Losing (well, not gaining at least) Weight While Cruising

You’ve planned for it and have been looking forward to your cruise for months.  So think of how depressing it would be if the cute swimsuit you brought with you started feeling more like a sausage casing after a few days.  The average weight gain on a cruise is between 4 and 7 pounds.  In a week!  Not surprising given the unlimited food options available.  The ever-present buffets accost you and can derail even the most well-intentioned among us.  Couple this with the more sedentary lifestyle usually seen on cruise ships and it’s a recipe for disaster.  However with just a little pre-planning and restraint you can avoid the dreaded cruise bulge.

Use The Stairs

This strategy gives you built in exercise without even thinking about it.  Most mainstream cruise ships have at least 11 decks and the newer ones have twice as many.  Think about it…if your cabin is on Deck 2 and the pool is on Deck 11…well, you can do the math.  Bonus:  with thousands of passengers all waiting for the same few elevators, the stairs are often a quicker option to get where you’re going.

Hit The Dck

 In addition to getting some fresh air and exercise you’ll acquaint yourself with the ship.  Some of the new mega-ships are so big that you might not even see the whole thing in 7 days!  Pick a deck or two every day and really explore.  You’ll probably come across something you never would have found otherwise…just remember to walk extra fast past the buffet table.

Start The Day Right

Eat fruit for breakfast.  The availability of fresh fruit on board is a treat…pineapple, melons, strawberries, etc.  If you’re cruising in the wintertime to escape the cold, you probably haven’t seen fresh fruit for months.  Take advantage!  You can get watery scrambled eggs and frozen hash browns anytime.

Attend Fitness Classes On Board

More popular ones usually have an extra charge of about  $10-12, which is about what you’d pay for a class at home.   Sign up for the classes you’re interested in as soon as you board the ship.  Your account will automatically be charged whether or not you show up, so there’s financial incentive to get there.  The classes are surprisingly well led and you’ll meet like-minded people.  Some ships might offer something a little different such as yoga on the beach – when do you do that at home?

Try A New Activity

Cruise ships these days are decked out with all kinds of recreation options.  Rock-climbing walls, ice-skating rinks, even wave-rider pools and bowling lanes!  Try something completely new or brush up on forgotten skills.  Don’t worry about not looking cool or being good at it;  just get moving!  You might even find a new sport that you want to keep up when you’re back home.

 Make Smart Food Choices

Take control of your meals. Instead of just letting the steak you ordered come to you with the bernaise sauce slathered all over it, ask for the sauce  on the side. Be creative;  you’re not tied to the menu as written.  Ask for  2 appetizers instead of an entree.  Or skip the appetizer and order 2 lobsters when you see that on the menu…just be careful with the melted butter.  In addition, most cruise lines also list menu items that are designed to be more healthful so look for them too.

Steer Clear Of Fancy-Schmancy Drinks

It’s hard to avoid them…the waiters walk around all day long with trays full of the fun, colorful potions.   But keep in mind that an innocent looking daiquiri could pack as many as 500 calories!  Have one to celebrate when you board the ship, but after that stick with wine or light beer.  If you’re feeling left out of the party, ask for the umbrella and garnish to be put in your beer.

Original post here:  Lost Girls World

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