With so many delicious options to choose from, it can be hard to resist a good buffet. But sadly, while they may be good for your taste buds, not all the dishes are so good for your health. Thankfully, by knowing what to avoid, you can enjoy your meal while keeping your health in check, and this is why we’ve compiled buffet foods to skip.
Heavy Pasta Dishes
Creamy pasta dishes like Alfredo or mac and cheese are undeniably delicious, but they’re also super heavy on the calories and saturated fats. Switching to a tomato-based sauce or a veggie stir-fry can give you that deliciousness without that lingering sense of guilt you feel afterwards.
Processed Meats
Sausages, hot dogs, and deli slices might taste good, but they’re often full of sodium, preservatives, and unhealthy fats. These can lead to heart disease and other health problems. Lean meats like grilled chicken or fish are much better options to keep your protein intake healthy.
Pizza
We all love a good pizza, but unfortunately those found at buffets are usually made with refined flour, greasy toppings, and loads of cheese. This combo can be high in calories, fat, and sodium, which is definitely not what you want if you’re trying to maintain a healthy diet. If you’re craving pizza, look for a thin-crust option with plenty of veggies and less cheese to keep things healthier.
Fried Foods
As most people know, fried foods like chicken, fries, and onion rings are usually packed with unhealthy fats and calories. While there’s no doubting how tasty they are, Harvard Health warns that eating too much can easily lead to weight gain and heart problems. For this reason, it’s better to opt for grilled or baked options if you want to stay as healthy as possible.
Creamy Salads
We all love a good potato salad, coleslaw, or macaroni salad, but let’s be honest—the huge toppings of mayo and heavy dressings don’t do wonders for our health. These can be calorie bombs, packed with unhealthy fat and sugar. Fresh, green salads with a light vinaigrette are a way better choice for keeping things healthy.
Sugary Desserts
Buffet desserts may be especially tempting, but they’re also especially bad for you. The cakes, cookies, and pastries are usually loaded with sugar and empty calories. They can spike your blood sugar and cause you to pile on the pounds if you eat them regularly. Go for some fresh fruit or a small piece of dark chocolate instead and both your body and your sweet tooth will thank you.
Bread Rolls
Bread rolls and baked goods at buffets are often made with refined white flour and can be high in sugar and fat. These can quickly add up in calories without giving much nutritional value. Whole grain options are a significantly healthier pick, so try to seek them out at your next buffet.
Mashed Potatoes
Buffet mashed potatoes are deliciously creamy and indulgent, but they’re also often loaded with butter, cream, and sometimes even cheese, making them high in calories and saturated fat. A plain baked potato with your own healthy toppings, like steamed veggies, is a much better choice for your health.
Sauces and Gravies
Many buffet dishes come with heavy sauces and gravies that are thickened with flour and butter and high in sodium. These can add a lot of unnecessary calories and fats to your meal. Asking for sauces on the side lets you control how much you eat and cut down on the unhealthy stuff.
Fried Rice
While fried rice is a buffet favorite, it’s usually cooked in plenty of oil and loaded with high-sodium soy sauce. If you’re looking to keep things a bit healthier, go for steamed or brown rice instead. It has less unhealthy fat and more fiber and nutrients for a balanced meal.
Sushi Rolls with Cream Cheese
Sushi can be a pretty healthy option if you know what you’re looking for, but watch out for rolls that have cream cheese or are deep-fried, like tempura rolls. These can really bump up the calorie and fat content. Sticking to simple rolls with fresh fish and veggies is a smarter choice if you want to eat healthy.
Soft Drinks
Soft drinks are everywhere at buffets, but they’re packed with sugar and empty calories. Drinking these sugary sodas can lead to weight gain and a higher risk of diabetes. Opt for water, unsweetened tea, or sparkling water to keep your meal healthier without the added sugars.
Cheese Platters
We all know that platters loaded with all sorts of cheese look tempting, but they’re often high in saturated fat and calories. Eating too much cheese can contribute to heart disease and weight gain. Try to limit your cheese intake and balance it out with some fresh fruits or veggies for a healthier plate.
Bacon
Bacon is a regular at breakfast buffets or as a topping, but it’s high in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium. These can negatively affect your heart health. Choosing leaner breakfast options like eggs or turkey sausage can help you stick to a healthier diet.
Ice Cream
Yes, it’s true that buffet ice cream stations are hard to resist, but it’s definitely better if you do when you’re on a diet or trying to eat healthy. Regularly indulging can lead to weight gain and an increased risk of diabetes. A small serving of sorbet or some fresh fruit can satisfy your sweet craving without the extra unhealthy ingredients.
Canned Fruit
Canned fruit in syrup is a staple at most buffets, and you may expect it to be a pretty healthy option. But in reality, the added sugars can negate the health benefits of the fruit. Fresh fruit or fruit packed in its own juice is a better choice, giving you the necessary vitamins and fiber without the extra sugar.
Breakfast Pastries
Pastries like donuts, muffins, and croissants at breakfast buffets are often high in sugar, refined flour, and unhealthy fats, leading to energy spikes and crashes, and weight gain. Whole grain toast with a bit of nut butter or fresh fruit is a more nutritious breakfast option.
Cocktail Shrimp
Seafood can be pretty healthy, but cocktail shrimp is usually a high-sodium choice because of the cocktail sauce and how they’re preserved. Too much sodium can contribute to high blood pressure and other health issues. Grilled or steamed shrimp without extra sauces can be a healthier and equally tasty alternative.
Macaroni and Cheese
Mac and cheese is a buffet staple, but it’s typically high in calories, saturated fat, and sodium, all of which can lead to weight gain and heart issues. A side of steamed vegetables or a whole grain dish can be a healthier and still satisfying alternative.
High-Calorie Soups
Cream-based soups like chowders and bisques are rich and delicious but often contain lots of cream, butter, and calories. These soups can quickly add up in unhealthy fats. Going for broth-based soups with plenty of veggies is a more nutritious and lower-calorie option.