Buffet without bloat

Few dining experiences are as tempting as a buffet. A seemingly endless spread of dishes from every corner of the globe, the freedom to pile your plate high with whatever you desire, and the seductive notion that you should get your money’s worth, all this makes buffets a battleground for willpower.

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But eating well at a buffet without overdoing it is possible. All it takes is a little planning, a lot of awareness, and a few simple strategies.

Survey before you serve

The first step to smart buffet dining is to take a full tour of what’s on offer before picking up a plate. This might seem unnecessary, but it's easy to load up on mediocre items early on, only to discover something much better later. A quick scan allows you to identify the dishes you truly want to try and avoid wasting stomach space and calories on forgettable options.

Start light and fresh

Begin your meal with a small plate of fresh vegetables or salad. Opt for simple dressings like olive oil and vinegar rather than creamy sauces. This strategy helps you ease into the meal, gives your body time to register satiety, and provides fibre that slows down digestion and helps control appetite. It also sets a healthy tone for the rest of your meal.

Watch portions