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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."

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Comments

 

I enjoy hitting the buffet once in a while just to chow down on some of the things that are hard to make for one.  I like the choices, and the feeling that I'm not being "ripped off" with a fancy plate full of garnishes and no FOOD (generally sold at an exorbatant price).  Eating at a buffet every day is the road to obesity..., but a couple times a month is just nice way of adding some variety.

Mike (Posted 02.29.08 11:23 PM ) Report Abuse

This is really stupid. What are you  - In training to break some kind of eating record or going out for a meal? It is enjoyable to go to a buffet because of th e variety, not to see how much you can stuff your gut. Grow up!!

Michael (Posted 03.04.08 9:32 AM ) Report Abuse

So who eats at buffets 5 times a week, Emily?? I go for the variety, and you can eat greasy nasty food in any restaurant so the choice is up to you. Some sit-down places want $6 for a salad which is anything other than iceberg lettuce, while buffets usually have a ton of choices and fruit, too. I can go to a Chinese buffet and get shrimp, salmon, mussels, flounder, crab legs, salad, fruit, dessert for $10. These days burger joints want $8 for a burger (8oz.) and fries, and another $3 for a soda. That's all you get for your $11 plus tip. You don't have to pace yourself and eat yourself into a coma. If you eat out all the time you're a fool anyhow, so go to the buffet and enjoy it for what it is.

TBill (Posted 03.07.08 10:21 AM ) Report Abuse

vegeterians suck! they purposely dont eat meat . I figure if our god made animals then we should eat them. I excercise anyway-  Im skinny-being healthy dosent mean you will live longer. It just gives you peace of mind. you dont know what'shappening with your body every second . you can assume that you are healthy. americans should continue to eat at buffets - the more money we spend then the more food can be made and shipped, that gives people jobs , and it improves the economy , Vegeatbles are sprayed with chemical s such as preservatives and pesticides. Also some farmers use contaminated water to grow crops. not everybody becomes obese eating junk food. Some people have gastro- intestinal problems or glandular problems which causes then to gain weight regardless of what they eat. As far as Im concerned , people should keep eating what they want to eat .I do agree obsesity is an epidemic ,  but most of these people are adults so they should make their own decicsions on what to do with their lives.

quinton jjones (Posted 03.07.08 11:32 AM ) Report Abuse

Thin may be in, but fat is where it's at!

Fatty R. Buckle (Posted 03.08.08 7:23 PM ) Report Abuse

Buffets are a great way for a family to save money. Given the ever-rising cost of food. For me, I have a family of 4, and it is cheaper to take them out to a buffet prior to 4pm in my local area because i spend $20. If I tried to cook the meal at home that we eat there it would be double that. Now dinner is a different story. Usually after 4pm the prices more than double for the same buffet. I offer a compromise as oppsed to the negativity stated above. Go out earlier in the day for lunch, or early dinner. As for the vegetarian above. That is an unhealthy diet for most body types. My sisters cost went up due to that diet. She ended up in the hospital with ulcers from carrying on with that diet and having low to no protein. She alomst died. Eat what you want or how you want, be sensible, and don't gorge yourself because you want to get more than what you paid for. Peace , love and good food America. P.S. all of the restraunts I frequent have buffets suitable for anybody..i.e. herbavores,carnavores, and the picky.

Matt (Posted 03.09.08 5:58 PM ) Report Abuse

I just hate to see people who eat at buffets, take more than they can eat, then end throwing good food out!!!!  Discusted in Casper, Wyoming

tom woodward (Posted 04.17.08 12:53 PM ) Report Abuse

I think buffets are disgusting! Look around next time your at one. Many large people. Quanity, not quality when it comes to buffet eaters!

Potty (Posted 04.18.08 11:54 PM ) Report Abuse

forget the buffets - get a foot-long sub from Subway - load it down the the veggies - only $5

Denny (Posted 04.22.08 9:57 PM ) Report Abuse

I think buffets are wonderful. You don't have to overstuff yourself and you do have a choice of all veggies or the works. You also have a choice of  having fruits and melons or jello as opposed to the cheesecake and puddings if you want. I don't think the buffets make you eat anymore than the fast food places with all the double this and tripple that, that is being added to their menu daily.

Glen (Posted 04.22.08 11:27 PM ) Report Abuse

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