After a night of delicious eating the evening before, a nice early morning walk sounded absolutely perfect for starting off my Sunday. Luckily, I wasn’t alone on that one…
Around 8am, our large group gathered in the lobby of the hotel in order to get ready for a little cardio. After a few minutes of chit chatting (and asking the poor man in the lobby to figure out how to use my camera to take a group photo) we all headed outside.
The weather was absolutely perfect…brisk, a little overcast, and not too windy. It was almost fall-like!
While a majority of the group went running as soon as we crossed the road to get to the river, there was a small group of us that stayed behind and walked.
Thank goodness for walking buddies.
We ended up walking about halfway over the bridge but then decided to make our way back so we’d be back in time for breakfast.
We couldn’t miss out on that, right?
I was one of the first to arrive, so I took advantage and browsed the scene before making my choices, since there was a lot to choose from.
Fresh fruit, muffins and pastries,
French toast, egg tartlets,
And even an oatmeal station, with tons of dried fruit and granola.
I, being the indecisive gal that I am, basically took a little bit of everything…
And let my just go ahead and add that I am so thankful for the fact that I do not have breakfast buffets at my disposal on a regular basis. I would probably be the size of a house.
Please tell me I’m not the only one with no self-control over breakfast buffets?
I made myself a cup of iced coffee (which was great, since the coffee was super strong) and loaded up with some fresh fruit, a blueberry muffin (didn’t have much of that), this delicious egg tartlet,
and a small cup of oatmeal, donning dried fruit and a generous helping of granola that was made by the hotel.
Did any of my fellow HLS attendees try that stuff? WOW.
Breakfast also included some round table discussions…I’m not sure how many people really got in to talking about the various topics, but I know my table had a very informative session on hair and hair products.
Shortly after breakfast, I said some goodbyes, headed back up to the room, and got my things packed up to head back home. I will honestly say that I really wasn’t sure if I was going to attend HLS this year – just for the sake of being lazy and wanting to be home – but I’m so glad I decided to go.
And I can totally thank Heather for that one, because had she not asked me to be a part of the planning team, I probably would have just been home…stuck ripping apart our back deck.
I’m guessing that that would have been just a teensy bit less fun.
Erica { EricaDHouse.com } says
I just ate at a breakfast buffet the last time we were in New Orleans and definitely had zero control! I haven’t ate at a buffet in years and this one was as delicious looking as yours so I caved and totally indulged!
Sana says
Yeah I did not attend HLS due to a religious holiday and I am glad I spent the time with my family :) I can always attend next year, I am glad you went this year!
Khushboo says
I loves attending the HLS vicariously through you :). I have no control over breakfast buffets either, especially as the ‘it’s free’ mentality kicks in!
Erica @ For the Sake of Cake says
There is a gigantic breakfast buffet place (they actually do lunch and dinner too) about 45 minutes from my house. It. is. amazing. We always go on New Year’s Eve morning! It’s a once or twice a year treat for me and it’s so delicious!
Sam @ Better With Sprinkles says
Ugh, such weakness for breakfast buffets. The vast majority of my favourite foods are breakfast foods, so I usually go nuts on them.
Especially if there’s some sort of waffle bar. Oh god, the damage I can do to those… :-)
Eva @ Committed2Nutrition says
I am so jealous! I lived in Boston from 2009-2011 and totally missed out on this! All the food and events look amazing. I am so glad you had a good time. An oatmeal station? oh lord, i’d be ALL over that! ha!
Kelli says
It sounds like it was a great experience for you! I love breakfast foods so a breakfast buffet is always awesome and a little dangerous! There are so many great choices! I am also a person who eats breakfast food any time and particularly enjoy breakfast for dinner. : )
Suzanne @ Fit Minded Mom says
I would have probably gone back to the oatmeal station a couple times, lol! I love oatmeal but especially when there are all kinds of yummy toppings to go with it.
Glad you were happy with your decision to attend this year and enjoyed having you share the experience with us :-)
Emily @ Perfection Isn't Happy says
I have no self-control when it comes to breakfast buffets either!
Lauren @ Chocolate, Cheese and Wine says
I am the same way with any buffet! Do you have any tips to beat the buffet?
Courtney says
Well, if I’m serious, choose your top 3-5 items that you either a) LOVE, or b) wouldn’t make yourself.
If I’m being semi-serious, I say just enjoy what you want…buffets don’t happen all that often. ;)
Caroline says
Breakfast buffets always do me in! They are soo good though : )
Rachel says
oo yum that all sounds so good! I’ve actually never been to a breakfast buffet haha
kim@hungryhealthygirl says
Breakfast buffets are so dangerous! If I can steer clear of muffins and pastries, I’m usually okay. ;)
Bethany @ Accidental Intentions says
What a breakfast spread! I totally would’ve taken a little bit of everything, too!
Also, I think tartlet might be my new favorite word. Haha.
Annette@FitnessPerks says
Research does show we tend to eat more when there are more options in front of us ;) So yes, most people feel like that! I personally LIKE trying to nibble at everything<—especially stuff that I don't usually cook for myself (cool oatmeal or egg omelets).
Looks like a great weekend at HLS!
kaylie says
I’m super indecisive when it comes to buffet-type meals, too! I love trying a little bit of everything. :) It seems like you had a fun time!
Min says
I planned on walking also..but when I heard the go..I found myself running. Then I couldn’t stop because I didn’t want to be left behind..sigh..I just need to take it easy for heaven’s sake!
And you’re def not alone! Even though I knew I was going out to eat lobster roll two hours later, I just couldn’t stop eating. That coconut homemade granola!!! AMAZING!! I actually poured some in a cup and took it to my room so I can snack on it throughout the day. Yup! That I did ;)
Michelle@Peachy Palate says
I have no self control at breakfast buffets either! Favourite meal of the day so why not make the most of it! I’d be all over the granola and fruit! yum!
Rachael @ Ready To Get Sweaty says
You are spot on girl, that granola was ahhhmazing! I wanted to put some in a zip lock baggie to take home! :)
Sam @ The Real Pretty says
I absolutely cannot be around a buffet… unless it’s Chinese food, then I’m kind of grossed out. But other-wise I’m screwed!
Rachel @ Eat, Learn, Discover! says
HLS was so great this year! It was my first time there, and I really learned a lot – thanks so much (again) for all your hard planning work.
One thing I realized this weekend is that I have a *really* hard time with self-control where breakfast buffets are concerned. It’s kind of an issue :-P
Ashley @ My Food 'N' Fitness Diaries says
Oh I am totally with you on the breakfast buffet thing! I lose all self control when it comes to those things. The fact that I like pretty much every single breakfast food out there can get me in big trouble if I’m not careful! ;)
Stellina @ My Yogurt Addiction says
So glad Heather convinced you to go!!! I missed day 3 :( That oatmeal station looks incredible! I am slowly introducing more oats into my life!
Amanda says
That breakfast buffet looks delicious! I, too, am a sucker for breakfast! There are so many options – that I generally don’t feel like preparing at home in the mornings!
Lydia @HappyHealthyConfident says
I have trouble with pretty much any kind of buffet! I always want to try a bit of everything! Variety eaters unite! ;)
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
I just had a breakfast buffet in Vegas! I went crazy with all the healthy food!! I think I over did it! Everything look amazing and so much fun! Wish we had an event like this in San Francisco!!
Kaitlyn says
i love when i read your page and always have to laugh at how much i relate! I swear, half the time i like just ate or did the same thing!! :) I just posted about my love for breakfast and could not agree more about breakfast buffets. total decision overload. How’s a girl ever to choose between all those options?!
chelsey @ clean eating chelsey says
I have no self control at breakfast buffets either – whenever I’m on vacation, all bets are off.
Allison @ Running Through Red Lights says
I would never last as a food blogger, because I don’t usually eat traditional breakfast foods. Breakfast buffets don’t usually do it for me, though I’m a sucker for bacon and muffins! ;-) That egg tartlet does look delish, though!
Chase says
I do love buffets because I don’t feel bad if I take one bite of something and decide I don’t like it! And I love all the different flavors.
Sarah B. says
I can. not. hold back at breakfast buffets! Oddly, I tend to crave oatmeal like it’s my job, but I could eat bowls upon bowls. If I could eat breakfast for every meal, I would. And since I can, sometimes I do. =]
michelle says
Wow, that egg tartlet looks amazing! Glad you decided to go to the HLS. Looks like you had a great time!
@pluvk says
Oh man, I have to avoid buffets at all costs. I’m pretty good about breakfast buffets… I’m kind of picky in the morning, so eggs, oatmeal, and fruit work for me. But if it’s a seafood type of buffet? Or a brunch buffet with dessert and omelette stations? Yeah… you’re gonna roll me out of there.
Ksenija @ Health Ninja says
This looks like soooo much fun! I would love to take part – its a shame that the US are a damn expensive plane ticket away.
Karleen says
Ya, bfast buffets are so dangerous! I usually finds self stuffed to the brim and wanting to go back home for a little nap after:)
Harmony says
Ahh I am WAY too indecisive as well, so a breakfast buffet is a nightmare! Luckily it looks like you had some healthy options, most breakfast buffets are all sweet waffles and pancakes etc. and impossible to decide on just one!
Lisa says
I found the coffee strong too! I was shaking on Saturday from it haha, I probably looked like a mess.
I almost didn’t go to HLS either, I was nervous since I’m a new blogger and didn’t know if I’d “fit in”, but everyone was so friendly I’m definitely happy I decided to go! Even if the airplane situation was less than ideal!
I must admit, I wish I got to chat with you more, but was a little star struck by you haha.
Courtney says
Awwww, LISA!! :)
I wish we had more of a chance to talk too – I feel like I saw you a thousand times, but only for like, 5 seconds each time, haha. Hopefully we’ll get another chance soon!
Lisa says
I know same here! Haha, I’m positive we’ll get another chance to meet and chat!
Next time I won’t be so intimidated:)
Bek @ Crave says
Hahha! Nice pre- workout pic of you lot! I also have no self control when it comes to breakfast buffets- I am someone who wants everything! We can’t be blamed though when everything looks THAT good.
Meredith @ DareYouTo says
Great recaps!!!! I also fawn over breakfast buffets. The best kind! The mini frittata was my favorite from that morning.
The walk/run was so nice, too! The weather was absolutely perfect. It was SO so great seeing you again, too briefly! Nice job with the whole weekend.