When you're sitting at your desk at work, noon is approaching, and your stomach is starting to growl, it's music to your ears to hear some colleagues step into your office and invite you to lunch. A common choice for many groups of colleagues at lunch hour is the local lunch buffet; it's affordable, provides multiple options for everyone, and can allow you to eat and return to the office in under one hour. In order to maximize your buffet experience, there are a number of simple tips that you should keep in mind. Here are some examples.

Don't Overdo It With The Heavy Items

Buffets will typically offer a selection of light fare and heavy fare. You may be tempted to focus heavily on the latter, loading up plate after plate with deep-fried items, for example. While such foods are definitely tasty and desirable, you should be wary about focusing exclusively on heavy items. Heavy foods can often make you feel sluggish when you consume them in large amounts, which could make your workday afternoon a struggle. It's a good idea to make sure that your plates contain plenty of light, fresh fare, such as salads, vegetables, and fruit.

Skip The Temptations

You know how your body responds to certain foods, even if they're highly tempting. You don't want your lunch getting in the way of your afternoon productivity, so try to quickly identify the temptations on the buffet and commit to steering clear of them. For example, if the consumption of sugar tends to make you feel tired or even irritable, notice where the desserts are located and alter your route accordingly. This means that instead of passing by the desserts each time you approach the buffet and struggling with temptation, take a different route to your favored items.

Don't Skimp On The Tip

Some diners view buffets as an opportunity to skimp on tipping or offer a low tip. While a server isn't bringing your food, he or she is constantly removing your used plates from the table and keeping your drink topped up, and this is worth a tip. Aim to tip about 10 percent of your bill at the buffet. You can always exceed this guideline if your server is notably friendly or professional. Tipping generously isn't just for the benefit of the server; if you're dining out with colleagues whom you manage at work, you don't want to give them the impression that you're cheap.

For more information contact a buffet like Crico's Pizza & Subs.