When you’re trying to watch your weight, it’s almost impossible to visit an excellent buffet and still be able to stick to a low-calorie diet.
Of course, an occasional indulgence every now and then isn’t too bad (and immensely great for the spirit). It’s just that if you visit buffets a lot more often, you’ll will have to take your diet into account.
And the good news is that there are actually plenty of buffet food items that won’t wreck your diet terribly. You might be able to stick to your diet, or at the very least., minimize the damage.
So, what you should you order at a buffet? Try out these items:
Salad
Most buffets these days come with a salad bar. But it’s an unfortunate truth that not all salads are low-calorie options.
But you can make healthy choices, starting with leafy greens. Then load up on as much raw vegetables as you can deal with. A good, healthy salad takes the edge off your hunger, so you’re less likely to overeat on the less healthy options.
Just make sure that you stick to low-fat dressing, or you can just drizzle some lemon juice on your salad. Fatty dressing, cold cuts, and fatty cheese must be avoided.
Soup
If you’re not into salads as your appetizer, try some healthy soup. What you want are broth-based soups, since they’re generally low in calories and fat. Go with vegetable or bean soups.
What you don’t want is a soup with too much oil floating in it. Creamy soups are a no-no as well.
Grilled Meat
Obviously, you’ll find lots of meat options at a buffet. This is true whether you’re at a local Golden Corral buffet or at a Las Vegas buffet.
You can still enjoy some meat at a buffet even if you’re on a diet. The trick is to go with a small portion, whether it’s grilled chicken breast, sirloin steak, or filet of fish. You just have to specify that it isn’t smothered in butter. It’s best if it’s seasoned with just some salt and pepper.
You should avoid anything that’s fried, and you don’t really want the meats that are smothered in gravy.
Steamed Veggies
This is another buffet mainstay. From the restaurant’s POV, it’s because these steamed vegetables are reasonably inexpensive and they’re so easy to prepare.
But from your own perspective, that’s a good thing too. Try these steamed veggies as a side dish for your grilled fish or chicken. In fact, you might want to fill up half the plate with steamed green beans, cauliflower, carrots, and broccoli. That way, you can easily limit your fatty food intake.
Baked Potatoes
Some people assume that these things aren’t good for them, because they taste so delicious. But that’s not necessarily true all the time. You just have to say “no” to toppings such as sour cream and butter, which adda lot to your calorie and fat totals.
Instead, go with healthier toppings. Top your baked potatoes with salsa and a little bit of low-fat cheese. Or you can load the potatoes with a bit of low-fat cheese, plus lots of beans and onions.
Have a great buffet meal, and enjoy the fact that it’s still healthy!