[krisakira]

My husband and I like to go out to eat whenever we feel we can afford it. One place we like to eat is Golden Corral. Unfortunately when I do eat there, I cannot eat much at all. I have such anxiety that it overwhelms me and I feel so uncomfortable with the buffet atmosphere. Last time we went out to a restaurant (not a buffet), I realized why this is. When I was young, I would go to buffets with my family, and my dad always tried to get his "moneys worth". He would scarf down at least 3 plates and a dessert plate. He would always ridicule me for eating less, and saying I was wasting money by not eating much and that he spent $10 for me to just eat a little bit. He would force me to get more plates of food to eat it. The restaurant was usually Golden Corral. Now, whenever I go there, I feel like I am terrified of not eating enough, which gives me anxiety and makes me not have an appetite. How can I overcome this? It is my husband's favorite restaurant. I know this in itself is not a true eating disorder classification, but I have been told by my T that I have EDNOS symptoms, due to restricting and binging habits. Any advice would be appreciated.

[buttrfli42481]

I understand your predicament. I have a hard time eating at buffets because I can't handle all the food choices. Having been diagnosed with EDNOS, with Ana tendencies, all the food scares me. I try to eat a small salad, a plate with veggies and meat, and maybe dessert. Even eating that scares me, because afterwards I feel so uncomfortable. I also feel guilty because I am often with my parents who have paid for my dinner, and feel that I need to eat enough to fulfill the amount of the meal. One way to look at it is that if you go to a restaurant and get a 6oz steak meal, it is going to cost as much or more than the buffet and you eat it.

[ShaggyChic_1201]

I struggle with buffets too, but I think that many non-ED'd people struggle with them also. The choices are overwhelming and there's only a finite amount of room in our stomachs, so clearly we have to make choices.

For me (recovering bulimic), it's important that I go to a buffet with the right attitude. I have to be excited about tasting small portions of items I cannot easily make, but I cannot go if I'm emotionally fragile or it will lead to the world's largest binge.

I like to start with a soup because it calms me down. You can't eat soup quickly. it's hot and takes many spoonfuls. Plus, it takes away some hunger pangs so I can concentrate. I stick to mostly safe foods that I can eat without anxiety, but once in a while will get a goodie. For me, it's not dessert b/c that's too triggering, but sometimes I'll get something that has a gravy or some melted cheese.

Seafood can be a good option as it is relatively low in calories and is filling. Plus, it's expensive, so you can really get your money's worth

[AcostaMike]

I also cannot eat a lot at buffets because I don't feel like eating when I seen too much of food in front of me.

[Karrebear]

I relate to this way too much. I hate buffets. I mean I love the food but that is exactly why I hate them. I tend to eat way too much and feel horrible about myself afterwards. I tend to avoid them because I know how hard it is to control myself. I have ED NOS.

My suggestion to you would be since you husband isn't pressuring you to "get your money's worth" eat the safe foods. Just because all the food is there doesn't mean you have to eat some of everything. I always start with a salad. Make that pretty big. Then go get some chicken (or what have you) with veggies. Or even if you just make a big salad. Some non buffet restaurants can have big salads that cost 9 or $10 anyway. Don't put any added pressure on yourself.

Just breath