All-you-can-eat buffets on vacation are tasty, but they can be daunting for anyone trying to stick to a healthy diet. But, there are usually many nutritious options that allow you to enjoy your meal without guilt. We look at 18 foods you can indulge in at a buffet without worrying about gaining weight:

Fresh Vegetables

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Fresh vegetables are low in calories and high in nutrients, making them a great choice for any buffet. Look for options like broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, and cucumbers. Be careful that they haven’t been dressed in butter as some caterers add it for taste, adding extra calories.

Salad Greens

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Salad greens, such as spinach, watercress, and lettuce, are low in calories and rich in vitamins and minerals such as iron and vitamin B. You can fill the majority of your plate with salad and fresh veggies, then add lean proteins and a light dressing for extra taste. 

Grilled Chicken

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Grilled chicken is a lean protein source that can help you feel full without adding extra calories. According to U.S Department of Agriculture there’s 23.2 grams of protein in 100 grams of lean chicken breast, making it a highly nutritious food. You should, however, avoid fried or breaded options, as they contain a lot of extra calories.

Steamed Fish

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Like lean chicken, steamed fish, such as salmon or tilapia, is a healthy choice packed with protein. Fish also contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are healthy fats that are beneficial for your heart and overall health.

Shrimp Cocktail

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Shrimp cocktail is low in calories and high in protein but be mindful of the cocktail sauce, which can be high in sugar and calories. If you don’t know that the dressing is low-calorie you can enjoy the shrimp on their own or with a squeeze of lemon.

Fresh Fruit

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Fresh fruit is a sweet and healthy alternative to cakes and cookies.  Choose fruits like berries, melons, and citrus fruits, which are lower in calories and high in vitamins and antioxidants.

Sushi 

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Sushi can be a healthy choice, especially if you opt for rolls with fresh fish, vegetables, and minimal rice. You should avoid tempura or fried sushi as this will increase the amount of calories and fats consumed.

Lean Beef

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Lean cuts of beef, such as sirloin or tenderloin, are good sources of protein and iron. Red meat should be enjoyed in moderation and eaten with lots of veggies and salad rather than heavy sauces or gravies.

Whole Grain Options

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If the buffet offers whole grain options like quinoa, brown rice, or whole wheat pasta, these can be healthy and filling choices. Whole grains provide fiber, which aids in digestion and helps keep you full longer than non whole-grain options. 

Clear Soups

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Clear soups, like miso or vegetable broth, are generally low in calories and can be a great starter to fill you up before moving on to heavier dishes. Any soups that have added cream should be avoided as cream is high in calories. 

Egg-Based Dishes

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Egg-based dishes, such as omelets or scrambled eggs, can be a healthy protein source if you’re enjoying a breakfast buffet. If it’s a lunch or dinner buffet, you can often ask for custom omelets to be made so you can add plenty of vegetables and herbs to boost the flavor and fill you up. 

Tofu

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Tofu is a versatile, low-calorie protein option that can be added to salads, stir-fries, or soups. Rich in essential nutrients like calcium and iron, tofu can be eaten as a meat alternative and tastes great with low-calorie dressings such soy, ginger and chili. 

Greek Yogurt

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Greek yogurt is a high-protein, low-calorie dessert that can be enjoyed with fresh fruit or a small amount of honey. It’s also a great choice for a healthy, protein-rich breakfast when you’re trying to avoid bread and pastries. 

Roasted Vegetables

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Roasted vegetables, such as carrots, peppers, and zucchini, are a delicious and nutritious option when eating at a buffet. Look out for roasted sweet potatoes, squash, or Brussels sprouts, which are filling and pair great with lean meat such as turkey. 

Cottage Cheese

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Cottage cheese is low in calories and high in protein. While it can be quite bland on its own, you can pair it with onions, chives, and fresh vegetables to add more flavor. It can also be eaten with fresh fruit for a healthy dessert. 

Beans and Legumes

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Beans and legumes, such as black beans, lentils, and chickpeas, are rich in protein and fiber. Lots of buffets have tasty Mediterranean and North African chickpeas salads which contain herbs like zaatar which adds zing to your meal while dieting. Chickpeas contain 12.9 grams of fiber per 100 grams, according to Healthline, making it a great buffet option. 

Turkey

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Turkey, especially lean cuts like turkey breast, is a low-fat, high-protein option. You can enjoy it grilled or roasted, but avoid heavy sauces or gravies and opt for roasted vegetables. Turkey is also a great option for lunch buffet, to  be eaten with salad and low calories dressings.

Vegetable-Based Dishes

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Look for vegetable-based dishes, such as ratatouille or stir-fried vegetables, which are usually low in calories and rich in nutrients. These dishes can be a delicious and healthy meal option and it doesn’t feel like your missing out. 

15 Foods You Shouldn’t Eat After 50

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Age is just a number, but not regarding eating habits. The older you grow, the more your body needs nutritious food to stay fit and healthy. While there are many things you’re encouraged to eat, when you cross 50, your go-to foods can’t look the same as they once were. Your body is changing, and so should your eating habits. 

Read: 15 Foods You Shouldn’t Eat After 50

15 Nostalgic Dinners from the Past That Are Rarely Seen Today

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The scent of a family meal cooking can bring back memories, especially if it’s a childhood favorite we don’t often have as adults. This article showcases 18 classic dinners that provided convenience and budget-friendliness for parents and are worthy of a revival. These traditional dinners from the past trigger nostalgic memories and are worth rediscovering.

15 Nostalgic Dinners from the Past That Are Rarely Seen Today

19 ‘Healthy’ Foods That Are Making You Gain Weight

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Eating healthy but still gaining weight can be frustrating. What’s more surprising is that some foods marketed as healthy are contributing to those extra pounds. These seemingly good-for-you options can be loaded with hidden calories, from granola to smoothies. Let’s delve into 19 ‘healthy’ foods that might secretly sabotage your diet.

19 ‘Healthy’ Foods That Are Making You Gain Weight

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