Going on a Cruise

I am on a diet, and going on a cruise in 22 days, how am I going to stay on my diet with all that great food on board?  It's stressing me out.  I am wondering if I up the exercise can I eat all the goodies? Or am I going to gain the weight?  Or should I just skip the diet on the cruise and start over when I get back?  I am so confused.  Any advice?

eat what you want but in moderation.  When your full, stop eating.   Instead of eating the entire ooey, gooey triple chocolate cake/icecream concauction, eat 2 or 3 bites.  You only live once, right? 

my family thought of going on a cruise this summer and i freaked out because of all the 'goodies' that are available, as you say....and i'm really a health fanatic but it's hard when so much food is shoved at you!

okay so. you still have a while, and here would be what i would do:

1. stick with your goals, don't overdo before the cruise to try and compensate for 'cheating' on the boat and don't give up on your diet on the cruise. always try to take two steps forward, even if you end up taking a step back. don't give up because from what i gather, lasting weight loss comes without too much restriction --it's a LIFESTYLE change. and life involves traveling and change and it'd be good to stick with your plans through it all.

2. tell yourself that YOU are in control of how much exercise you get on the cruise (because they usu have pools and/or other options to be active right?) AND what you put in your stomach.

3. set goals in ways that help you. what helps me is i have certain foods, no matter how good, that i just can't say yes to in a closed environment (traveling especially) because it's so hard to stop and then you don't have the option of working out more/logging onto cc :) -- but you can say "i will have 500 cals/meal and one dessert/day" or "at each meal i will only have four TYPES of food..." you know what i mean? whatever helps you control the desire to have a bit of EVERYTHING...because that can end badly.

4. this should have been one, but ENJOY the trip with whomever you're going!! it's summer and cruises are very fun, from what i hear. pack in as much physical activity as you can and just listen to your body. if you're extra hungry one day, don't be afraid to indulge. don't fear it but definitely have goals :)

hope i assuaged some of your worries -- best wishes!!

beware the toxic combination of alcohol + the 24 hr. buffett/room service..

OOo we are planning on going on a cruise at the end of next year! We are hoping on going to Fiji (where I lived as a kid) or Vanuatu.  Where are you going?

This issue comes up all the time, how to stay on track when we are in a very different situation.  I was reading a thread from a few months ago which woke me up, and has helped me a lot.  What it said was

'You're not 5 years old. You have some self control. Stick to your diet and exercise and you'll do well'

Talk about tough love! but its right!and it has helped me.  Of course it is not as simple as that, gosh, if it was, I would not have a weight problem at all! But it is something to keep in mind.

Hope you have fun!

Cruises are actually much better than most other vacations food-wise. There's usually multiple places to eat, & the chefs are VERY accommodating. They're really there to please you & in my experience they never have any issues at all with a completely custom order.

I'd still put calories on the back burner for it though, because that's what I always do for vacations, but I don't think you'll have as much trouble as you anticipate eating healthy. Mine had insane carved fruit every night with the "desserts" & that was delicious. Just be sure to remain active- there's probably a gym or some other way to workout, & you can just walk around & explore the ship.

Most of all, enjoy it & relax!

I went on a cruise last year and didn't gain anything.  There is a lot of food but also a lot to do.  I loved eating in the fomal dining room because there was always seveal choices and the servings were a lot smaller than I would have at home.  The buffets also offer a great variety.  Grilled, Steamed, or Broiled seafood is a great choice and the fruit was great.  I could also get unsweet tea anytime at the buffet.  I chose that over the expensive bar drinks.  I think I didn't eat that much because it's just like being at the beach you can't have as much fun if you are stuffed and bloated from eating too much.    Just try to focus on the fun and not the food and you should do fine.  Have a great time!  I'd love to go again.