From years of observation at buffets -
1. Get a freaking huge serving (or two) of salad at a soup and salad place. I can almost read their mind - they decided to take the healthy option today by hitting the healthiest buffet in town.
2. They don't really get up and down often. But when they do get up, they make it count. They take their tray and fill it up each time, whereas we grab a plate.
3. Use drink glasses for soft serve.
4. Use two seats, one for each cheek (one guy - true story).
5. Spend a long time there - way over an hour. Talking and grazing. We're in and out in 40 min, tops. We leave before we have a chance to get hungry again. These guys live in this netherworld where they are never really hungry or full, continuously topping up.
6. Salads always have heavy dressing and cheese,
7. They always have a drink, but never water.