2024 Hotel Buffet Best Tips To Eat Without Getting Fat!

I wish I knew how to eat at a hotel buffet without getting fat!

In my 20s, l loved buffets with a vengeance.

I just wanted to eat, eat, and eat.

My companion was Little Miss Plump.

She introduced me to Salmon Sashimi and Cheesecake.

One of the stranger combinations – when eaten together.

But who was I to think otherwise?

I was the other Plump Missy with a penchant for King crab legs by the pile, sushi on demand, rows upon rows of mini desserts, and cream cakes.

I didn’t care for the raw, limp pink salmon slices that folded over like ribbons.

She wasn’t interested in Chicken Rice.

Eat Without Getting FAT? No Way – We just wanted to EAT.

We were a formula for weight loss failure.

Going out as Little Miss Plump and Plump Missy, we were the constant target for supermarket weight loss salesgirls.

Okay, Skinny Babe, here are tips on getting business.

Don’t be mercenary and target plump people; wave pieces of paper with pictures of other Skinny Babes at them.

Don’t sing songs in Mandarin and say things like “Miss, Miss You Wanna Lose Fat!”

I am kind and polite.

You don’t want a less gentle reply from other Little Miss Plump and Plump Misses.

Getting FAT is challenging, says Skinny Babe.

Yes, Skinny Babe (SB) walks down the confectionery aisle (she calls chocolate) with me.

Looks with innocent saucer eyes – Why do you not buy Dory? You do like meh?

Me with a plastered grin.

SB: You want to eat chocolate? Lollipop? Candy? Marshmallow? (I was amazed she knew what that was!)

Me: Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups

SB: What’s that?

Me: Thor Tow Jam (Peanut Butter in Hokkien)

SB: I think most people enjoy this treat.

It’s like an excellent hotel buffet breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

And lots of cream cakes, candy, and ice cream.

I could eat all this every day, except my Boyfie says I’m too FAT.

Me with a plastered grin.

Secretly, some call that look – DISGUST.

Are You Doing the Not Getting Fat Right?

Ever since the sisters told me about the hotel buffet in Vegas, I’ve wanted to EAT there.

I dream of eating at the legendary Bacchanal Buffet at Caesars Palace, known for using every arsenal in the books to impress its customers.

The best buffet in Las Vegas, Bacchanal Buffet, is at the top of the buffet ranking list for its seafood, pastries, service, and atmosphere – I summarize it in one word: FOOD.

I’m impressed beyond words; I’ve heard tales of the mythic proportions of casino buffets.

Bacchanal Buffet consists of nine show kitchens and over 500 daily dishes.

How is that not impressive by any standard?

There are two dining times: Brunch buffet from 11 AM to 3 PM (Adult price is $44.99) and Dinner buffet from 3 PM  to 10 PM (Adult price is $54.99)

Eat for Free? Sure, why not if you gamble enough?

I start saving my pennies, Bae.

There Is A Method To The Madness Of Not Getting Fat

The secret is merely making intelligent choices.

The plus point: You don’t feel bloated afterward is subjective.

Pain Is Inevitable; Suffering Is Optional!

We start by educating ourselves on what dishes we should consume.

It’s all about choosing REAL food over those with nothing but sugar and no nutritional value.

Let’s Dive in on Smart Hotel Buffet Eating Without Getting FAT

If you follow these Cheat Sheets or “rules,” I’m sure you’ll enjoy the hotel buffets even more.

Why should you never eat at a hotel buffet?

the 1 Food You Should Never Eat at a hotel Buffet –

Before you start your meal, you need to know the worst foods, NOT TO ADD, to your plate as you make your selections.

1. Fried Foods

Fried foods are packed with oil and calories; it’s better to give it a miss and go for healthier options.

2. Fried vegetables Vs. Raw

Deep-fried foods are a notorious source of free radicals; you’re much better off boiled or steamed vegetables.

3. Sushi

Sushi is filling, thanks to the rice! So, if you load up on sushi, you probably won’t get to try many other things.

4. Bread, rice, potatoes, and pasta.

Loading up on starchy foods at a hotel buffet is never a good idea. Cream-based dishes like potato salad, pasta salad, and Fettuccine Alfredo will fill you with a witty dose of saturated fat.

If you load up on the roasted potatoes, pasta, and dinner rolls, you will not have room on your plate (or stomach) for the more exceptional food on the buffet line.

5. Prime rib, Meat Loaf, Brisket

Unless you’re going on Keto, most roasts have a higher fat content.

• one slice of Meatloaf is 45% fat
• brisket is 63% fat

Skip the prime rib and go for flank steak instead.

6. Sugary soda, juice, iced tea, milkshakes, and more

These drinks won’t add any nutritional benefits. So, your best choice is just to drink water. Staying hydrated can help you keep from overeating, too.

7. Gravy and Sauces

Gravy and Sauces add salt and calories to your meal.

Should I starve myself before a hotel buffet?

It depends if you want to max out your money’s worth or to have a nutritious meal that is good for your body and pocket.

My biggest advice is not to starve yourself until you shake with hunger.

Instead, it would help if you ate a small meal before your hotel buffet lunch or dinner.

Have a glass of water, and remember to drink some water as you enjoy your buffet.

What should I eat first at a hotel buffet?

The best way to eat without piling on the pounds is to select what is suitable for your body.

To eat at a buffet, go for the expensive or gourmet dishes first.

You will get your money’s worth with shrimp, lobsters, and steaks.

You should avoid dense, filling, starchy foods like pasta, potatoes, and bread until later in the meal so you don’t get full too quickly.

How do you prepare your stomach for a hotel buffet?

Stay hydrated throughout the day, and drink water to stretch your stomach.

To prepare your stomach, eat a light meal before your all-you-can-eat (AYCE) meal.

Keep moving or move around or do some exercises.

At the hotel buffet, look at all the selections before making your choice.

Set a Game Plan – what do you want to eat?

Eat slowly and repeat.

What makes a good buffet?

For me, it’s simple food that must look and taste fresh.

I have been to a few buffets locally and overseas. There are two places with the most significant buffet spread – with the biggest value for money.

The Vietnamese buffets have the longest line and the most stalls for street food.

The buffets in the pricer restaurants and hotels are lavish for one particular reason – it’s hygienic.

Food on the street may taste the best way to enjoy local vibes.

When I’m on holiday, I instead eat at a “less delicious, modified for tourist taste buds” place rather than suffer from food poisoning.

I remember eating a bad curry on a flight home from Tokyo.

I had awful runs and survived on soda water.

It was most fortunate that I wasn’t nauseous and was not throwing up.

A tasty buffet would have a range of bread and rolls with a beautiful, robust soup.

Generally, I look forward to eating things I can not prepare at home.

Why can’t you take food home from a buffet?

Many restaurants usually have a strict policy that states that food cannot be taken out when dining on the buffet.

Most think the hotels would lose money if patrons could take food home.

They will not store food correctly when they “take food” home.

They risk throwing up sick, vomiting, diarrhea, and cramps from food poisoning.

Improper handling includes failing to chill cold foods below 5°C correctly and leaving cooked food at warm temperatures for too long.

How much does the average person eat at a buffet?

If you want to do the maths, it depends on how much you can physically eat in one sitting on your own, outside a buffet environment.

If you eat approximately an average of RM25 worth of food (think a fast food meal with a drink)

If a buffet costs RM150, you’ll eat a little more than five times what you might typically consume.

I had a friend who only eats boiled prawns and cheesecake at buffets.

This is very odd, I know.

For 40 prawns and a slice of cheesecake, she could buy 1 kilo of prawns from the wet market and her cake for RM60 instead of paying RM150.

Did I ask her why?

So she could dress up, span evenings out in a friendly environment, and take beautiful photos.

That is a good enough reason.

What is hotel buffet etiquette?

• Do not eat directly inside or from the buffet.
• Do not touch food with your hands; always use serving utensils.
• Remember to be patient. Everyone in line is in the same situation you are in, so be polite.

What is the difference between a buffet and eating all you can?

The “all-you-can-eat” buffet is more free-form.

Customers pay a fixed fee and can help themselves with as much food as they wish in a single meal.

However, since COVID-19, hotels have been practicing food displays with staff.

At Hard Rock Hotel, you order, and your food will be delivered to your table.

Before We Dive Into Eat – Get The Prices Right.

It’s worth reading the small print about what’s included and not in the all-you-can-eat deal.

You don’t want any nasty surprises on the bill!

Usually, alcoholic drinks or drinks from a Drink Menu are not included.

Some restaurants don’t include coffee or tea.

It is best to find out before you order and indulge.

Tips to Eat Without Getting FAT at Hotel Buffets!

Before heading to a hotel buffet, you need to have some prep work to prepare yourself for the feast.

1. Detox is a more helpful way of saying clear your bowels. Oops!
2. Don’t Fast – your stomach will shrink, so this is counterproductive.
3. Don’t Starve – when your blood sugar drops dramatically, you must EAT NOW!
4. Dress Comfortably – you won’t want to unbuckle; remove your belt with your gut hanging out!

How to choose a buffet at hotels?

There are many types of buffets available at hotels.

If you like a little bit of everything, you can try an international buffet with a balance of Western and local dishes.

Popular Buffet types include

• BBQ Night
• Japanese Buffet
• International Buffet

Choose buffets that suit your food tastes.

The Indian buffet place down the road might make a fantastic offer on top-notch food, but remember that it’s not an excellent offer if you don’t like curry.

Don’t be swayed by the fantastic price-to-food volume ratio if you’re not too keen on the cuisine – otherwise, you’re just signing up to eat a whole load of food you don’t like.

Aim for restaurants with a varied cuisine

Variety is the spice of life, or so they say.

Having many different options to eat at your buffet will help you get through the tough times when you don’t think you can face another morsel.

Some fusion restaurants will offer a few different angles on cuisine.

For example, Asian fusion places will likely select Thai/Chinese/Japanese dishes.

Or you can opt for a ’round the world’ buffet, which should contain everything!

How to work up an appetite for your buffet feast?

Most people think they will work up an appetite if they have something sour.

You can have a sour appetizer, but it doesn’t make you hungrier.

Working out is better.

Exercise improves your overall appetite instead of your taste buds.

Exercise works for working up a healthy appetite for a hotel buffet.

Before going to an all-you-can-eat buffet, a quick gym sesh before or after a dense calorie meal – will not help.

I’ve been there, done that, and got the souvenir.

You will want to ensure you get your daily dose of exercise early – the hotel buffet is your celebration meal, not a weekly indulgence.

However, some exercise in preparing for the big event will kick your metabolism.

By mealtime, you will be ready to chow down without falling immediately into a self-induced food coma.

Walk Around First –  Survey the Buffet Layout

Take a reconnaissance lap before you begin. Usually, I like to make the entire buffet scene rounds to prioritize my must-eat items and fill my plate accordingly.

The best way is to check out the food stations.

Each hotel offers different kinds of buffets and has buffet setups according to the selection of dishes.

It is always good to walk around often, and a buffet gives you a perfect chance.

Check out all of the offerings on the buffet before filling up your first plate.

You might miss one of your favorite items tucked away in the corner of the buffet.

What to drink at a hotel buffet?

You’re mistaken if you think you have more stomach room by not drinking.

You need to drink before, during, and after a buffet.

Drink plenty of water before the meal

Your body needs to be well-hydrated to help you process your food.

So, make sure you sip water throughout the day before you dine.

We are not suggesting alcoholic pre-drinks before heading to the buffet.

You can up your buffet game with a slice of lemon in your water.

Tip: lemon juice aids digestion, reduces bloating, and is a natural heartburn preventative.

Drink Hot Tea to Aid Digestion.

You will want to avoid soft drinks, sodas, and beer, leaving you bloated.

You can opt for a sweet hot tea instead, as this aids digestion and will not fill you up too much.

Avoid fizzy drinks and soda.

We know we said earlier that you have to be hydrated, but that’s before the meal.

While gorging, you won’t be guzzling down too much liquid, as drinks will fill you up.

Fizzy drinks should be avoided at all costs, as they make you feel like you’re about to pop!

How to start eating a buffet at a hotel?

1. Start slow and slowly build up your appetite.
2. Be picky about what you want to eat.
3. Use Small Plates and Go Slow
4. I try to use the salad plate instead of the dinner plates.

This means I don’t overfill my plate with food I do not like, and I exercise more.

This way, I get more exercise as I might go to the buffet 5 or 6 times, and you are less likely to overfill my plate with an item I do not like.

Then if I find a dish I enjoy, I can return for more.

Or the best is to get my date to order the food.

BIG plus points – we don’t duplicate the orders and end up with food wastages.

We eat everything we choose.

Leave the Cheaper Items For Others and go for the more expensive ones!

While some of us have an insatiable appetite for carbs – RICE!

Especially for Asians to line their tummy, many of us love to fill up on crusty bread, creamy pasta, wok-fried noodles, and rice with curries.

You will want to start with more expensive, primed items like shellfish, seafood, roast meats, and salads to eat well.

Go for lean meats, fresh seafood, and load up on seasonal vegetables.

Go for small portions of everything.

For round one, I will go for a bit of everything.

I get variety when I fill my plate with a spoonful of interesting-looking dishes.

Variety breaks the monotony of tastes and allows you to eat more.

Rather than piling up on the one dish that you love (for me, it’s, would you believe it – Broccoli)

Fill your plate up with a little bit of everything on offer.

It will allow you to find out what tastes best.

Then you can go back up for seconds (and thirds and fourths)

That’s the absolute joy of buffet dining!

If you’re worried about taking expensive food, remember it’s displayed in smaller portions.

Don’t worry, and they’re more in the kitchens.

Have soup or salad as a starter

Would you save a more precious stomach if you skipped soup or salad?

It may seem like a bit of a waste, but the actual plus point is these will prepare your body for more food later.

There’s some science behind it, too.

The high water content of soup and salad makes it easy for your stomach to process. Think of it as a warm-up!

Take a chocolate break during the meal.

If you’re overeating heavily spiced food and feel nauseous, a small square of dark chocolate or something sweet will help rebalance your blood sugar level.

You get a little sugar spike and be perked up for rounds two, three, or six.

Start with expensive food options.

If you don’t have a shellfish allergy and like the expensive ingredients on display – you can get your money’s worth by eating more costly dishes.

Focus On Protein Skip Carbs To Eat Without Getting Fat

Carbs fill you up and cost next to nothing.

Remember, there are lots of ways to enjoy delicious shellfish.

You can’t go wrong with Snow Crab Claws, Oysters, King Prawns, and Mussels.

Good sources of protein are usually the most expensive things on restaurant menus.

• King Prawns
• Lobsters
• Salmon
• Scallops
• Oysters

If you’re not a fan of seafood, meat joints are also a pricey treat.

• Steaks
• Bone-in steak
• Lamb
• Turkey

Look around before eating, usually the expensive stuff near the end of the buffet line.

So, you can make a beeline for the more expensive items first.

You can always decide however way you want to eat.

Start with a small plate instead of the largest one.

Use multiple plates for your buffet food.

When loading up on your plate, fill it with colourful vegetables, grains, protein, and dairy.

After you finish it, see how you feel.

Don’t be afraid to pile those plates as high as you want!

A little of this, a bit of that.

With so many choices before you, 500 dishes at the legendary Bacchanal Buffet at Caesars Palace.

Try thinking of a buffet meal as a sampler platter.

If you take 40 mouthfuls, you will be complete at the end!

Savor, not Swallow Whole.

I savor food by focusing on its taste and texture.

You may be distracted by noise, crying children, or the restaurant environment.

Do take time to engage your senses to enjoy what you’re eating.

What alternative desserts to eat at a hotel buffet?

Instead of cakes, which are a weakness for all of us.

Mine is Chocolate Pie or Mud Pie.

Go for a Delicious Dessert Alternative instead of Cream Cakes.

• fresh fruit
• nuts
• cheese

Or you can enjoy a delicious sweet lobster to end your meal beautifully.

Remember these tips on your next buffet experience; you won’t feel bloated the following day!

What’s the best time to eat a hotel buffet?

Most hotels have buffets for breakfast and dinner – some have buffet lunches.

It depends if you are staying in the hotel or just dining out.

Some hotels have a lovely champagne breakfast!

So you might want to check that out.

Have a hotel buffet meal for lunch rather than dinner.

Every buffet restaurant you come across will have a different price for lunch and dinner.

Another great thing about eating like a PIG at lunchtime is that I have more time to work it off before passing out in bed.

Eat breakfast before going to a buffet.

Don’t show up starving for an expensive meal.

Eating a lighter meal throughout the day is wiser when you have a large dinner at night.

When you don’t eat for a while, your stomach’s size shrinks, so you won’t be able to eat as much as you want.

Make room in your stomach for food.

Before you have more input, you need to clear.

You’re not an eating machine!

Eat a decent-sized (healthy) breakfast in the morning, which will prepare you for the banquet later.

Going to a big dinner on an empty stomach means you’re almost guaranteed to gorge–and then live to regret it.

You will do what you set out not to do – eat without getting fat!

Get up to check out the hotel buffet line.

Removing yourself from the table for a quick check-in at the buffet lines provides the pause you need to assess your fullness level.

Walking around will help you realize whether you’re full or still hungry.

Take less and make multiple trips to the buffet line.

What do you do when you’ve taken too much food?

If you take a bit at a time, the inevitable won’t happen.

You won’t have half a cheesecake or extra dim sum when you’re getting full.

As much as I hate to waste food, I sometimes ask myself this – would I rather throw it away or eat it?

How to deal with overeating – lessen discomfort with post-buffet damage control.

Once you’ve finished the big feast, the only thing left is damage control.

You can feel like a whale, all puffed up with air.

Have some peppermint tea or even some meds to deal with a heartburn-shaped ending of all buffets

• aid digestion,
• soothe your stomach
• reduce bloating, cure any nausea

Then, sit back, relax, and reflect on your great work.

We’re proud of you.

Conclusion

As much as I adore endless mountains of food, I struggle with eating the right amount.

Free-for-all buffets are sometimes guilt-ridden rides.

I enjoyed dining at Starz Diner, as I have learned to navigate a buffet more healthily.

With the new social distancing norm, all items from the buffet are plated and served at your table.

Ordering is a breeze as the size is controlled by the chefs plating it.

My buffet dinner arrived beautifully plated.

Few of us can plate our food well at a hotel buffet.

As for me, I will probably place the food like a Lasagna sloppily on my plate.

I left Starz Diner that evening feeling comfortably full, not overstuffed, and I felt I did well – ate without getting fat.