top of page

Buffet Style Eating

Writer's picture: Rayki Goh, MScRayki Goh, MSc
buffet style eating

Dear food people,


Proper nutrition is the foundation of a sustainable lifestyle and the key to lasting good health. As both a science and an art, mastering nutrition allows you to achieve natural weight loss with minimal effort.


In this series of articles, we explore vital health and nutrition facts that are commonly overlooked in modern times, offering practical insights to help you effortlessly improve your well-being. Our goal is to help you understand how nutrition works and how to incorporate simple health hacks for a better lifestyle.


As the old saying goes, you are what you eat.


Now, let’s get to it~


 

BUFFET STYLE EATING


When it comes to buffet-style eating, the temptation to overeat is something many people experience. The layout of a buffet—where an array of dishes is readily accessible—often leads to consuming more food than one might typically serve oneself at a traditional meal. This tendency is not just about willpower; it's rooted in behavioural science and how our bodies process food.


From a scientific perspective, buffets exploit a few psychological and physiological factors. When faced with an extensive selection of food, the initial excitement can override our body's natural hunger cues. The visual appeal and variety can prompt us to take larger portions, and the concept of "getting our money's worth" can further drive us to pile our plates high. This phenomenon is often exacerbated by the size of the plate itself; larger plates can lead to larger portions, even if we don’t necessarily need that much food.


A practical strategy to manage buffet eating is to start with a small plate. This approach is grounded in the principle of portion control. Using a smaller plate can help regulate the amount of food you put on it, reducing the likelihood of overeating. If you find that you're still hungry after finishing the first plate, you can go back for more, but only if you genuinely feel hungry. This method allows you to listen to your body's signals and respond to actual hunger rather than the sight of available food.


By starting small and paying attention to your body's cues, you can enjoy the variety that buffets offer without the risk of excessive eating. This approach is not just about controlling portions but also about becoming more mindful of your eating habits in environments designed to encourage overeating.



3 Simple Health Hacks for a Better Lifestyle:


  1. Opt for a Smaller Plate: At buffets, choosing a smaller plate can help control portion sizes. This simple change encourages you to take less food initially, reducing the risk of overeating. If you’re still hungry after finishing your plate, you can always go back for a second helping.


  2. Pay Attention to Hunger Cues: Before going back for seconds, take a moment to assess your hunger. Waiting a few minutes after your first plate allows you to listen to your body’s signals and eat only if you're truly still hungry.


  3. Visualise Balanced Meals: When filling your plate, aim for a balanced mix of food groups. Including a variety of vegetables, proteins, and carbohydrates can help ensure you’re not just piling on more of your favourite dishes. This method promotes a more mindful approach to buffet eating and supports overall nutritional balance.


 

The information provided in our articles is for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The content on our website, including articles, is not meant to endorse or promote any specific medical treatments, products, or procedures. The information provided is based on general knowledge and research at the time of writing. Medical practices and knowledge are constantly evolving, and what may have been accurate at the time of publication may not be current or applicable today.

New Logo_Transaparent

About Us

Dear Food People is one of Singapore's niche educational media platforms for providing accessible, science-based information, aiming to connect the dots between the complexities of the food industry and its impact on both consumers and the environment.

  • LinkedIn
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • X
  • Telegram

Dear Food People™ © 2025. Managed by Obsideon Media Group. All Rights Reserved.

Info

Contact

Submit

Advertise

Donate

Legal

Terms & Conditions

Social

X (formerly twitter)

Facebook

Instagram

Tiktok

Pinterest

LinkedIn

bottom of page