Eating on a Cruise Ship

In my opinion, there isn't much difference between eating on a cruise ship and dining out at home. If you make good choices you will be fine. There are TONS of healthy choices on a cruise. The dining rooms always have Spa or Healthy choices. And, you can request order. Many people don't realize this, they think they are forced to order off the menu...not true.
Sure you have to walk by the ice cream machines and the 24 hour pizza but if you can do it at home you can do it on vacation.
It is also very easy to exercise on the ship as well.
The last cruise I went on (before I started using MFP), I lost 5 pounds.

I would always try to balance out splurge and indulgence by making sure I ordered at least one course from the "healthy choices" part of the menu.

You'll find plenty of good, healthy food on the cruise. I went on a cruise when I wasn't even watching my weight, and yet I ate really nice, healthy, fresh food. The fruits and salad are in endless supply. AND you can go straight to them without having to wait in line. Whereas everyone else has to stand in line forever to get their food.

And you should be able to take lovely long walks if there is a walking track. I can't handle the sun; so I had a great morning routine that consisted of a big breakfast of fresh fruit and then a peaceful walk outside on the track with the water surrounding the ship. It was so great!

I envy you going on a cruise soon!

Kay

I just went on a cruise.. with every intention of eating healthy. I did make healthy choices much of the time, but other times, temptation was too great to sample all those fancy-looking deserts or buffet offerings. However, I gained MAYBE 1-2 lbs, if that (I'm not sure because my weight fluctuates, and I started my period shortly after returning and weighing myself, so.. who knows.) Part of it was, I was SO active on vacation as well. Shore excursions, hiking, kayaking, etc. I also made a point of using the stairs and not the elevator whenever maneuvering around the ship.

My advice, don't plan on losing - just try not to gain. Enjoy your cruise and before putting anything into your mouth as whether it is worth it. On our cruise, there was a few healthy options in addition to the main entree choices at sit-down meals. If the main entree choice sounded to DIE for good, I'd order it, but otherwise I'd just pick the baked fish & steamed veggies.

Stay active and that should counteract a few indulgences here and there. At least, I am an active vacationer and for me, travel is the BEST way to get a ton of exercise without noticing. Explore, hike, participate in ship activities (taking the stairs), splurge on activities kayaking tour or snorkeling when you are at port. I booked all our activities independently to save money and to be able to do more things.

Have a great trip.

I went on a cruise a few years ago and I ended up gaining 2 pounds. I ate A LOT and I did try to eat healthy alternatives. But I also stayed active. I always took the stairs instead of the elevators. I used the gym on sailing days and I walked around the track. The 2 pound gain was worth it because I enjoyed myself. I lost the 2 pounds and more the next week. Just stay active and have some fun.

just be sure the chef knows of your dietary restrictions. they should be accommodating.
if all else fails, say you're allergic to whatever! get plain grilled protein and salads

Ijust went on one at the beginning of the month. I avoided the buffet and ate in the dining room. The portions were small (but didnt leave me hungry) so I didnt have to worry too much. And they have healthy options.

When I went on our cruise in 09 I lost weight. We ate good breakfast of fruit and all they had to offer. We had a lot of activities planned so breakfast was our biggest meal. I also hit the exercise room and walked around the deck. this cruise was long before I joined MFP, and honestly you get tired of seeing all the food. I know it is hard to believe but really you do. IWe went dancing too before we would go to a show and that was after dinner, so you will find ways to support your new healthy you.
We did not do any late night eating and we went to the dining room and had a resteraunt meal as well. And drink your water. I took my supplements with me and made sure I took my chitosan when I figured I might want the heavier carbs, but there is so much to see and so much to do, you will stay busy. You can also go i and log on in the internet cafe, so you can come back to us and get support and let us know how you are doing.. but hit the exercise room when ever possible and one of the 4 pools.. LOL. Have FUN.

Have fun eat all you can, live it up. Follow one simple rule NEVER EVER, NO MATTER WHAT USE AN ELEVATOR. You can easily walk what seems like miles on the boat. Have a great time !

I have only been on one cruise and I lost about 5 pounds. For dinner I order off the "spa menu" and for breakfast and lunch I tried to make healthy selections. I ate alot of fruit and veggies and stayed away from fried foods. Early mornings I went for a walk and, of course, walked alot when we stopped at ports. Don't think I was perfect. I went with several of my old college friends so we were there to party since you only get together every once in while. I had drinks and wine and sweets. I think it was the walking and watching what I ate at breakfast, lunch and dinner resulted in the weight loss. I also tried no to eat in between meals and if I did I went for the fruits and veggies. Have fun.

If you really want to be sensible, stay away from the buffet and eat every meal in the dining room. We cruised Carnival last October, and the portions served in the dining room were quite sensible. They weren't huge like you get in a regular restaurant. Keep in mind there is probably a gym on board your ship that you can use. And it's your vacation...live a littel!

I gained 6 pounds on a 9-day cruise but it was gone within 2 weeks of our return. I don't regret one single bite!!

No worries about staying away from the buffet, as I don't eat at them. I think they are utterly gross and one of the most germ-ridden places. Who knows who coughed or sneezed on the food, or where their hands have been and use the serving utensils (i.e., going to the bathroom and not washing their hands afterwards). I've even seen people pick up food with their hands and put it back.

I know that the back of the house in restaurants may not be any better, but at least I don't see what's going on and can pretend it's clean.

You'll want to check with your cruise line before you go, then. On some ships, the main dining room is not open for every meal.