Hi everyone,

I just got back from a fabulous Royal Caribbean cruise that left from Fort Lauderdale, FL and traveled to the islands of Grand Cayman and Cozumel.  The weather was warm, the beaches were beautiful, and the food was delicious…all of it…that you could access almost 24 hours a day.  Yikes.

This wasn’t my first cruise, but the last time I was on one I was much younger, so probably didn’t have the same interest in food that I do now.   I once heard someone say that when you go on a cruise you get on as a passenger and leave as cargo.  Now I understand why!   Honestly, there are three main meals a day, plus snacking options at all other hours of the day.  We had a “snack bar” by the pool which was open all afternoon.  Really healthy things like pizza, hamburgers, hot dogs, and fries were served!  And then there was usually some kind of midnight buffet if you wanted to partake.

Needless to say, I’m sure there are people on board who eat thousands of calories every day.  And they might drink an equal amount of calories with the endless sodas and fruity cocktails.  For anyone who is tempted by endless eating and drinking, a cruise is a dangerous place.

However, there is always a way to still enjoy the fabulous foods and not put on weight.

Exercise

Firstly, there are endless options for exercise.  Most ships have gyms and fitness classes you can attend for free.  Most ships also have sports facilities, whether that is a rock climbing wall, a basketball court, or a running track around one of the decks on board.  And finally, you can always swim in the pool or at any beaches you go to at your various ports.  Make use of all of these things!  This is an opportunity to be more physically active than you normally are at home.  You have no excuse to sit at your computer all day.  You are on vacation after all.

Food

Next, with all the food choices, it it hard not to want to try them all.  If you go to the main seatings for meals (i.e. where a waiter serves you), it is easier to control your portions.  Try to choose something with vegetables in it, to ensure you’re getting nutrients.  You can still enjoy something yummy with that, but vegetables do fill you up and give you energy.

If you choose the buffet meals, this is where you really need to watch your portions.   My first word of advice is to have a big plate of salad before digging into anything else.  And try to put some nutritious things on your salad, rather than just iceberg lettuce and dressing.  If they offer spinach leaves, or cabbage, use that.  Add seeds, broccoli, beans, tomatoes, etc.  These will provide essential fatty acids, fiber, protein, and vitamins and minerals.  Finally, use an oil based dressing, which provides healthy fats.  All of these toppings will make the salad even more filling.  Once you’ve finished that, see what else you have an appetite for.

I definitely don’t want you to miss out on some of the really interesting and delicious foods available, but try to be sensible.

I must also mention that there are always desserts around!  Cakes, cookies, ice cream, you name it.  Again, try to be sensible.  If you really feel like something have it.  If you don’t feel like it, skip it.

Fun

My final comment on food and cruising is:  if you have a splurge day, don’t beat yourself up.  By feeling bad about it,  you’ll probably just do it again.  Enjoy yourself, but don’t go overboard (no pun intended.)

To your health,

Kimberly