The Science-Backed Ideal Breakfast Buffet Has Been Named

There are plenty of things to love about hotels, from fluffy robes to a steamy hot tub. But one hotel amenity definitely tops the list: the breakfast buffet. Many of us enjoy piling up sausages, bacon, and freshly baked goods, or a freshly made omelette. However, if you really want to eat well on vacation, you might want to rethink your buffet strategy.

Dr Rachel Woods, a senior lecturer in physiology at the University of Lincoln, has revealed what she believes is the ideal breakfast buffet. Unfortunately for meat lovers, the ideal meal, according to the expert, is an all-plant breakfast.

"If your hotel serves breakfast, use it as an opportunity to start the day with a hearty meal," Dr Woods advised in an article for The Conversation. "A plate of mushrooms, tomatoes, beans or fresh fruit will give you a great pick-me-up and leave you feeling more relaxed about your food choices for the rest of the day."

Despite his unusual advice about a breakfast buffet, Dr Woods argues that holidays should be about "relaxing, enjoying and making memories, not obsessing over the 'perfect' meal plan."

"Healthy eating habits are developed over months and years, not in a week (or even two)," the expert explained. "Instead of restricting yourself in food, it is best to add healthy additives to your holiday meals. This way, you can saturate your body, support your digestive system and get enough fluids without feeling deficient."

If you're staying at an all-inclusive hotel, Dr. Woods says you should add a fruit or vegetable to every meal.

"At all-inclusive resorts, the variety of meals allows you to include more fruits and vegetables in your diet," the expert explained. "Adding a side salad or vegetable to each meal, and sliced ​​fruit at breakfast, increases your fiber intake and provides valuable nutrients. If you want to reduce your calorie intake, start your meal with a salad or fruit, which will help fill you up before the main course."

Cooking for yourself or dining out is "more difficult, but not impossible," the expert said.

"Ordering a vegetable side dish, buying fresh fruit for your room, and having a bag of nuts or seeds on hand can all help," she added.

No matter where you live, Dr. Woods recommends trying the local cuisine. “For example, in the Mediterranean, the traditional diet is rich in vegetables, olive oil, and fresh fish — all of which have been linked to heart health and longevity,” she says. “If you live near the coast, eat fresh fish, which is a great source of healthy fats. In general, the healthiest option is to eat whole, minimally processed foods as often as possible.”

Dr Woods' advice comes shortly after an Oxford University mathematician came up with the formula for the perfect breakfast buffet, the Daily Mail notes. Contrary to popular belief, Dr Tom Crawford says you should always start with a hot meal, not a cold one. And that's bad news if you're a bed-ridden person, as the mathematician says the perfect breakfast should start at 8:17am sharp.