Cruise Control Your Weight
Cruise Control Your Weight: Healthy eating tips while on a Cruise
Let’s face it, cruising is synonymous with indulgence. Lavish buffets, endless cocktails, and all-you-can-eat midnight snacks can make it feel like a floating paradise for food lovers. However, these temptations can easily derail your healthy habits, leaving you with unwanted weight gain by the time you disembark.
Here are practical tips to help you “cruise control” your weight while still savoring the experience.
Prioritize Active Excursions
Most cruise itineraries include shore excursions, and many of these offer opportunities to stay active. Opt for activities like hiking, biking, snorkeling, or walking tours to burn calories while exploring your destinations. Not only will you stay fit, but you’ll also enjoy a more immersive experience of the local culture and scenery.
Use the Fitness Facilities
Modern cruise ships often have state-of-the-art gyms, fitness classes, and even outdoor running tracks, tennis courts or volley ball courts. Take advantage of these amenities by scheduling regular workouts during your trip. If you went to the gym three to four days a week at home, then stick to your routine. If you have an early morning shore excursion, then squeeze in a session before dinner.
Practice Portion Control
Cruise dining often features abundant buffets and multi-course meals. While it’s tempting to try everything, moderation is key. Start with smaller portions and focus on savouring each bite. This also help prevent food wastage. It really peeves me off to see the amount of food people leave on their plates. Dish up what you can finish, you can always go back for seconds if you’re still hungry.
Choose Healthy Options
Most cruise menus include healthier choices like grilled proteins, fresh salads, and steamed vegetables. Opt for these options when possible, and balance them with occasional indulgences. Many ships also cater to special dietary needs, so don’t hesitate to ask for low-calorie or low-carb meals. And SKIP the bread basket! One dinner roll (excluding the butter) adds 77 calories to your meal. Multiply this by the days of your cruise and you have most likely consumed a meals worth of calories in dinner rolls.
Stay Hydrated
It’s easy to mistake thirst for hunger, especially in warm, tropical climates. Keep a refillable water bottle with you and drink plenty of water throughout the day. This will help control your appetite and keep you feeling refreshed. Most cruise liners will try sell you a drinks package. This DOES NOT include water and soft drinks…BUT…you can fill a water bottle at the breakfast buffet for free (although frowned upon). Alternatively, purchase the water package.
Limit Liquid Calories
Aaah the “Drinks Package”. You are on vacation, so why not? Paying more than $26 a day, you want to get your money’s worth right! Cocktails, sugary drinks, and specialty coffees can pack a surprising amount of calories.. Opt for lighter alternatives like sparkling water with a splash of citrus or a glass of wine instead of sugary mixed drinks.
Take the Stairs
Cruise ships are essentially floating cities with multiple decks. Skip the elevators and use the stairs whenever possible. It’s a simple way to incorporate more movement into your day burning additional calories and keeping that peach firm.
Be Mindful of Late-Night Snacks
Late-night snacks are a given when cruising, but they can quickly add up. Late night carbs are a big NO NO! Instead of indulging in heavy foods before bed, reach for lighter options like fruit or yogurt. Better yet, skip the snack altogether and leave the late night snacking for those who have the metabolism to burn it off.
Plan Your Indulgences
You don’t have to skip the dessert or avoid the specialty restaurant. Instead, plan for your indulgences. If you know you’ll be having a rich dinner, balance it with a lighter breakfast and lunch. This mindful approach allows you to enjoy treats guilt-free.
Stay Accountable
If you’re traveling with friends or family, encourage each other to make healthy choices. You can also use fitness apps to track your activity and meals, helping you stay on track throughout the cruise.
Top 10 Foods to Avoid While Cruising
- Deep-Fried Foods
Tempura, fried chicken, and french fries may be tempting, but they’re loaded with unhealthy fats and calories. - Creamy Sauces and Soups
Alfredo pasta, chowders, and bisques are often high in butter and heavy cream, which can quickly add up in calories. - Excessive Bread and Pastries
Bread baskets, croissants, and breakfast danishes are carb-heavy and can spike your calorie intake early in the day. - Buffet Fried Rice and Noodles
While convenient, buffet-style rice and noodles are usually packed with oils, sauces, and sodium. - Unlimited Pizza and Burgers
Many cruises offer all-you-can-eat fast food options, which are packed with empty calories and saturated fats. - Sugary Cocktails
Drinks like piña coladas, daiquiris, and margaritas are loaded with sugar, adding unnecessary calories without filling you up. - All-You-Can-Eat Ice Cream
Soft-serve machines are often on deck, but indulging too often can lead to excessive sugar and fat intake. - Charcuterie Boards
While tasty, processed meats and cheeses are high in sodium and saturated fats. Opt for fresh fruits and veggies instead. - Late-Night Buffet Offerings
Midnight buffets often feature calorie-dense comfort foods like mac and cheese, fried snacks, and desserts. - Packaged Snacks
Chips, pretzels, and other grab-and-go snacks from onboard stores are often high in sodium and low in nutrition.
Cruising doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your health goals. With a little planning and mindful decision-making, you can enjoy all the fun and flavors of a cruise without returning home feeling like you overindulged. By incorporating these strategies, you’ll ensure that your vacation is not only memorable but also healthy and balanced. Bon voyage and remember to Cruise Control Your Weight!
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