Jump to content

To lose weight


Recommended Posts

We have never experienced a cruise which will last more than a week.

So my wife is wondering how she can lose weight during the cruise.

In addition, there is a temptation that a tons of restaurants are available which offer complementary foods.

 

Please tell us your idea to lose weight on board!:27_sunglasses:

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

1.  Eat salad first if you're in the buffet; only eat dessert every other (or every 3rd) day

2.  Take the stairs at least five times a day

3.  Go for a "dawn walk" every morning -- at least two laps of the ship's promenade -- if you're early enough to catch the sunrise, you'll find it pretty open, 

4.  Drink water with every meal, and DON'T get the Deluxe Beverage Package!!!

 

 

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

54 minutes ago, L454S said:

Agree with above about using the stairs as much as you can. We do 3 miles every morning before breakfast just walking.

Even with doing this, we still gain some weight. Just trying to gain as little as possible.

GGGreat! 3 miles!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I cut out SOME excess sugar, and walk as well as use the gym very frequently.  As others have also stated I also use the stairs quite a bit as well, our last cruise to AK had me going from the bottom deck to the top using the stairs.  Once I got to the top I would go to the other side of the ship and go down the stairs and come back up the other side I would do 3-4 laps per day, during the cruise and managed to actually loose a couple of pounds rather than gain.  

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Outside of the already great ideas, my suggestion is to ask for low sodium meals.  I think the many meals on RC use a ton of salt  (to be fair most restaurants do the same).  I think you can do all the above and bloat just due to the amount of sodium.  Drinking lots of water helps but she may want to watch the sodium too. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I don't have any tips but I applaud her for wanting to lose weight on a cruise. 

I've been on Weight Watchers and I've done pretty well, I'm hoping I will be at my goal by the time my cruise comes around, but I plan to enjoy myself (yup, bought the drink package) and eat well but not everything in sight.  I do plan to take stairs and do lots of walking so hopefully it won't be too bad.  Either way I'll be back to the gym once I'm back home.  Which brings up the point there is a gym on board if she wants to use it.  They're supposed to be really nice.  

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I have to reiterate use the stairs every time.  I will be honest, that is what we do.  It was only on our 4th cruise that I used the elevator.  We were on a family cruise, and I remember remarking OMG they have the day of the week on the floor, how cute.  1 family member said to me we have been on this ship for 5 nights, and now you are just noticing?  My response was, this is the 1st time I have taken the elevator on any cruise.  

Don't know which ship you will be on. but you will be amazed how many times a day you climb the stairs.  It will start day 1.  You can wait for an elevator after the Muster Drill or you can walk the stairs and get there quicker

IMPO, drink 2x as much water as you do at home.  Between the sun and alcohol you will dehydrate faster than just hanging at your desk at work.  

I have never gained a pound on a cruise.  I am a grazer.  Lots of small meals.  Lots of water during the day. I do the deluxe beverage package, but with every drink I get a bottle of water.  I do not order a new drink until I have guzzled down that bottle of water.  

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We're also consistent stair users.

Also 100% agree with the water consumption! It is sooo easy to get dehydrated quickly.

But, I find the biggest impact to the shrinking clothes phenomenon is what we eat for breakfast and SUGAR. It is so easy to walk into the Windjammer and pile it on for breakfast and that's when your body is looking for calories to intake and store. Keep the breakfast in check! Fruit, some cereal and some protein. Hash browns, bacon, biscuits, danish, omelet, etc...just beggin' to cause you to break out the stretchy pants. Sugar, stick to low sugar desserts and minimize the sweet drinks.

We did a B2B last month for a total of 14 nights...I was up four when I came home, so not too bad this time, but it has been MUCH worse before. ?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

My husband and I also do a couple of things.

1. We order room service breakfast (free).  It is continental.  We order the night before, get up early hit the gym, or walk the track (taking the stairs).  Stop at WJ, and get an omelet since we know we have continental will show up within minutes upon returning to our cabin.  Take the stairs back down.  This keeps us away from piling on at WJ. 

2.  We eat dinner late.  We go to the WJ when it opens for dinner.  We make 2 plates .  One is our appetizers while we get ready for dinner, shrimp, veggies, etc., anything we can pick at it while we shower and dress, which fills up our stomachs.  The other is our late night snacks (typically a deli/cheese plate that we put in the min-fridge and something sweet)  The thing is by doing so, when I go to dinner, my eyes are not bigger than my stomach.  Again this is pre-planning.

3. I do specialty restaurants, but from a weight issue,  I like the MDR more.  In the MDR you will have the same server every night.  By day 3 they know your likes and dislikes, iows, your eating habits.  The MDR usually offers the wedge salad, 1x during the cruise.  However, bc I have sailed with RCCL multiple times, and use the MDR often, I ask on night 1 can I have the wedge salad the next night?  I have never been told no, even though it is off the menu.  My husband knowing my eating habits will chime in and say, can you give her that in a child's portion, bc otherwise I am the one left eating it or it is wasted food. 

I also order multiple appetizers.  I will order a salad or soup as an appetizer, and ask for the calamari (appetizer) for dinner. 

No offense, but point being it really is up to her.  I am in my 50s, keeping weight off is a battle.  Going on a cruise with booze and unlimited food makes it even harder.  Yet, I have never gained a pound.  I attribute this to planning.  I could take the elevator.  I could sleep in.  I could not ask for off the menu meals at the MDR. Notice it is all I could.  

Not trying to offend. Just saying she has options to stay on the path.  For me, the splurge night is not lobster, but lamb shanks.

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

2 hours ago, stevendom57 said:

My DW made a rule. If we are going up three decks or down three decks, take the stirs. Otherwise the elevators.

I'm glad you wrote this, because I was going to post something similar. Based on this "3 up 3 down" rule, it is a great idea to choose a cabin on a deck that is about halfway up. 

If your cabin is too high or too low, than many of the trip will involve a LOT of climbing. That's a good thing, if you can handle it. But if the climb is too far, many people will opt for the elevator. Choosing a mid-level deck will help defeat the laziness and enable an "I can do it!" attitude.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

One of my tips is if you do specialty dining, half the portion you're given and ask them for a to-go box immediately.  Out of sight out of mouth!  Or ask for a child's portion.  That way you can still enjoy all of the wonderful tastes and not feel deprived when there are amazing smells wafting around, but still keep to your goals.  

Drink at least 2 glasses of water before food goes into your mouth.  Helps to fill up your stomach.  Veggies first, then protein, then starch, then fats.  Ask for a double helping of veggies!  More veggies on the plate, the less deprived you feel.  

Dessert options stick to sorbets and fruit.  You can also ask for a sugar free option as well.  They'll definitely have these for diabetics.  And they do help with feelings of deprivation.  If everyone at your table is snarfing down cake, and you're sitting there with folded hands sipping away on water.... that's a fast track to binge eating later.  

The biggest thing with the food, fill up on hearty fibrous veggies like broccoli, spinach, etc.  Lettuce isnt going to fill you up and make you feel satisfied in the long run.  Not to mention there's a lot of temptation on that salad bar.  Dressings, bacon, eggs, legumes... they all taste wonderful but they're calorie killers on the salad bar.  Tell them to remove the bread basket from the table.  Out of sight, out of mouth!  

Big thing for me and dieting is not feeling deprived of food.  It sure sounds easy just to eat less, but when you're in a high temptation environment like a cruise, just eating less is an unrealistic expectation.  Salad is wonderful dont get me wrong, but its not going to fill you up unless you have those hunger busting fibrous veggies in the salad.  They help fill you up and help you stay full!

 

Now, for the exercising.  Walk everywhere.  The elevator is your friend only when carrying your luggage.  Otherwise, stairs all the way.  Do the dance lessons onboard.  They help keep you moving!  At the pool, jump on in and play!  I think as adults we've really neglected the power of play.  Play keeps us active so let loose!  Feel free to enroll in a spinning class if your fitness level is up to spinning.  Aerobics classes, free weights, machines galore.  Hop on the treadmill or elliptical and enjoy the amazing views.  You'll completely forget that you're exercising when enjoying such amazing views.  

 

Now for the overall health.  Get good rest.  Easier said than done when you're excited on your cruise!  But remember, healthy mind healthy body!  Reward yourself with a massage or facial or other spa treatment.  Sticking to a diet on a cruise is hard work!  So have that reward massage!

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

37 minutes ago, ThyriC said:

One of my tips is if you do specialty dining, half the portion you're given and ask them for a to-go box immediately.  Out of sight out of mouth!  Or ask for a child's portion.  That way you can still enjoy all of the wonderful tastes and not feel deprived when there are amazing smells wafting around, but still keep to your goals.  

Drink at least 2 glasses of water before food goes into your mouth.  Helps to fill up your stomach.  Veggies first, then protein, then starch, then fats.  Ask for a double helping of veggies!  More veggies on the plate, the less deprived you feel.  

Dessert options stick to sorbets and fruit.  You can also ask for a sugar free option as well.  They'll definitely have these for diabetics.  And they do help with feelings of deprivation.  If everyone at your table is snarfing down cake, and you're sitting there with folded hands sipping away on water.... that's a fast track to binge eating later.  

The biggest thing with the food, fill up on hearty fibrous veggies like broccoli, spinach, etc.  Lettuce isnt going to fill you up and make you feel satisfied in the long run.  Not to mention there's a lot of temptation on that salad bar.  Dressings, bacon, eggs, legumes... they all taste wonderful but they're calorie killers on the salad bar.  Tell them to remove the bread basket from the table.  Out of sight, out of mouth!  

Big thing for me and dieting is not feeling deprived of food.  It sure sounds easy just to eat less, but when you're in a high temptation environment like a cruise, just eating less is an unrealistic expectation.  Salad is wonderful dont get me wrong, but its not going to fill you up unless you have those hunger busting fibrous veggies in the salad.  They help fill you up and help you stay full!

 

Now, for the exercising.  Walk everywhere.  The elevator is your friend only when carrying your luggage.  Otherwise, stairs all the way.  Do the dance lessons onboard.  They help keep you moving!  At the pool, jump on in and play!  I think as adults we've really neglected the power of play.  Play keeps us active so let loose!  Feel free to enroll in a spinning class if your fitness level is up to spinning.  Aerobics classes, free weights, machines galore.  Hop on the treadmill or elliptical and enjoy the amazing views.  You'll completely forget that you're exercising when enjoying such amazing views.  

 

Now for the overall health.  Get good rest.  Easier said than done when you're excited on your cruise!  But remember, healthy mind healthy body!  Reward yourself with a massage or facial or other spa treatment.  Sticking to a diet on a cruise is hard work!  So have that reward massage!

 

You can also reward yourself with another cruise. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

8 hours ago, ThyriC said:

One of my tips is if you do specialty dining, half the portion you're given and ask them for a to-go box immediately.  Out of sight out of mouth!  Or ask for a child's portion.  That way you can still enjoy all of the wonderful tastes and not feel deprived when there are amazing smells wafting around, but still keep to your goals.  

Drink at least 2 glasses of water before food goes into your mouth.  Helps to fill up your stomach.  Veggies first, then protein, then starch, then fats.  Ask for a double helping of veggies!  More veggies on the plate, the less deprived you feel.  

Dessert options stick to sorbets and fruit.  You can also ask for a sugar free option as well.  They'll definitely have these for diabetics.  And they do help with feelings of deprivation.  If everyone at your table is snarfing down cake, and you're sitting there with folded hands sipping away on water.... that's a fast track to binge eating later.  

The biggest thing with the food, fill up on hearty fibrous veggies like broccoli, spinach, etc.  Lettuce isnt going to fill you up and make you feel satisfied in the long run.  Not to mention there's a lot of temptation on that salad bar.  Dressings, bacon, eggs, legumes... they all taste wonderful but they're calorie killers on the salad bar.  Tell them to remove the bread basket from the table.  Out of sight, out of mouth!  

Big thing for me and dieting is not feeling deprived of food.  It sure sounds easy just to eat less, but when you're in a high temptation environment like a cruise, just eating less is an unrealistic expectation.  Salad is wonderful dont get me wrong, but its not going to fill you up unless you have those hunger busting fibrous veggies in the salad.  They help fill you up and help you stay full!

 

Now, for the exercising.  Walk everywhere.  The elevator is your friend only when carrying your luggage.  Otherwise, stairs all the way.  Do the dance lessons onboard.  They help keep you moving!  At the pool, jump on in and play!  I think as adults we've really neglected the power of play.  Play keeps us active so let loose!  Feel free to enroll in a spinning class if your fitness level is up to spinning.  Aerobics classes, free weights, machines galore.  Hop on the treadmill or elliptical and enjoy the amazing views.  You'll completely forget that you're exercising when enjoying such amazing views.  

 

Now for the overall health.  Get good rest.  Easier said than done when you're excited on your cruise!  But remember, healthy mind healthy body!  Reward yourself with a massage or facial or other spa treatment.  Sticking to a diet on a cruise is hard work!  So have that reward massage!

 

> and ask them for a to-go box immediately. 

Good idea!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

38 minutes ago, traveler1980 said:

Is access to the gym (I am an elliptical user) included with the cruise price?  Is it open 24/7 or only certain hours?  Are the classes mentioned above an added cost (spinning, etc.?)  Do they carry Splenda on board? 

First , the Gym is free  (allow 16 years old and above) , most of  the classes cost extra.

Regarding the opening time , it depends on the ship but you can count on at least 6 AM to 10 PM , in some ships it will be opened until 1 am .

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Certified Personal Trainer here.  Losing weight on a cruise sounds like a myth but I'll give it a shot.  Keep in mind that much of the food will be high in sodium so with the water retention it can temporarily tip the scales until you're back home.

WATER is your best friend always!  Avoid juices, to high of sugar content.

Be active! Swim, walk/jog/run around the track. Stairs instead of the elevator. 

WATER is still your best friend.

Try out the gym and if you're feeling adventurous, take a class with some of your new friends.

Meal time will be the challenging part since you aren't preparing it yourself and you paid to enjoy your trip.  While I'm not a nutritionist, here's what I can tell you.  Avoid your appetizers that are breaded and fried.  Salads with little to no dressing will help.  The bread basket will look and smell amazing, try not to go in to deep there.  Since you're trying to enjoy your trip I would maybe focus more on portion size versus what you're taking in.  Hard to judge specific calorie count ect. since you won't be preparing it yourself.  Dessert...maybe a nice coffee without a ton of cream or sugar.

Water...and its friend, water.  Add some lemon or orange slices to help flavor it.

One thing that most of us don't do is also get plenty of sleep/recovery.  Helps with the weight loss process and overall well being.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We are fortunate that we don`t gain weight on long cruises. Lucky or whatever.  Do what all the previous posts have recommended.  First and foremost is to hydrate all day long.  Eat smart. Hit the gym if you can.  Ride the bike, walk on the treadmill.  Walk outside on the upper deck.  A strong wind offers great resistance. Hot weather makes you sweat.  We have yet to be on a cruise and see the gym crowded.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I can only imagine what people who do world cruises do. They are at sea for three months or more. I gained 5 lbs on my one weeks cruise in Jan. So if I did a world cruise eating the same way I would gain around 60lbs! Ha ha. Obviously if a did a world cruise I’d have to be on a stricker diet. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Our rule is "if it's not the best <whatever> you've every had, stop eating it!" I don't like to waste food, but I more don't like to see my waist get bigger.

Also, we never, ever take the elevator. Sometimes we have to take a break going up, but we just plan the time for that. (In fact, sometimes it's much faster to use the stairs -- like after the show gets out and there's a crush waiting for the elevator!)

Get up for 7am stretch class! Then you're already moving for the day.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...
×
×
  • Create New...