A buffet is a weight loss minefield.  

Weight loss tip 128 – Avoid all-you-can-eat buffets

People in a buffet line

Some of the finest moments in my college time were spent eating at the all-you-can-eat buffet with my friends.  Cheap and endless food supply is the mantra of the all-you-can-eat buffet.  Unfortunately, overly plentiful and affordable food is not conducive to a slim and trim waistline.  Successful dieters know that a buffet meal can wreak havoc on the potential for success.  

I used to love buffets.  Unfortunately, the elderly and those just starting out in their career are most vulnerable to the evils of the all-you-can-eat buffet.  Both tend to be on a fixed or limited income and look for cheap ways to get their next meal.  There are many varieties out there.  There are pizza buffets, Chinese buffets, and the Mexican buffet. The two things they have in common is that all buffets will add to your waistline and contain low-quality food better for fat and carbohydrates.  You are very likely to overeat and regret the choices you have made.  

The good news is there are ways to avoid the much-feared feedbag when your family decided to go to a smorgasbord.  If you use these simple behaviors, it will help you reduce the tendency to overeat. 

Buffet Tips:

1. Scout the bar before you fill your plate.  
2. Fill your plate with the low calories options first such as fruits, salads (watch the dressing),  and light soups. 
3. Choose only lean proteins such as grilled chicken and turkey.  Avoid breaded meats and deep-fried foods. 
4. Avoid bread, pastries, and pizza.  
5. Completely skip the high-calorie, pasta, and potatoes. 
6. Instead make your third course the desserts with cut up fruit.
7. Commit to one trip to the buffet a single plate of food.
8. Most importantly, eat slowly, drink plenty of water, and stop when you’re full.  

The bottom line:  Avoid the buffet feedbag if you are trying to lose weight.  If you must, you have to limit your intake or you will gain weight.  In weight loss, more is never better and that is especially true with a buffet.