Dieting and cruising. Update

[darnheather]

Thank you again to everyone who was kind and generous in their thoughts on dieting while cruising. Original post here https://www.disboards.com/threads/dieting-and-cruising-mixed-emotions.3623884/ From my point of view I had a very successful cruise. My weigh-in was today and while I didn't lose weight I also didn't gain! I gave into french-fries once (room service after a semi-disastrous Disney park day.) I enjoyed all the desserts I really wanted but only had soft serve ice cream twice (banana and mango days). I also didn't drink regular coke but stuck to diet coke and water. I was surprised they also had two versions of light lemonade on board so I had that sometimes too. I also had three alcoholic drinks.

For breakfast I was usually very good but did have one Mickey waffle and then museuli the last few mornings. For lunch I walked all the way through the buffet and then chose small portions of what I really wanted (including dessert some days). Once I had shwarma on deck. At dinner I chose a salad each night sometimes with a soup or appetizer and always with at least one dessert. I stayed away from rice, bread, and pasta completely as I'd promised myself, except one night pre-cruise in Canada when I ate pizza.

I got in tons of steps. For the CC 5k day I had over 20,000! Disney park day was a good 15,000. I only used the elevators a handful of times when I had a blister or was exhausted from the Disney park day. I also walked every day (but the one exhausted day) either on deck 4 or in the gym.

Overall, I think it was easy to keep myself in check while indulging to the limits I gave myself. There is such a nice variety and my server was always willing to indulge me (one night I asked for the appetizer salad with chicken strips).

Can't wait for our next cruise!

 

[Neptune's Fork]

You did well then. From my experience it can add about 10 pounds, but it drops quickly when you return to normal habits after cruise. Usually by following weekend it's gone. A normal 2k to 3k a day diet probably goes up by double on a cruise because you're eating more, drinking more, etc. You're on vacation.

 

[mmouse37]

Congrats!!!! I responded on your other thread and I also did well on board last week!. It was a totally different cruise experience food wise than my other cruises. I really picked and chose what I was going to eat. I only had one Mickey Bar all week. For breakfast I had my eggs with a grilled vegetable (and one chocolate croissant one day). for lunch mostly salads and a tiny portion of what interested me. for dinner I stuck to two courses instead of 3 (one a salad). I only opted for dessert if it was something I really wanted (the Mickey Bar). At Cabanas after lunch I did break down and have the bread pudding with vanilla sauce (but much less than I normally would have). I ignored the bread basket at dinner. I also walked over 10,000 steps a day and our WDW day was about 18,000 steps. I got weighed in on Monday and was only 2 lbs. above my pre cruise weight. My doctor was happy and I was thrilled. I know those 2 lbs. will come right off as I know it was mostly water weight. Also, my ankles did not swell as much as they usually do when cruising and never felt bloated. Overall I was very happy!!! Oh, no Palo Brunch.....I am sure that helped with not gaining lol!

It was very freeing knowing I can cruise and not go crazy with the food and still enjoy myself!!

MJ

 

[diznymom]

You did very well. I am so proud of you.

 

[darnheather]

Congrats!!!! I responded on your other thread and I also did well on board last week!. <snip> At Cabanas after lunch I did break down and have the bread pudding with vanilla sauce (but much less than I normally would have).

MJ

Congratulations yourself!

I love bread pudding! I had it once in Cabanas and once at the MDR. I also love their self saucing chocolate pudding. I forgot that I did "Everyone Can Cook" and had a wine sampling with those tasters of apple strudel and risotto.

 

[olafLover]

.

 

[ladyofthetramp]

Great job! Congratulations!

 

[kiford]

Sounds like you did really well. A nice mix of discipline and indulgence but still came back the same weight. That's actually quite an accomplishment. Shows it can be done without sacrificing too much. I think that, too often, people feel like they have to "get their money's worth" out of a cruise and eat way too much just because. Now you know that you can do it, the next cruise planning won't be stressful but fun!

 

[darnheather]

Sounds like you did really well. A nice mix of discipline and indulgence but still came back the same weight. That's actually quite an accomplishment. Shows it can be done without sacrificing too much. I think that, too often, people feel like they have to "get their money's worth" out of a cruise and eat way too much just because. Now you know that you can do it, the next cruise planning won't be stressful but fun!

You are so right! I know the first time I went I ate huge portions at every meal. By day 5 I was up all night with heartburn and felt the food was in my throat all the next day. Now I know I can have a little cake but not go crazy.

 

[Anchors Away 2016]

Thanks for coming back and telling us how it went! kiford is so right: a mix of discipline and indulgence. Sounds like a formula for long-term success!

 

[Chirple]

@darnheather, I'm really happy for you! It seems like you've found your balance, which will add to your long-term success.

 

[darnheather]

@darnheather, I'm really happy for you! It seems like you've found your balance, which will add to your long-term success.

Thank you. I certainly hope so. Making exercise a habit rather than a chore or not doing it all (like the last time I lost weight) certainly helps.