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How to Lose Weight on a Cruise

How to Lose Weight on a Cruise
By Jeffrey Hauser

This article is addressed to two groups of people: those who have cruised and those who haven’t. Does that make sense? If you’ve cruised, you can relate to what this is all about. If not, I’m preparing you for what to expect on that fateful day when you do. Well, as a cruiser, I feel that an urban legend regarding weight gain must be put to rest. The myth perpetuated by former cruisers is that, during the course of the journey you will gain (a) 5 pounds, (b) 10 pounds, (c) 20 pounds, (d) so much
weight, they’ll arrange for a forklift on the other end. I can attest that this isn’t true.

But, people do add additional girth because, once at sea, they have forgotten how to
eat. Let me explain.

This ‘out-of-control’ behavior is the direct result of the insidious cruise line.
They make ‘food’ a destination by itself. By providing outrageous buffets, dining
rooms, snack areas, and unlimited cabin service, food is available in a nonstop,
never-ending, extravaganza that tempts even the best of strong-willed travelers.
One could eat continuously for the entire trip if one desired. Normal people become
transformed into eating machines with uncontrollable urges, heaping outlandish
portions upon their plates. It’s as if they were hypnotized into a feeding frenzy,
against their better judgment. Is there no help for these soon-to-be members of
overeaters anonymous?

Of course, and that’s why I’m here. There’s a simple solution, which I will share.
Begin with an attitude that says, I don’t want to hate myself when I get home, but I
still want to have fun and indulge. Consider every meal as a personal challenge.

Think about how you eat when you’re not on a vacation, where there is:

(a) less
temptation,

(b) limited choices,

(c) an actual cost associated with each portion, and

(d) consequences with overeating.

Then begin with your breakfast. Does a stack of
foot-high pancakes, a dozen sausages and a whole pineapple look anything like
what you eat at home? Try to make a relationship back to realistic needs. If you
usually have a piece of toast at home, then why would you require a tray-load of
Belgium waffles, covered with extra whipped cream, at sea?

It’s okay to treat yourself with a dessert that you might not normally order, but
try to keep things in perspective. The temptation to overeat, because all the meals
are included, is attractive. But the reality is that one day, you’ll be back home
bemoaning the fact you have to diet because certain clothes you love won’t fit
anymore. Another way to stay fit on a cruise is to bypass the elevator. Personally, I
never use one. Even if I’m on the 5th floor and need to get to deck 14, I walk the
stairs. And walk the ship often. And when you’re in port, walk there too. If you work
out at home, use the ship’s gym: it’s free. Then, when you grab the chocolate
mousse dessert at night, you have a fighting chance to keep your weight gain to a
minimum, if any at all.

To recap, avoid temptation and eat like you were at home. Walk everywhere and
often. Treat yourself in moderation. You may not lose weight, but you should at
least keep the status quo and you’ll thank yourself when you’re back on land.

Bon Voyage!

Jeffrey Hauser was a sales consultant for the Bell System Yellow Pages for
nearly 25 years. He graduated from Pratt Institute with a BFA in Advertising
and has a Master's Degree from Monmouth University. He had his own
advertising agency in Scottsdale, Arizona and ran a consulting and design
firm, ABC Advertising. He has authored 6 books and a novel, "Pursuit of the
Phoenix," available at amazon.com. His latest book is, "Inside the Yellow
Pages." Currently, he is the Marketing Director for http://www.thenurseschoice.com,
a Health Information and Doctor Referral site.

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posted by Jeff @ 8:21 AM