When it comes to cruising, most folks think: BUFFET! Ok, they probably think "The Love Boat" as well. Yes, I was Julie McCoy. And no, officers do not wear shorts and long white socks. But I digress.
I'm not going to lie - buffets stress me out a bit.
Crew members have access to different dining options depending on their rank/status. As an entertainer, I had the widest variety of venues available to me. As a performer, you were expected to be able to fit into your Vegas-style costumes for the duration of the contract. Our producer did not require weekly weigh-ins, but it could still be a challenge when you see all the amazing options in front of you. The Lido buffet was one of the main options I had. It is not fun when you are in line and a guest points at your plate and asks "Should you be eating that?" It took a lot of strength to not point at their plate (which was inevitably two-three times fuller than mine) and reply " Should YOU be eating that?" If I only had a nickel for every time I heard this. I'd be almost as rich for every nickel when someone asks if I was Julie McCoy.
So how do you eat at a buffet? What if I don't see anything I want? What if I see too much of what I want? Do I sample a little bit of different things in case I don't like something? Or do I go for what I know is generally pretty palatable regardless of how/where it is prepared? I don't want to waste food and I don't want to walk away hungry.
My general strategy is to give the full buffet at least one circuit to survey all my options. And I generally take smaller portions.
Today I am at the airport hotel, eating breakfast at the start of long two days of travel. Throw in that bit of stress as well - when will I be next able to eat? will it be healthy? tasty?
So, based on what I saw, this is what I came up with:
Eggs for some protein
Apple for some fiber
Water because you need it (especially with dehydrating flying) and it is easy to get a glass in
Coffee because this is part of my morning ritual
Chocolate chip muffin - this is definitely a sometimes food and would not normally be my go-to.
I didn't do a thorough enough buffet survey, because after I had my plate, I saw instant oatmeal packets (not ideal, but probably better than the muffin) and yogurts in an off-to-the-side fridge. I also saw the real silverware instead of plastic, which I would prefer to use.
TIP: Note the placement of items in a buffet to get your attention - yep, just like grocery stores, it is all about the product placement.
One thing I can control is how I eat. I have been working on mindful eating - putting the fork down and chewing each bite fully. Half the muffin, half the apple and some bites of egg were left. I feel full, I think this is enough. I do have some leftovers in the hotel fridge from last night's dinner if I need a snack later.Ok - so thanks for keeping me accountable. Bon Voyage & Bon Appétit!
Post updated August 17, 2024
Comments