Like any road to eating healthy, eating in a balanced manner while on holiday should be no different. Follow the same eating schedule that you would at home and avoid the temptation to eat constantly even though the food is readily available 24 hours. Here are some tips to follow to help you stay focused.
- Start your day with exercise: Stimulate your metabolism by doing a 20-30 minute workout at the ship’s gyms and /or pools.
- Stay hydrated: Cruise ships can have dry air. Try to drink 8-10 eight ounce glasses throughout the day. Morning: start your day with hot water and lemon.NO pop or fruit based alcohol drinks or wine. Minimize or eliminate alcohol and coffee.
- Use the fixed menu dining area more often rather than the buffet. Ask the server for the low calorie menu options.
- Smaller plate: If you are going to eat at the buffet, choose a salad plate rather than a dinner plate. Make sure you choose a balance of carbohydrates (wholegrain), mixed coloured vegetables and smaller portions of protein.
- Pile up on vegetables and fruit: Start breakfast with some fruit and porridge. Start your lunch and dinner with a salad or steamed veggies.
- Less sauce: have your salad with dressing on the side and stick to oil and vinegar combinations (no creamy heavy dressings), your vegetables without added sauces. Just ask for lightly steamed vegetables without sauces or dressings. Some lemon or balsamic vinegar can be nice as added flavour. Balsamic is especially nice on greens as it cuts down on the bitterness.
- Have a treat but not all day. Limit yourself to one dessert per day and have a smaller portion. If you crave something sweet have some nuts or seeds and fruit.
Watch your portion size and get some exercise and you should be returning home without added weight! Have fun!