To avoid gaining weight on your cruise, knowing what not to do is some times as important as knowing what to do.
WHAT NOT TO DO
Last minute panic dieting – To look good in bathers, most people submit themselves to last minute panic dieting just before going on vacation. Now, anything I say here is probably not going to change that, so I will try and be realistic and say, don’t over do it to the point where it’s unhealthy. When you’re cruising you generally stay up late, get up early and are running around all day sight seeing or doing other activities. And within the close quarter’s environment of a cruise ship, you need your immune system to be functioning at its optimum level. Running yourself down prior to even stepping onboard will leave you lethargic after the third day, running on empty toward the end of the cruise, and completely worn out, if not sick by the time you get home. Healthy before, means healthy onboard!
Eating at every opportunity just because you can – Yes, there is always somewhere on a cruise ship to get food. However, that’s so they can cater to all kinds of people who like to eat at different times. Not people who like to eat all the time. Just because it’s there doesn’t mean you have to eat it.
Giving up on your regular exercise schedule - This is a sure fire way of going home heavier than when you came. Not only are you reducing the calories you are used to burning at home, but more than likely, you will be eating and drinking more while onboard. If you already have an exercise program, stick with it and use this opportunity to mix it up with some things you don’t normally do at home. Things like morning stretch classes, yoga, running or walking out on deck, spinning classes, new exercise machines etc.
Ordering room service late at night – Most people order hamburgers, fries, hot dogs, cookies and sandwiches. And let’s face it, whether it’s a romantic snack in bed while cuddling up to watch a movie, or a late night feast after a big night out, there’s just something appealing about ordering room service late at night while on vacation. But if you must order the most fattening things on the menu, just don’t eat them all. Or order a fruit platter and salad and eat them first. Hopefully this will fill you up enough not to eat the bad food. Ultimately though, order the fruit plate and salad only, and leave the hamburgers etc. well alone at night.
Skipping meals – Skipping meals only slows down your metabolism causing your body to burn less calories in its normal state. Further more your body will store fat to keep in reserves, burning muscle for energy.
If you can’t avoid onboard weight gain perhaps knowing how to lose it will help.
To make the most of your cruise, read my book Cruise Ship Secrets. It will help you with beating sea sickness, cruising with kids, saving money, what to expect onboard, what to pack, and a lot more.
