How do you deal with a buffet on a diet?

Sarahgrace0228
Sarahgrace0228 Posts: 63 Member
in Introduce Yourself
It is coming towards the end of my school year and me and a few of my friends were thinking of going to this buffet place. How do you deal with eating when a buffet style is on the menu? Weddings, resturants, picnics and other events?
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Replies

  • caitychu
    caitychu Posts: 39
    Stick with salads and rice and stay away from high carbs! Keep track of your calories with the MFP iPhone app. Don't let the buffet trick you into thinking you're still hungry! Eat slowly so your stomach has time to realize it's full when it actually is.
  • StayMe
    StayMe Posts: 12 Member
    2 ways I go about the buffet {if I can not avoid them all together}

    1. Pick and choose the most healthy stuff. @ wedding have small piece of cake and nuts (no mints)
    2. Keep your calories super low for the rest of the day, so you balance out at the end of day.
  • callikia
    callikia Posts: 226 Member
    I try to fill most of my plate with the healthiest veggies and fruits I can find, and then have just a few things I enjoy that might not be considered the "healthiest" so I don't feel deprived.
    Of course, it's best to avoid them altogether, but that's not always possible.
  • Lula16
    Lula16 Posts: 628 Member
    I say fill up on the healthy stuff first, salad, grilled veggies, and then have a bite of cake or anything else you want to taste...notice i said "taste" only!
  • belgerian
    belgerian Posts: 1,059 Member
    I avoid buffets at all costs. But they usually have some baked fish, grilled chicken and some other reasonably better food. But I do love the chinese buffet thats the one I really have to stay away. Have to run a ultramarathon to burn those calories off.
  • Mercenary1914
    Mercenary1914 Posts: 1,087 Member
    ATTACK IT!
  • boggsmeister
    boggsmeister Posts: 292 Member
    Lean meats and veggies. Stay away from the carbs. You can eat waaay to many carbs before you feel full or satisfied.

    Either that or just eat how you want. If it's just one day it won't make the slightest bit of difference. You aren't in prison here, you are just trying to take better control of your food. Occasional celebratory feasting is a human tradition as old as society.

    Whatever you choose, don't stress out.
  • debbgame
    debbgame Posts: 3 Member
    Stick to the lean meats and veggies! My husband and I go to mongolian grills occasionally and I load up with the leanest meats, seafood and veggies, I stay away from rice and noodles all together!
  • cherbapp
    cherbapp Posts: 322
    I use a cake plate (tiny paper plate if available)...and take a tiny bit of everything I love.

    I can't say no, but I can say LESS PLEASE. :)
  • AntWrig
    AntWrig Posts: 2,273 Member
    Stick with salads and rice and stay away from high carbs! Keep track of your calories with the MFP iPhone app. Don't let the buffet trick you into thinking you're still hungry! Eat slowly so your stomach has time to realize it's full when it actually is.
    Why?

    To the OP. Create a calorie deficit earlier in the day. Have a hard workout or intense cardio sessions (sprints). Stick to lean protein and veggies prior to the buffet.

    At the buffet, eat whatever you want in moderation.
  • TexanThom
    TexanThom Posts: 778
    Sit down before you load up a plate and drink a full glass of water. Stay away from fried and heavy sauced foods. Lots of salad, light on the dressing.
  • PrncessBre
    PrncessBre Posts: 444 Member
    I use a cake plate (tiny paper plate if available)...and take a tiny bit of everything I love.

    I can't say no, but I can say LESS PLEASE. :)

    Thats actually a really good idea. Im gonna try that :smile:
  • Kissybiz
    Kissybiz Posts: 361 Member
    Stick with salads and rice and stay away from high carbs! Keep track of your calories with the MFP iPhone app. Don't let the buffet trick you into thinking you're still hungry! Eat slowly so your stomach has time to realize it's full when it actually is.
    Why?

    To the OP. Create a calorie deficit earlier in the day. Have a hard workout or intense cardio sessions (sprints). Stick to lean protein and veggies prior to the buffet.

    At the buffet, eat whatever you want in moderation.

    ^^^ this
  • taunto
    taunto Posts: 6,420 Member
    This is how I fealt with my trip last friday

    I went. I ate whatever I wanted. I did NOT tried to keep my butt away and healthy. I eat decently good throughout the week and I allow myself a spike day.

    I got home, worked out those extra calories. Called it a day. I was over my calories a bit but I was still way below maintanance and I get to enjoy the yummy Indian buffet
  • Leiki
    Leiki Posts: 526 Member
    I exercise either before or after.

    I eat the same amount I used to eat before my diet.

    I eat whatever I want.

    I eat light for the rest of the day, and sometimes I'm not hungry the next day, so I eat light the next day, as well.
  • surfteam1689
    surfteam1689 Posts: 73 Member
    1) Eat anything that is raw.
    2) No sugars.
    3) No breads.
    4) Nothing fried.
    5) Yogurts for dessert.
    6) Go for a long, long walk afterwards with all your friends.

    Or...

    JUST DON'T GO TO A BUFFET!!! Go somewhere that has portion control. :-)
  • IronPlayground
    IronPlayground Posts: 1,594 Member
    I attack that thing with reckless abandon!
  • mermx
    mermx Posts: 976
    As others have said stick to salad stuff.....easier said than done! Lot`s of tasty treats there on that buffet.

    If there is chicken/some type of meat then go for it (not toooooo much lol)

    Stay away from sweet treats...you are sweet enough!

    Take a little (tiny) treat now and again you can work it off tomorrow and the next day/next day/next day

    Hope you have a good time x
  • Mercenary1914
    Mercenary1914 Posts: 1,087 Member
    I attack that thing with reckless abandon!


    Heck yea!
  • sensualmess
    sensualmess Posts: 46 Member
    The most important thing is to enjoy the food! You should have a day one in a while that you eat anything you want...
    Pick healthy choices, and try to stick to it.. :) no cakes, or anything... there are healthy options in buffets, so it won't be that hard to do. The other thing that others are suggesting, exercise before or after. I usually exercise before as when you are fuller you are less likely to workout.. :P
  • MsStorm
    MsStorm Posts: 4
    I go with the old Weight Watchers premise (even though I don't follow the program anymore). Eat a bit less each day for the week before and "save up" some calories for the buffet (even 50 calories/day less gives you an extra 350 to eat at the buffet). Second, DEFINITELY don't starve yourself the day of the dinner. Eat lots of fruits and veggies and have a piece of lean meat for a late lunch. I usually eat a half cup of fat free Greek style plain yogurt with some berries or some honey in it just before I head out to dinner. That way you won't be starving when you get there.

    Once there, fill your plate with salads and veggies (careful with the heavy salads like potato or pasta - just a spoonful of each of those - don't deny yourself) and eat protein. Buffets usually have nice chicken and fish - just try and take less sauce if they're covered in it.

    Lastly, eat 50 calories/day less the week after. Again you'll have saved another 350 calories if you feel you indulged a bit at the buffet. AND don't beat yourself up. You have to have a treat once in awhile to stay on track.
  • meshashesha2012
    meshashesha2012 Posts: 8,329 Member
    i go in with a plan to eat the most expensive stuff which is usually salmon, shrimp and steak :laugh:

    i'll add in some veggies and fruit as well but i stay away from the carbie type stuff not because i dislike carbs, but because half the times they put some weird sauce or dressing on it that i hate.. besides that, the cheap carbs take up space that i could be using for all the expensive stuff
  • becoming_a_new_me
    becoming_a_new_me Posts: 1,860 Member
    I go to a buffet when I hit a plateau...I lose weight every time.

    The key is to eat in moderation what you like and want without walking away with 15 plates of pie. I always eat my meat first, then I get some veggies and maybe a few bites of some of the yummy casseroles. I always use a small plate and do not fill it totally full. That way I can eat a little, sit and let it settle, then go get some more...repeat. I rarely ever eat too much, and I don't gain afterwards.
  • Angie_1MR
    Angie_1MR Posts: 247
    if it's a choice, avoid the buffet, why would you go somewhere you already know you're going to be tempted? if it can't be avoided (a wedding, etc.) go with the small plate idea.
  • ls_66
    ls_66 Posts: 395 Member
    I would say if the buffet is one trip every 3-4 months than don't worry about it eat slowly and eat whatever feels right... try to exercise to sort of offset the additional carbs
  • SilkyHotspur
    SilkyHotspur Posts: 233 Member
    Stick with salads and rice and stay away from high carbs! Keep track of your calories with the MFP iPhone app. Don't let the buffet trick you into thinking you're still hungry! Eat slowly so your stomach has time to realize it's full when it actually is.
    Why?

    To the OP. Create a calorie deficit earlier in the day. Have a hard workout or intense cardio sessions (sprints). Stick to lean protein and veggies prior to the buffet.

    At the buffet, eat whatever you want in moderation.

    Basically agree...you know you want to eat, you know the pressure will be on, just pay for it the day before, the morning of, even some the day after...calories have no time clock, create as big a deficit as you want, the relax at the event, stay within yourself and eat responsibly without too much pressure.
  • elexichoccyeater
    elexichoccyeater Posts: 310 Member
    you have one life... and this is an eating path for your whole life.. so eat what you want!!!! exercise before and after... but most of all enjoy the day.. it is only one day and to put on a lb you would have to eat 1900+3500 that is 5400... That would take some doing!!!!!

    JUST ENJOY x
  • rose313
    rose313 Posts: 1,146 Member
    Regular restaurants have huge portions too, basically anywhere you eat out there are going to be issues staying on track. All the advice is great, I personally go up and get the healthy stuff like salad and fruit to fill me up, and then if I MUST, I take a tiny portion of the bad stuff just so I can still taste it and enjoy myself.
  • EJED724
    EJED724 Posts: 13
    No one has mentioned this yet, but I always limit myself to just one plate. I try to fill 1/2 of it with veggies, but just get a little of everything I want.

    I have used the eat nothing before you go strategy, but be careful with that because sometimes it makes me so starved that by the time i hit the buffet i say "screw it" and just pig out because I'm so hungry! Try to eat lots of lean protien and veggies during the day and drink lots of water so you're not starved.

    {I know it looks like I've lost nothing on my ticker, but that's my MFP goal - I've actually lost 70 lbs before this.}
  • primalchaos
    primalchaos Posts: 135 Member
    It is coming towards the end of my school year and me and a few of my friends were thinking of going to this buffet place. How do you deal with eating when a buffet style is on the menu? Weddings, resturants, picnics and other events?

    Depending on the style of restaurant, you can put together a very healthy meal. Just make sure to stay away from the calorie dense foods and get a good variety of the low cal (within your limit) foods. I used to fear the buffet in Vegas, but now, it's the one of the favorites since we can shape our meal without breaking the bank or ala carte at a restaurant.

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