I'm going on a cruise in a few days and I can't wait to go. However in the back of my mind is OMG all that food. I've been working out hard the past month and don't want to gain back any weight back.
I already told DH I'm still going to be doing my water aerobics.
Has anyone here been on a cruise recently how did you cope?
We'll be going on a cruise right after Thanksgiving and I plan to be under 200 pounds by then, so I certainly do not want to spoil all my hard work.
I have some ideas that I'm going to try, and I think they'll help. I'm going to work out every day (cruise ships usually have nice gyms), we're only doing excursions where we're active - snorkeling, horseback riding, hiking, etc. No laying on the beach excursions And then just take tastes of things. No need to load my plate a dozen times.
They all have gyms you can use (free). There is always a lot of fresh fruit. There is usually a healthy choice meal annotated on your dining room menu and it is usually really enjoyable, too. If you don't trust yourself to choose wisely at the buffet, your room steward can bring you your food, to your room! (Look through the written materials in your cabin for room service menus.) Talk about feeling pampered, LOL. Instead of sodas, drink water or get a cup of tea. Trying to stay OP while cruising can become a game if you keep your attitude upbeat. Enjoy being pampered while being good to yourself. Consider scheduling a reward, such as a massage, for the last day at sea, to congratulate yourself on good choices.
I go on cruises all the time. They have so many good fruits and veggies, lots of fish, etc. I stick to what is good for me and low cal, I get one plate of food at the buffet (and, as was mentioned, there are options other than the buffet), I don't eat the free soft-serve ice cream, and I eat the healthy option in the main dining room. And I use their fabulous fitness facilities. They often have beautiful, spatial facilities with enormous ocean views. They also often have an open-air track for jogging/walking that runs around the entire ship.
Oh! And I also choose shore excursions that are very physical. I don't just lie on the beach.
I always get a balcony. Room service on your balcony? It's a great alternative to the buffet. It's typically free, too, or just a few dollars if you order late at night.
Honestly, there is so much healthy, good, low-calorie food available that you won't feel deprived.
I'm going on a cruise again in February. I can't wait! Have a fabulous time.
Last edited by Petite Powerhouse; 10-20-2010 at 02:42 PM.
The athletic facilities on cruise ships are usually fantastic. Also, I would imagine there is healthy fare on the menus these days. Just make a commitment that you will focus on healthy foods, get *some* exercise every day, and eat only one small treat/dessert each day (or every other day). You'll feel better.
How do you feel about alcohol? That could undo all your hard work and willpower easily.
How do you feel about alcohol? That could undo all your hard work and willpower easily.
Alcohol is pretty expensive on a cruise. That can be (hopefully) a deterrent right there. And, if you buy it while off the ship, they take it from you and return it just before you debark at the end of the trip.
Last edited by Petite Powerhouse; 10-20-2010 at 02:48 PM.
Depending on the cruise line and class of ship, there are also a lot of physical activities you can do on board. The ship I will be on in February, for example, has freshwater pools, a surfing simulator, an ice skating rink, a climbing wall, a boxing ring (used for exercise rather than combat), and basketball and volleyball courts. For an added fee there are also classes in yoga, kickboxing, and aerobics; and personal training sessions are available.
Last edited by Petite Powerhouse; 10-20-2010 at 06:25 PM.
I don't drink a lot of soda but when I go to a restaurant it seems I always order a soda or hot tea.
I do plan on being at the gym alot so my hubby better get that in his head. I've been going to the gym 3-4 times a week since I joined last month and I'm going to try and keep it up.
We're in our 50's and we're not going to be snorkling and scuba diving. But I'll find something to do my hubby will be in the casino. Thats going to be his physical activity. lol
I've always wanted a professional massage and the one reason I've never gotten one is I was to embarrassed about my size. So I won't be getting a massage.
2feelbetter, you should get a massage! I've gotten many massages at 230 pounds and have never had a therapist be rude to me. You will feel so relaxed, you should think about it.
my advice is stay away from the buffets. I went on a cruise over the summer and those stupid buffets were the death of me. They serve breakfast lunch and dinner in the dining room. and there is also a salad bar on the buffet, but next cruise I wont even look at the buffet at all during the trip. I overate so much rich food that i spent the whole cruise with a terrible stomach ache not able to go #2. I just felt miserable.
If you have the willpower thats great and the buffets wont be a problem but I didnt. So next cruise I will only eat the healthy pre portioned food in the dining room (Carnival cruise its called spa entrees)
Have fun and focus on being active and you should be good.
I would just avoid any deep fried food, pasta and deserts, or at least limit my desert to ever 2nd or 3rd night or something so I didn't explode.
Take advantage of the activities! That should include the massage!!!
If you don't get over the nerves and get one on the trip- you should at least treat yourself as a goal somewhere along the way!
i went on a cruise in 2007 and ate all that i wanted to eat, i didn't say no to anything. when i made it back home i had only put on 2lbs.
their is a lot of eating but there is also A LOT of walking around the boat.
jus from my experience i say have fun and don't worry about it!
Well I just got back today. And I did just like you.... I ate everything. I did skip on desserts a few nights at dinner.
I bought all my workout clothes even though I only do Zumba and water aerobics and I never did go to the gym. I SAW THE GYM JUST DIDN'T GO IN IT.
You are right about the walking. I was on the Carnival Dream and it's their newest and biggest ship. I can't believe how much walking I did. I almost started not to get off the ship at St Thomas because I was so out of it.
I have arthritis in my knees and I have some foot problems so it was all I could do to keep up with the walking...............hey wait a minuet I was at the club a couple of nights and that was a workout ! LOL
Going on a Cruise & all that food Agggh !
And then just take tastes of things. No need to load my plate a dozen times. 
