The Endless Buffet

Posted by Kathleen  ·  Apr 14, 2007  ·  01:37 PM  ·  permalink

I am scheduled to attend a buffet dinner this evening. I have been thinking about it for two weeks. I went to this particular dinner a year ago so I know they are going to have a great spread of food and desserts. Last year I went with good intentions but still ended up eating more than was reasonably sane. I did better than I had in the past at this type of eating fest, but this year I am on a mission to do even better.

So you start out with all the instructions given to prevent problems: you drink a large glass of water before leaving, have a small snack so you are not ravenous, an apple or some nuts. Then off you go with all your good intentions.

And then you see it. The beautifully diplayed, delicious looking food laid out before your eyes. It seems to go on forever. Actually it doesn't even have to be that beautifully displayed. All that food is overwhelming. Even a small taste of everything would fill two plates. Your mouth starts watering and your resolve begins dropping as you move along.

Well just stop, get a grip on yourself. Let's breakdown this situation. There must be some food that you don't like, for me it's onions and broccoli doesn't like me. That may reduce some of your sampling. No point in adding something to your plate you are barely going to taste and it takes up room for something you would actually like to try. Ok now it's time to get tough, no fried! There are usually plenty of other choices and remember we are eating healthy for life and fried is not in our future. There is always fish, chicken or beef. I never get the chicken, I eat it all the time at home. If the fish looks good, try it. We never get enough fish. If you're a beef lover try a half serving. I usually have little trouble avoding the meats unless fried, I don't eat fried at home or order it when out so when it is placed in front of me I cave. Tonight no fried.

Watch out for vegetables, everything is probably cooked in butter and if it has a sauce umm, umm, bad. When serving yourself think teaspoon. Of course there are always potatoes. Don't waste your calories on potatoes you can fix at home. If they look delicious and can't be passed over, again think TEASPOON.

Skip the bread unless you are a bread lover and they have a great display. Go with the bread if you must and reduce on dessert.

My husband loads up on salad then goes back to the entrees thinking he will be full and not eat as much. I am not sure this has actually worked because he seems to have as much as I would on his entree plate, maybe more. Unless it is a special salad that I have not tried before I pass on the salad, cheese and crackers. Those tiny cheese and cracker add up fast. Pre dinner snack on the fruits.

So the basic goal for the food items is to take only things you like, or that you haven't had before that you would like to sample. Take only small amounts of each, think teaspoons. Stay away from fried.

So I haven't mentioned desserts, my personal weakness. If you don't have a weakness for sweets I envy you. I have gotten better. I used to try everything but it got to be embarrassing sitting with 4-5 dessert plates sitting in front of me. I also realized I didn't really like all the desserts, so why was I wasting so many calories on them. I have become much more particular in what I take. Usually my husband and I get different ones and split them so we can try both. If they have a dessert you can cut or serve yourself I take just enough to taste then I can sample several different kinds. Basic rule don't take more dessert than what will add up to one dessert.

A few other general tips to slow us all down are: Sit far from the buffet line, more than 3 trips and some of those people really are talking abut you. Drink water or tea in large amounts, fills you up. Liquor or wine in small amounts, it loosens your resolve and is also a lot of calories. Eat slowly, it takes 20 minutes for your head to get the messegs that your stomach is full. When your stomach is full, stop.

Wish me luck, no wish me strength. No fried, No fried, No fried.