Central ND News

After enjoying a hearty Southern meal, a group of diners found themselves walking off their indulgence. The meal, which included fried chicken, okra, potato wedges, creamy macaroni and cheese, and chicken and dumplings, left them feeling full for the next 24 hours.

The author recounts the experience of dining at an all-you-can-eat family-style restaurant where bowls of food were continuously refilled. Despite the temptation to eat everything on offer due to the inability to take leftovers home, the diners realized the importance of mindful eating.

The article emphasizes making conscious choices when dining at buffets. It suggests surveying options before filling plates and starting with lighter foods like salads or broth-based soups to manage appetite. Smaller plates are recommended for portion control.

The text contrasts buffet-style dining with plated meals in restaurants, highlighting that plated meals can help with portion management by allowing diners to take leftovers home. Family-style serving is suggested as a way for families to eat more mindfully.

Additionally, practical tips are provided: slowing down while eating gives the brain time to register fullness; engaging in conversation can help pace meals; and using smaller plates can prevent overeating.

A recipe for Butternut Squash Bake is shared, offering a healthier alternative similar to dishes tried during the meal. The recipe includes ingredients such as butternut squash or sweet potatoes, eggs, evaporated milk, vanilla extract, sugar, butter, rice cereal, brown sugar, and optional nuts.

For those interested in exploring North Dakota cuisine further, it is suggested to search online resources related to local food culture.