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Chow down: Getting your fill at all-you-can-eat buffets

Posted Jan 03 2008, 04:16 PM by Karen Datko
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You've probably heard about the two big guys in Houma, La., who were charged extra at an all-you-can-eat buffet -- the waitress supposedly said, "Ya'll fat, and ya'll eat too much" -- and claimed they were banned from the place as well. Well, those guys couldn't hold a candle to Nick at Punny Money. We thank Clever Dude for directing us to Nick's side-splitting, belt-busting post, "Eat your money's worth at any all-you-can-eat buffet." Clever Dude also provides a link to getting the most from a side salad when Pizza Hut limits you to one bowl.

Buffets are great for people on a budget. But, Nick observes, "one major problem has plagued buffet-eaters throughout the ages: a few plates later and you can't eat any more." This problem will go belly up if you follow Nick's pre-meal, mealtime and post-meal tips. Forget about starving yourself earlier in the day. If you do that, "you'll usually find that your stomach can't handle the shock of going from 'help, need food' to '12 pounds of beef' just like that," Nick advises. Eat carbs to stimulate your appetite, don't forget to "clear the runway," and "break out the fat pants."

At the restaurant, eat meat, meat and more meat, and sip some water between trips to the buffet. On your fourth visit, you may now try other things. Then take a break, read a book, and rest up for the next go-round. Among the post-meal tips: Stay up for several hours before bedtime and drink water. "You know how your body is normally 70% water?" Nick writes. "After a buffet, it probably drops to about 12% water for a bit. Drink a glass or two of water to refill your body's liquid levels. It'll aid digestion too."

Comments

 

BUFFETS ARE EXCITING, YOU GET ALL WORKEDUP OVER THE ENTIRE IDEA,MAKE A PLAN HOW TO WORK THE TABLES,EAT LIKE A SAVAGE, AND WHEN IT'S ALL OVER YOU SWEAR NOT TO DO IT AGAIN!!!! TILL NEXT TIME. BUT THE BIGGEST PROBLEM I HAVE IS ALL THE WASTE. MOST OF THE TIME WE TRY NEW ITEMS ONLY TO TAKE A FEW TASTES AND HIDE THE REST UNDER THE NAPKIN BEFORE GOING BACK FOR SOMETHING ELSE. WE ARE TRULY A COUNTRY OF PLENTY.

I found this article sad and disturbing.  Two-thirds of Americans are over weight and  the increase of diabetes, heart disease and early death rate that we'll see in the coming years will be something this country has never seen before.  Imagine the financial strain this will put on our health care system as if's it not  broken enough now. It's time for resturants and individuals to take responsibility for healthy choices and lifestyles.

I love getting my moneys worth at resturants and buffet meals are great. but we dont go as much anymore as we have found that you can order  take out ,,than to eat in as they give a larger serving since you dont take up spacein the resturant, but dont go to fast food ..order at chinese or kfc or any buffet resturant as they give lots ,,good eating to all

I  love the buffets. We only have one place in our city that has a buffet or salad bar.To order a side of fruit is around $3.89 per cup. A side salad is $2.50 and a chef salad is $7.95. The whole buffet is $5.95 weekdays and $6.95 weekends. You can choose all the veggies and fruit you want and you don't have get the meat, potatoe,gravy etc.

Don't forget to wash it all down with diet soda

FUNNY THAT I SHOULD HAPPEN APON THIS SUBJECT SINCE I JUST CAME OUT OF THE TRUCKSTOP IN BIRMINGHAM AL. AND HAVING ENJOYED THE LUNCH BUFFET.

AS`A TRUCK DRIVER,IT CAN BE AN ECONOMICAL WAY TO EAT.IT CAN ALSO END

YOUR CAREER IF YOU CANT FIT BEHIND THE STEERING WHEEL.I HAVE TO PAY FOR ALL MY MEALS ON THE ROAD,SO I TRY TO GET THE MOST FOR WHAT IM PAYING FOR.IF YOUR GONNA EAT AT THE BUFFETS REGULAR,YOU BETTER BE DISCIPLINED

ABOUT WHAT YOU INHALE.PARK AS FAR AWAY FROM THE BUILDING AS YOU CAN SO YOU CAN WALK IT OFF A LITTLE BEFORE GOING BACK TO WORK.

NO,IM NOT A BIG FAT GREASY TRUCK DRIVER.IM 5'8" AND 165 LBS. THERE ARE A LOT OF DRIVERS OUT HERE THAT FIT THAT DEFINITION AND THEY WONT MAKE IT MUCH LONGER.HEART ATTACK,STROKE,HIGH BP IS A REAL COMMON CONDITION FOR ROAD DRIVERS.ENJOY THE MEAL BUT DONT LOVE IT TO DEATH!!

Amen, Karl, Amen.

I believe taht  buffets are as healthy eating as when you order off the menue.

Just watch the intake

Stick with the seafood and meats...the stuff you wouldn't normally order when you go out to eat.  That makes a buffet special.  I can't really eat any more than I usually do...I just get to pick out what I REALLY want..if we choose the right buffet. Once I'm full, I'm full...buffet or not!

I go to buffet's all the time! I load my plate with carrots, brussel sprouts, lima beans, broccolli, and maybe a piece of fish or chicken! Sometimes I eat 3 plates, but I never eat unhealthy just because its there!

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