Float without the bloat
Gaining weight on a floating hotel doesn’t have to be inevitable, Sharon Stephenson writes.
It’s been called the ‘‘holiday tardis’’: you get on the plane as a mild-mannered law-abiding citizen and emerge as someone who does things they wouldn’t normally dream of doing, such as dancing on tables, wearing loud Hawaiian shirts and having thirds at the buffet.
But you’re on holiday, the sun is out and you’ve spent all year looking forward to these two weeks, so it’s probably no surprise your defences are down. Which is all fine and dandy – until you get home and realise your jeans no longer fit.
If you’re going on a cruise, it can be even worse: figures show the average weight gain on a cruise is between two and five kilos for a seven-day journey. And with good reason – not only is the majority of food onboard often included in the price but the buffets on larger ships are usually open around the clock. Add in openended happy hours, bottomless sugary-sweet cocktails and limited physical activity, and it’s easy to see why cruisers often return with excess baggage under their clothes.
But you can, it turns out, have your (chocolate) cake and still come back without the extra kilos.
Portion sizes
The most obvious solution is to exercise portion control, not always easy when food is available 24/7. Always use a small plate, because experts believe we unconsciously fill a plate, whatever its size. Also bear in mind the 25-25-50 plate scenario – fill a quarter of your plate with lean protein such as fish chicken, turkey or steak, another quarter with a starch such as pasta or rice and the other half with vegetables and/or fruit.
Minimise courses
Do you really need an appetiser, soup, salad, entree, main, and dessert every night? Stick to two or three courses, steer clear of the bread basket and you should be fine.
Back away from the buffet
Think you eat more at a buffet?? You’re right, say the experts, who believe the very nature of a buffet encourages repeat visits. The key is to fill up on soups, salads and vegetables early so there’s less room for the higher calorie food. Make the most of lower-calorie seafood, salad and fruit offerings where possible and swerve around empty carbs such as extra bread, rice and pasta dishes. Limit yourself to one dessert, leaving the table early if necessary.
Try the spa menu
Some larger cruises offer lower calorie spa menus. If you’ve had pancakes for breakfast and a burger for lunch, maybe opt for healthier, low-fat, sugar-free, vegetarian and vegan options for dinner.
Don’t snack
The good thing about eating on holiday is the meals tend to be larger and, as such, you probably won’t need to snack in between. Start the day with a protein-rich breakfast, have a good lunch and reasonably substantial dinner and there should be no need for visits to the cookie stations dotted around many ships.
Don’t rush
If you eat at a moderate pace, before you know it you’ll be full and satisfied – and won’t be tempted for seconds.
Limit morning/afternoon tea
Those scones with jam and clotted cream taste good – to say nothing of the cute sandwiches and cakes. But they can pile on the kilos if you indulge every day.
Watch your drinks
Some cruises offer all-you-can-drink packages, which might save you a few pennies but can cost you in the waistline. Experts say that purchasing the drinks package often taps into the mentality that you need to get your money’s worth.
Skip the sugary cocktails too because they’re usually loaded with sugar, fruit juice and cream. Instead, opt for a wine with dinner and if you really want a Pina Colada, treat it more like a dessert and have just one.
Opting for lower calorie spirits such as vodka, especially infused vodkas, can be a good choice.
And watch out for servers who keep topping up your glass because one glass can easily turn into three with good service.
Order room service
If you’re not presented with overflowing buffets, you won’t be tempted to over-indulge, right? With room service, you’ll only order what they bring. Plus you don’t see all the options so you won’t be tempted to go back for seconds.
Dress the part
It might sound obvious, but avoid wearing elastic-waisted trousers and other loose-fitting clothing to meals. Experts say they can make overindulging far too easy.
Move your butt
Before you hit ‘‘send’’ on your hate mail, hear me out. I understand you’re on holiday and life’s too short not to have the cheesecake or Mojito. But if you can incorporate a little exercise into your day, you’ll find your holiday food choices won’t have such an impact.
Most ships have well-equipped gyms/fitness centres and you won’t feel the pain so much when there are such beautiful ocean views to enjoy while you work out.
Many ships also offer pools, mini golf and basketball courses, and so on. You’ll be having so much fun, you’ll barely notice you’re sweating off the calories.
Many ships also feature outdoor tracks on the promenade deck where you can walk or jog laps.
When it comes to shore excursions, opt for the active ones, rather than sitting on a bus or trailing behind a guide at a snail’s pace.
And if you’re really keen to cruise without the bloat, check out dedicated wellness cruises. Some of the larger cruise lines offer journeys where the focus is on wellness and sporting activities and seminars. Naturally, the onboard chefs will be focused on turning out healthy, nutritious and delicious food.