When you travel, staying at a hotel that offers free breakfast is a great way to save money. Plus, the hotel breakfast area is a good place to socialize and meet other travelers. However, you may be a little concerned about the healthfulness of eating that free hotel breakfast. Most hotels do their best to offer delicious options like waffles, chocolate muffins, and French toast. These taste great, of course, but it's also easy to over-indulge when you're feeling like you have to get your money's worth. Thankfully, though, you can eat more healthily at a hotel breakfast buffet if you follow these tips.

1. Make a one plate rule.

One reason a hotel breakfast is such a great value is that you can basically eat as much as you want. But this doesn't mean you have to eat as much as you want. If you're watching your calorie intake, make a "one plate" rule. Only allow yourself to eat what you can fit on one plate. Nobody should really need more breakfast than this; you won't be truly depriving yourself. You have to get past the mindset of needing to eat as much as you can to get your money's worth, and accept that you have to do what's best for your health.

2. Load up with fresh fruit.

Most hotel restaurant buffets do offer some sort of fresh fruit. Some may just have bananas or oranges in a basket. Others may have a fruit salad. Either way, you should aim to fill at least half of your plate with this fruit. You'll be starting your day with lots of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and water. The fruit also takes up space on your plate so there's less space leftover for tempting items like waffles and muffins.

3. Have some eggs.

If there are scrambled eggs or egg patties at the hotel breakfast buffet, you should have a helping. They're a relatively low-fat source of protein and will help keep you full throughout the day. The sausage and bacon the hotel may also offer tend to be higher in fat. Have a bite or two if you desire, but don't load up on these items for protein.

4. Enjoy one treat.

If you can forego all the waffles and muffins entirely, then by all means, do so. But if those treats are really calling your name, allow yourself to enjoy just a little. Split a muffin with your friend, and enjoy half. Or, you can make a Belgian waffle and eat one quarter, sharing the other quarters with other diners. You're probably not the only one who wants a little of these things, but not a lot.

Hotel breakfasts can be really enjoyable, but be careful not to go overboard!

Before your trip, try looking at the hotel's website to see if they offer any information on their breakfast menu.