A buffet is a great excuse to pig out, but how can you really indulge in a buffet if you’re not used to eating such great quantities of food? Make the most of the good money you’ve paid for by preparing yourself for the all-out eating earlier in the day. Here’s how to prepare yourself for a buffet.
- Determine what kind of food you’re allowed to eat at the buffet. Obviously, if you’re a diabetic, you’re supposed to keep away from sweets, fatty food and starchy food. This will help narrow down your options and prevent any unwanted side effects from happening.
- Think of your stomach as a muscle. When you’re used to eating a certain amount of food, your stomach will get used to accommodating said amount. A week or a few days before the buffet, try to at least drink a lot of water after dinnertime until you feel very full. Leave your stomach alone for 30 minutes, and drink another cup of water. Without forcing yourself to eat too much food, you can help make your stomach get used to the idea to being a little more fuller than what it’s used to.
- On the day of the buffet, do not starve yourself. Not eating anything until the buffet rolls around will actually be detrimental to you. You’ll end up scarfing everything in sight and not choose your food wisely.
- Eat something fibrous for breakfast, such as oatmeal or grain. A protein shake will also help you feel fuller longer. Drink lots of water throughout the day. For lunch, have a small sandwich with a salad. When the time for the buffet dinner comes around, you won’t be ravenously hungry but you’ll be ready to eat another meal.
- When it comes to eating a buffet, go for quality over quantity. Choose your food well, and eat items that you don’t usually eat. Or, you can go with eating food that’s expensive, like sushi, caviar and cheese. These can be eaten in small amounts but will be worth it.
- Nix the soup and only drink when you need to. Liquids can make you feel full real fast.
- Choose good bread. Buffets usually offer a variety of bread to choose from, so don’t settle for ordinary white bread.
- The Chinese like to drink tea after a meal because it clears your palate. Clearing your palate can also help encourage your appetite. Instead of drinking water or soda, drink hot tea instead. It will clear your palate and help you feel a little less overwhelmed with the food.
- Take breaks in between eating the buffet. Pace yourself with eating, and don’t hurry when lining up for food. People who stay in buffets for long hours are usually those who pace themselves, and they end up making the most out of their experience.
Everyone has their own time-tested techniques in preparing for the buffet, and added with the suggestions in the article, you’ll be unstoppable. Have fun!
