5 Ways to Enjoy Your Cruise Vacation and Avoid Weight Gain

Bring Home Souvenirs, Photos and Memories from Your Trip ~ Not Extra Pounds

"My cruise vacation was amazing... and I only gained 10 pounds!" Have you heard this confession before? When taking a vacation where food is part of the package, we all face the dilemma of how to avoid returning with excess weight as a souvenir. With a little planning and self-discipline, you can actually have a fabulous time on your cruise, indulge appropriately, and still leave the ship without too much extra baggage. The key to my strategy: moderate exercise, traditional dining and targeted treats. Anchors aweigh!

Tip #1 ~ Breakfast and Lunch Buffets ~ navigate through the minefield.
A typical breakfast buffet on your ship will dazzle you with diversity. Your objective: fill up your tank with a substantial meal that will hold you 'til lunchtime and boost your energy for touring. Stick with the essentials ~ eggs, fruit, bagel, grits or oatmeal, yogurt and coffee. Skip the sausage, bacon, Danishes, pastries, muffins and croissants! Plan-ahead Tip: After eating your breakfast, stop by the buffet line for some rolls, cheese, cold cuts and whole fruit. Then, make some cute little sandwiches for the road. If you're taking a tour or going by yourself into port, you'll have a nutritious and filling lunch or snack to keep you from indulging in street fare. You'll save both money and calories!

Lunch: If opting for the buffet, keep portion control and balance in mind when serving yourself. Remember ~ you can go back as often as you want, so don't feel compelled to put everything on your tray the first time. If you feel like pizza, for example, get a slice and round it out with a large salad from the salad bar (get used to the taste without dressing). If you must have a dessert, have a petit-four (little portion). Then, finish it off with hot coffee or tea and fruit.