How not to broaden your waistline on a cruise

[Jason]

Eat in moderation, drink a little wine, and take the stairs

BY MARIA SMITH, The Dallas Morning News

One pound a day.

That's the average weight gain on a cruise, warned my travel agent. One pound a day. Seven pounds for a one-week cruise.

Since my husband and I were going on a cruise line known for its epicurean excellence, I was more than a little concerned.

But I was equally determined not to come home with Goodyear stamped across my backside.

Our strategy: to enjoy ourselves, but in moderation. Or as much moderation as is possible at a 24-hour floating buffet.

Happily, we succeeded. Here's how: our "Top 10 Ways to Avoid Weight Gain When Cruising":

10. Avoid elevators. That means walk. Our ship was huge -- 15 stories in all. Our cabin was on the 10th deck, in the forward section, while most of our activities were on the 14th to 16th decks, or the fifth to seventh decks. We vowed as soon as we were settled on the ship that we would never take the elevator, no matter how much our thighs burned. And burn they did. But it was worth it every time we sat down to a meal.

9. Never order a frozen drink. You know, those tempting concoctions with the umbrellas? The ones that go down soooo smoothly when you're lolling around the pool? Well, they have 500+ calories per glass. A couple of those each day, and you are far into the dietary hole.

8. Discover the promenade deck. Nearly every cruise ship has a pleasant walking deck that encircles the ship. Find it and use it. A mile, three times a day, is great exercise, and the views are always beautiful. Walk before breakfast, after lunch, and after dinner. Watch the clouds and the sea change as the ship moves.

7. Take exercise classes. Every ship has a health club. And cruising should be about trying new things. This is the perfect opportunity to take one of those spinning classes you were curious about... or yoga... or something. Most classes are free and rarely crowded.

6. Plan your snacks. Who could resist a Make-Your-Own Sundae buffet of Haagen-Dazs ice cream (fortunately available only from 3 to 4 p.m.)? But visit it just once during the cruise, and take a small portion. Our ship featured a pizza snack bar, and it was the best pizza this side of Rome. But we indulged only one day, at lunch, with a big salad. You can eat 24 hours a day. But you don't have to. And keep some safe snacks handy during the day. We kept a handful of walnuts in the tote bag with our books and suntan lotion in case hunger reared its ugly head.

5. Sample. Try everything on the menu. Our server indulged us by bringing us extra entrees and desserts every night at dinner. But they were "tasting" portions. And although everything looks good, a couple of bites let you taste without penalty. Remember, you don't have to eat it just because it's there. And nobody will make you feel guilty if you don't finish everything on your plate.

4. Fruits and vegetables. Buffets usually contain a delectable array of fresh items. Start breakfast with fresh fruit and yogurt, and lunch with a lightly dressed salad. This doesn't mean you can't have pancakes and omelets, or a sandwich or slice of pizza. Just have smaller portions and fill up on the healthful stuff.

3. Drink wine. A glass or two with dinner enhances the dining experience, helps fill you up, and satisfies your craving for sweets (really, you can skip dessert).

2. Nag (nicely) each other.

If you and your traveling companion can agree ahead of time to help each other out, a cautionary word when temptation strikes can avoid a caloric downfall.

And finally, when all else fails:

1. Walk around the pool. Don't believe that Americans are facing an obesity epidemic? Check out the pool. Not only are Americans getting bigger, but they seem to be quite willing to let it all hang out, over and around poolside. There, but for the grace of God and self-control, go you.

So eat your heart out, but do it sensibly. Travel doesn't have to be broadening.

[DaCruzNut]

I usually go on a diet 2-3 weeks before the cruise, and take off 6-10 pounds. Then, once I'm on the ship, I can go a little overboard (FIGURATIVELY!) and not worry. I have, however, learned to "pace myself" aboard ship and don't always finish all of the food I'm given.

My ex-wife had a different method. She's go shopping for 2-3 weeks before a cruise and buy everything one size larger, with lots of elastic.

Hey, whatever works....

[PEB]

My wife and I are one of the exceptions to gaining on a cruise. We have always lost weight on a cruise. I figure that is due to the fact that we are not around junk food and we are doing much more walking between tours and just walking around the ship doing things or meeting people.

[hazelson]

Hey what about good old fashioned sex - that burns calories and takes weight off right - guess that would explain why so many of us in "middle age" and married for so many years wear pants with elastic waist bands - lol. But maybe with the salt air and the moon and the romantic music - well it's worth a shot. Maybe I should visit Victoria's Secret before we sail - do they have a "woman's" size department - anything in flannel with high neck and long sleeves? I don't imagine those thong things will do me much good - my granny panties end up as thongs by the morning anyway - come on ladies you know what I mean lol. Well so much for my morning laugh - have a great day and Happy Sailing Jennifer

[dreamer]

I think one of the best points was to " walk" and "avoid elevators" I have often seen posts ( here and other boards) where posters lament that they were too far from the elevators, or that the ship was too big and they had to walk too much!

Move it to lose it!

[dreamer]

I think one of the best points was to " walk" and "avoid elevators" I have often seen posts ( here and other boards) where posters lament that they were too far from the elevators, or that the ship was too big and they had to walk too much!

Move it to lose it!