This is the first part of a two part set of newsletters on Buffets.

To set the stage for today’s email, here are a couple of stories. . . .

Story 1: My husband used to work with someone whose in-laws and family have their “buffet pants.” Yes, you read that right – “buffet pants.” They have pants with draw strings (AKA rip cords) they can release to give their stomachs room when they go to a buffet.

Story 2: Another group of friends went on a week-long cruise. When they came back and we were looking at the pictures, you could put them in order by how much weight the men had gained through the trip (I think about 10 pounds each). They hit the buffets constantly.

To continue. . . .Buffets and “all you can eat” restaurants should not be seen as a challenge to see how much you can actually stuff in your body. I know, I know. . . the more you eat, the less the total per serving cost. Honestly though, for most of us that is not what it should be about. We should be thinking about fueling our bodies in a manner that makes us feel good – not so stuffed we can’t move or need a “rip cord” so our pants fit.

The next time you go to a buffet, here are a few ideas to try:

1. Do not put food to the edges of the plate. Leave at least a one or two inch edge around the entire plate.
2. Do not stack food higher than an inch on your plate.
3. If the plate is platter sized, go down the line and see if there are smaller plates and bowls you can use for your food and use the platter as a tray. Remember, servings look tiny on a large plate.
4. Fill you plate from items early in the line. Usually, salads and lighter fare are first. If not, then feel free to skip down further. But, if the first items are salads and vegetables, put some on your plate (and remember rules 1 and 2 – they still apply).
5. Do not put dessert on your plate on the first trip (unless it is fruit and follows the same rules as above).
6. Before going back for a second trip or for dessert, wait at least 10 minutes. Then, ask yourself, “How am I feeling? Am I still hungry? How full am I?” If you feel full, stop. If you keep eating, you will be uncomfortable and all those extra calories will settle in for the long haul.

Actually, these ideas work for any meal – whether eaten at home or out. Numbers 1 and 2 in particular are always good to follow.

If a buffet or “all you can eat” restaurant are in your future, I hope you keep these ideas in mind.

Next week. . . “Do You Know Where Those Tongs Have Been? Buffets Part Two”