Wednesday, February 10, 2016

How to Make the Most Out Of A Buffet While Keeping Healthy

I love food. I used to write a food blog along with a beauty blog but when I got healthy, I decided to turn my makeup blog to a makeup with fitness blog, which features food and all things fun, because that makes a healthy life right? I like healthy people who don't deprive themselves of food, who eat as well as train. In my posts, I never mention to starve yourself, especially if you work out. Food is fuel and you need it for energy and to build your muscles and keep your systems in check. Think of your body as a car. You give it bad fuel, it won't run as good. You give your car good high quality fuel, there is a difference. So it's really not punishing you. It's finding food that's good for you, and believe me, there are so many ways to prepare food without sacrificing flavor. Food is also yummy even without a lot of salt and grease.

And in the talk of food, let's talk about buffets. Who doesn't love buffets? They are a treat for the senses! In our country, buffets are unavoidable in restos, bed and breakfasts, hotels, and even events. But when we think that this is a time to throw our clean eating off the window, I got you covered with tips on how to make the most of a buffet (of course! Buffets aren't cheap!) while not stressing the gut.



Don't Order Drinks

Juices, iced tea, and soda just fill you up, taking up space in the gut. Just have water, better if water is warm or lukewarm, which is very good for the digestive system.

Have a Plan

Before getting a plate, take a look at the buffet table first. That way, you can already plan what to eat and which food to get seconds.

Sit away from the buffet table

Aside from a mini-exercise, this will also allow you to avoid unnecessary temptation while eating, making you stick to your food choices better. If your table is preassigned, try to sit with your back to the food, so you don't get tempted when you see the lechon being carved or the pizza being served.

Go for quality and variety instead of quantity

This will help prevent you from binge eating and give you your money's worth. Skip the things you usually have  like bread or rice (it can actually make you feel full faster, so you won't be able to maximize the buffet as much). Go for seafood or fine cuts of meat, which are the more expensive choices than say something you can have every day. Go have prawns, lobster, shelfish, and lamb. You don't get to have that all the time right?  Pick small portions of food instead of heaping servings, so you can get to taste a variety of dishes. If you have a particular favorite, just go back for that.

Make healthier choices

Choose broiled or grilled over fried or deep fried. Choose oil-based dressings over creamy ones, Limit the condiments if the meat or dish is flavorful enough. Try sashimi instead of sushi or maki (which again, has rice). If you can, try the fruit platter and one or two of your favorite dessert choices, (like cake or pastry. You can have ice cream anytime!)  so as not to deprive yourself so much.

Eat slowly and Listen to your body

It's a meal, not an eating contest. Eating slowly will allow your body to process your food more. Your gut would be less stressed too. Just like in a workout, pace yourself. Stuffing yourself with so much food and the bloated heavy feeling is not worth it, believe me. Also when you're full already, don't go for another serving. Listen to your body.

Don't have buffets everyday!

Save the smorgasbord for special occasions and don't run to another one come dinner time. Again, don't overwork the gut.

Love food, but don't gorge on it that it can hurt you. Be kind to your body still. Follow these tips and hopefully you would enjoy the next buffet experience and get your money's worth. Leave the buffet table satisfied instead of bloated. Enjoy life loves!


Buffet image source: pexels.com

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