How to not gain weight on a cruise - low calorie choices

[twopeasonepod]

My cruise mantra is to taste everything, but finish nothing, and then take the stairs. I find I do gain some weight, but it's quickly shed once I get home, I can tell its water weight because I'm puffy not fluffy. And DH always loses weight because he's on the go, and not sitting watching TV and snacking on chips and his soda consumption goes down. Totally not fair, right?

ITA about trying things and only taking a couple of bites. I have mastered that. The servers always ask me if something was wrong haha. I just tell them that I'm a grazer. I drink every day, but typically a flavored vodka and soda water, so that limits calories significantly. I do, however, enjoy a chocolate martini or bloody mary at bingo sessions!

I have usually lost a couple of pounds or stayed the same. I also go to the gym every single day that we are not in port. And even sometimes go on port days. I like that I can go pretty much any time (but I usually try to go in the morning so I don't have to think about it).

 

[Sir William]

We've really never had an issue with weight gain on our cruises. We just basically watch that we eat "normally". That is, we don't eat 3 or 4 courses for 3 meals a day at home, so we don't on cruises.

We eat a "good" breakfast. And then, maybe, eat something small mid afternoon (like just a sandwich or salad, although my personal favorite is the chicken tenders). Then usually just have an appetizer and entrée for dinner. Sometimes only an entrée, or a couple of appetizers.

And we tend to take excursions onshore that involve a lot of walking. As well as using the stairs a lot.

Pretty much how I do it as well: A good breakfast, a light lunch, a light snack to tide me over until second seating, and for dinner just an appetizer or soup plus an entree but rarely dessert. Keep my alcohol consumption within moderation as well.

I also try to walk at least 3 miles on deck every morning and I take the stairs as much as possible. In port, I like to explore the local area on foot and that helps burn off a few more calories.

 

[ptcbass]

Great tips everyone! I love my fitbit and ordered some resistance bands to build muscle. I'm hoping to lose about 4+ lbs before May.

I like the taste it and not finish it plan. I guess I'm used to going out to eat and when I do I try to finish my food (or close to it) since I paid so much for it. On a cruise I can eat just a little guilt free

 

[Love2Cruz]

We've really never had an issue with weight gain on our cruises. We just basically watch that we eat "normally". That is, we don't eat 3 or 4 courses for 3 meals a day at home, so we don't on cruises.

We eat a "good" breakfast. And then, maybe, eat something small mid afternoon (like just a sandwich or salad, although my personal favorite is the chicken tenders). Then usually just have an appetizer and entrée for dinner. Sometimes only an entrée, or a couple of appetizers.

And we tend to take excursions onshore that involve a lot of walking. As well as using the stairs a lot.

I wish I had your willpower...something comes over me on cruises and I tend to over-indulge and that leads to weight gain. I returned from my Dream cruise Christmas week, and have finally taken off the gain.

 

[Tami0220]

Thanks for that information. I'll just save my money for something that is actually designed for activity - because activity involves sweat and getting wet. So glad I read about this before wasting money on that.

Fit Bit is fine for sweat, they tell you it is water resistant and can be worn in the shower. It is not, however, waterproof. So you cant swim with it. It is not a waste of money I love mine.

 

[Little Doe]

We try to eat vegetables, meats, and fruits. ( and an occasional Mickey Bar!) Also we try to stay away from breads, heavy sauces, butter, etc.

 

[geoly1]

Just got off the magic and now happily all menus are listed as dairy free, gluten free etc. ...there is even a lighter notes options ( usually fish, steak & chicken options) that are lower in calorie. The fruit & salads on board are fantastic! Didn't feel I was missing out & no weight gain when sticking to my "diet" on a 7 day cruise

 

[twopeasonepod]

Just got off the magic and now happily all menus are listed as dairy free, gluten free etc. ...there is even a lighter notes options ( usually fish, steak & chicken options) that are lower in calorie. The fruit & salads on board are fantastic! Didn't feel I was missing out & no weight gain when sticking to my "diet" on a 7 day cruise

 

[Kimosabe]

I discovered the track on the ship as a nice way to start the day off with a calorie "credit." It's a cruise, and I'm going to eat, so I've got to counteract the excess somehow (and as long as "free" Mickey Bars are available late at night via room service -- never mind the mind-boggling amount of other "free" food available throughout the day -- there's going to be excess!). Whether walking or running or some combination of both, the track offers a great view of the water, plus there are very few people out there first thing in the morning -- you sort of feel like you have the ship and the ocean to yourself. If you can block out the fact that you got up early on vacation to exercise (ha!), it is really a very nice little half hour or so of quiet bliss...or it can also be a nice way to grab your iPod full of Disney tunes and practice your karaoke for that night....whatever floats your boat.

If getting out on a real track makes it feel too much like work and not vacation, just take some time each to explore the ship. I got up one morning to do a photo tour of the entire ship. I knew my wife and daughters would be putting together a scrapbook when we got home, so I figured I would help provide photos of virtually every nook and cranny of the ship, whether restaurant signs, artwork, hidden Mickeys, pools, etc. By the time you've covered the ship, you've also covered a lot of ground and a lot of steps...and it didn't seem so much like work.

 

[Saimaeve]

We did a week at WDW in September with the Deluxe Dining Plan.

We didn't gain any weight.

Up your activity level, stay hydrated. Make smart choices

 

[jcjen519]

We did a week at WDW in September with the Deluxe Dining Plan. We didn't gain any weight. Up your activity level, stay hydrated. Make smart choices

We have done the deluxe several times and the regular plan with no weight gain. Cruises too. We probably don't make the worst choices....a lot of fish etc. we also stay very active

 

[jrabbit]

I LOVE to EAT!!! Especially on a cruise where EVERYTHING is FREE

Here's what I have done to keep the weight gain in check.

• NO ELEVATORS - except when going to Palo (don't want to be all hot an sweaty there ) And I live on Deck 2
• Walk 2 or 3 miles on sea days
• Breakfast - buffet - make sure not to make it a large breakfast
• small lunch - NOT: a slice(s) of Pizza, a cheeseburger, chicken strips and then hit the buffet . If I get something from the "hamburger place" I ask for no fries If they give them to me I dump them before sitting down to eat ... and yes it does make a difference
• With the small lunch, I will treat myself to a couple of the desserts in the Cove Cafe (they are the best ones on the ship - aside from Palo)
• Have whatever for dinner. Usually 2 appetizers, the main course and a dessert or 2 to try (but never finish)

On our 2 week Panama Canal cruise I actually lost weight doing this. The hardest part was keeping breakfast "small" or rather reasonable sized. Never went to the buffet for lunch, and ate what I wanted (DW rolled eyes more than once at me).

Last cruise got lazy and took the elevators a lot - and that really does make a difference. Take the stairs and chant with me "Eat More Desserts, Eat More Desserts...." with every step up those darn stairs.

 

[ptcbass]

Yeah when we go to WDW I walk about 25 - 30k steps a day and that still isn't enough. I am at "that age" that I gain super easy and can't seem to lose no mater what. Yeah!

I plan on eating meat, veggies, salads and fruit and then only the occasional desert. I will take the stars and walk deck 4. Other than that hope it is enough.

I love the potato soup at AP so I might have to gets a cup of that as my cheat. I love the bread too so I will try to be strong and stay away.
Does anyone know of any deserts that are on the lower calorie end? I wonder how bad the mickey ice cream bars are. I wish their was a menu with everything and the calories. That sure would help. Oh well. I'll work to lose a few pounds before the cruise to offset anything I gain too.

To bad sitting in a hot tub or steam room wouldn't melt the fat away.

I do remember on our last cruise a couple of hours after dinner my DH was hungry and stopped in for a burger. I said I would just have some fries. The portion they gave me was huge and to make matters worse they were SO good! I'll have to watch for moments like that too.

 

[jrabbit]

Yeah when we go to WDW I walk about 25 - 30k steps a day and that still isn't enough. I am at "that age" that I gain super easy and can't seem to lose no mater what. Yeah!
....

Ha, .... just gave away your age - you are OVER 18 years old!!!

PS .. Don't give up on the bread and the "dippings" they are usually to good to pass up - AND my guess is that you do NOT get them at home. Treat Time

 

[DreamBound23]

I have the secret and it works like a charm every time, however you can't skip any steps!!!

1) Prior to leaving, weigh yourself holding your luggage
2) While cruising, eat whatever you want, as much as you want
3) Each time you pass the ice cream station, get a cone of ice cream
4) Eat really late at night
5) Once you return home, weigh yourself without holding your luggage

Foolproof!

 

[ptcbass]

Ha, .... just gave away your age - you are OVER 18 years old!!!

PS .. Don't give up on the bread and the "dippings" they are usually to good to pass up - AND my guess is that you do NOT get them at home. Treat Time

Yeah just a little over 18

I have the secret and it works like a charm every time, however you can't skip any steps!!!

1) Prior to leaving, weigh yourself holding your luggage
2) While cruising, eat whatever you want, as much as you want
3) Each time you pass the ice cream station, get a cone of ice cream
4) Eat really late at night
5) Once you return home, weigh yourself without holding your luggage

Foolproof!

Oh boy! I love this method! I might need to take some sweats so I have something to wear by the end of the cruise though.