How to Win The Battle of The Buffet

By Jane Farrell

“All-you-can-eat” buffets may look great, but they can lead to overeating. Here, some tips from the experts at www.choosemyplate.gov, a division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, on how to have happy, healthy eating at the buffet:

Survey the territory

Take a lap around the buffet before you start to fill up your plate. Plan ahead so you know what to choose and what to limit.

Savor a salad

Start your meal with a salad. Choose vegetables of all colors and top with vinaigrette rather than a creamy dressing.

Be selective

Look for steamed, grilled, or broiled dishes, which are often lower in saturated fat than foods in creamy sauces or fried.

Take your time

Be mindful to eat slowly and enjoy your meal. Use hunger and fullness cues to recognize when to eat and when you’ve had enough.

Rethink your drink

Balance out your meal by drinking water or unsweetened iced tea rather than sugary beverages such as soda and lemonade.

For more information on nutrition, visit www.choosemyplate.gov.