfaction of having a drink in your hand.
Spend time at the live counters: Food at the live counters is fresh, warm and more delicious. Besides we can’t have live counter dishes that frequently at home or work. And yes also relish food items tricky to make, it is the best opportunity to eat those tasty treats.
Share your desserts: Talk about keeping the best for the last, buffets normally have a large spread of desserts. So grab a partner and share your desserts, that way you can taste more varieties without feeling guilty or missing out on a few good ones.
Happy eating!! And do share your ideas of smart eating in the comment section below, we can all definitely use a few more tips and tricks.