Chinese Buffet

I avoid all buffets when possible now because I'm the same way. I feel I have to get my moneys worth and eat too much. If you went with a group, you could try being good and just eating a small portion.

Totally agree....However, you could always go to the buffet (if going with a group) and order off the menu (if that's an option). Just a suggestion. :blushing:

I used to go all the time when my son (now in college) was in high school. It was actually very easy for me. First plate go for the sushi but leave the rice on the plate. Second plate nothing but fresh seafood: Mussels, clams, oysters. Add a plate of raw vegetables from the salad bar. Third plate a bit of crab and maybe some shrimp. By then my son would have had about 27 items on his plate. Just seeing him eat all that (and he is as skinny as a stick) was enough to want me want to stop. We definitely got our moneys worth.

I love buffets. I would love to be able to go to them more often. I am at the point where I know I can go in and fill up on the "healthier" options while still enjoying some of the more "fun" foods. Now to me getting my money's worth is about enjoying a variety in the proportions I prefer, not shoving it all down my throat because I've gotta get $50 worth of food in me for the $10 I spent. That didn't used to be the case though.

The last time I went to a Chinese buffet was just a few days after I started working on eating back just over 3 weeks ago or so. I made those mostly better choices and I could feel the difference.

I know I control my own actions and am capable of making good choices, so going to a buffet itself doesn't scare me. I think anyone who sticks it out and believes in themselves can develop that same attitude.

However the problem for me, and the reason why I don't go to buffets anymore, is because I haven't figured out how to log it in MFP. I insist on logging everything now. If family is cooking I am not eating it if I don't get to weigh and measure all the ingredients and see the packaging for myself so I can log it accurately.

But I tell you this my friend.... if I can figure out a reasonably accurate way to log in buffet plates on MFP, then I will be spending a whole lot of time at my nearest Chinese Buffet... and Golden Corral!!!!

I ate at one just two nights ago. The only thing I don't like about places like that is that I can't easily log what I eat. Other than that I know that planning for a big meal, then choosing things that aren't obviously calorie-dense and only eating until I'm full will keep me within my caloric budget.

This is exactly what got me in trouble in the first place. It was a couple times a week. Now, I go about once a month, no fried foods, I can only eat about 1/2 the amount I use to eat. I do more Mongolian BBQ with only lean meats (no pork) and seafood, and tons of veggies. No carbs or heavy on sauces. It is still far from healthy, but with some calorie planning, it can be guilt free.

. The only thing I don't like about places like that is that I can't easily log what I eat.

I write down everything i eat at the buffet on a napkin. Keeping track is good to keep you from overeating. I/e "i've already had about a cup of rice, better not get another scoop", works for me. Keeps me accountable and knowing i have to track it on mfp later keeps me honest!

I used to go there every week. I would always have a huge plateful of their green beans which are delicious, some meat, and some fruit and I always felt like I didn't have a bad meal. I tried to stay away from the deserts. Those are my downfall.

We go once a month to a wonderful one near the house. I limit myself to 2 visits and "must not have food piled on top of each other unless it's raw veggies or a salad" rule. Then for estimating portions, I use the palm of my hand for meat to estimate 3oz, my thumb for an oz, and my balled up fist for a cup. Most of the food options are listed - its just the portion sizes that are tricky. Am I estimating accurately? No but its in the ballpark and if in doubt, I will check several of the MFP entries for that item and take the mid range calorie listing.

. The only thing I don't like about places like that is that I can't easily log what I eat.

I write down everything i eat at the buffet on a napkin. Keeping track is good to keep you from overeating. I/e "i've already had about a cup of rice, better not get another scoop", works for me. Keeps me accountable and knowing i have to track it on mfp later keeps me honest!

For me it's not a problem remembering what I ate, it's just that each recipe from place to place can vary so greatly. As most of the items in the MFP database are user-contributed, they aren't all that accurate to begin with. Trying to calculate intake based on eyeball measurements and those inaccurate database entries just doesn't cut it for me. I do try to (over)estimate... but again, it's not easy. It won't stop me from enjoying that treat occasionally, though

When was last time you visited a Chinese buffet? I did, today. Every time when I go there, I feel that I have to get my money worth, lol. And you can imagine what happened from there . . . I feel bad I ate too much. But I will feel worse if I didn't get my money worth. lol UM NUM NUM.:drinker:

Some of the worst quality food imaginable is found in those buffets. It doesn't even taste all that good.

I just don't do them anymore, I find they are not worth the money or the calories.