HELP! Going on a cruise - need tips/advice/warnings

[atkins_again]

I'm going on my first ever cruise, and don't quite know what to expect, except that I will "no doubt gain at least 5 lbs. because of all the food."

AAACK!

I am sooo scared. I mean, I'm excited about the cruise, but I'm so scared about having so much good/free/bottomless/pre-paid food at my fingertips!

What do you all recommend? Should I bring my own stash of Induction-friendly food & snacks? Should I avoid the buffets altogether and hide out in the gym, spa or pool?

[Elizellen]

Contact the cruise line and find out what their food is likely to be like if you are worried. I imagine they will have plenty of meats, cheese, fresh veggies and salads available so you can make good choices.

Make sure you talk to the buffet staff (maybe even give your steward a copy of the allowed list of foods you can eat) to help you choose the right foods. Don't stock up on the so-called 'lowcarb' processed foods to take with you as they will probably stall you anyway!!

There have been a couple of threads lately where people posted about actually losing weight on their cruises by choosing wisely, avoiding the dessert trolleys and exercising while on the ship. Here is one such success story
5 day cruise and not a single pound gained
There have also been threads asking for advice when intending to go on a cruise
Extended induciton but going on a cruise - what to do?
Read through them and you should fnd encouragement and advice on how to be able to post a 'I went on a cruise and lost weight' thread of your own when you return from yours.

[atkins_again]

Thanks, Elizellen! Those two threads were very helpful! Now I'm REALLY excited about the cruise! (Someone stop me from yelling! haha!)

[tabekat]

Lucky you - how fun.

Just eat liberal amounts of meat, fish, eggs, 4 ounces of cheese and 3 cups of veggies per day. You can do that at home, you can do that on a cruise.

I don't see a problem. Eat food, drink water and be merry!

[Analog6]

Originally Posted by atkins_again

I'm going on my first ever cruise, and don't quite know what to expect, except that I will "no doubt gain at least 5 lbs. because of all the food."

NO, YOU WON'T!

Plan, plan, plan. You know how much a normal serve is, give yourself that much of foods you know are legal from the buffet and then STOP. Yes, do use the gym, and take plenty of deck walks too. Swim by all means. There is lost to do on a cruise besides eat. Focus you mind on all the other stuff.

And watch the alcohol!

[atkins_again]

Thanks, ladies! Now that I have a better idea of what to expect on a cruise (this is my frist time, so I was clueless until I read the posts), I'm pretty sure I can handle it. I also plan to workout regularly and thoroughly enjoy the cruise. Knowledge truly is power, isn't it?

Thanks again, and I'll post a few photos from the trip -- but no bikini photos, I'm not quite ready for that yet. haha

[Jerzaka]

I'd much rather go on a cruise than stay at a friends house for the week. Ugg! Now,that's the worst! Cruise's will have buffets with LOTS of fresh veggies and any kind of meat you can imagine!- YUM! Probably more variety than you get at home. Enjoy!

Can I go too?