Beware the Buffet Mentality

When it comes to dieting, much of it involves changing the way we choose to think about our eating habits and the choices we make.

For example, I come from a family of bargain hunters and deal shoppers. I am a coupon clipper, a price negotiator and rarely can I pass a yard sale sign or thrift store without stopping to see what treasure may find me.

Unfortunately, in the process of finding ways to save my family money, I have developed some bad eating habits.

In feeding my family economically, I have trained myself to have a bargain buffet mentality when it comes to dining. If it’s all you can eat, I’m there. “Eat up kids. This is breakfast, lunch and dinner. Filler-up!”

Don’t get me wrong, I love me a good buffet, but in my effort to fill up while getting the maximum bang for my food buck, I may have overindulged a bit.

I have come to the realization in my quest for better health that I have no business going near a buffet when I am hungry, which is most of the time.

When you are trying to lose weight and stay on track, portion control is a major part of the battle. It’s not only what you choose to eat, but how much you choose to eat of it.

I now recognize that when making dining choices, I need to choose a dining establishment that doesn’t allow me to strap on a feed bag and stand at the trough.

This has required a whole shift in my way of thinking. Previously, if I could pay $5.99 and eat everything I wanted, I thought I was making a good value-minded decision.

After deciding to change my eating habits, I see that for me, it’s cheaper in the long run to pay slightly more for an entrée, and be served a moderate size portion in a sit down establishment.

It’s not all about how much food you can get for the price but the price you pay if you choose the wrong kind or amount of food.

I shop and prepare many meals at home; however, like all busy moms, sometimes fast food choices seem like the most sensible option. For a person who can put on a pound just looking at an order of chicken nuggets, that’s not always the best choice.

In my ultimate quest for better health and fitness, I have had to rethink those choices. I am making an effort to examine every fast food and dining out decision.

I consider my new thought process a learning experience for my children as well.

We all want our children to be healthy and make good dietary choices. We aren’t doing them any favors by setting bad examples with our eating habits or allowing them to eat more than they should.

We don’t do our children any justice if we choose restaurants that don’t offer healthy option alternatives. Our children deserve a chance to grow up making good dietary choices in an overindulgent society.

Food choices are a constant struggle for those of us who doing battle with the bulge. We need to give ourselves and our kids a fighting chance.

Be good to yourself on your destination for health and wellness. Rethink your dining habits the next time you choose to go out. Allow yourself the luxury, but do it in moderation.

Don’t torture yourself with all you can eat bargain buffets. If you find yourself in front of a buffet with a hefty appetite, at least make good food choices and don’t go back three times.    

Everyone is invited to join our Community of Losers. There are no fees. Please e-mail me for the details. As always, I hope to see less of you soon.