Lessons from a Cruise Ship
Life on a cruise ship is all about food
Last week B and the kids and I returned home from a 10-day cruise that we took with my parents. On our journey we visited 5 different countries, traveled through the Panama canal, walked between rows of banana plants, snorkeled in crystal clear waters, drifted down a jungle cloaked river and spotted monkies in the treetops.
Posing with the captain of the ship
It was pretty amazing.
What was equally amazing was how life on a cruise ship completely revolves around food. If you’ve taken a cruise then you know what I mean!
A cruise ship is basically a 24-hr all-you-can-eat buffet that floats. I’ve heard that the average cruiser gains a pound a day.
I did find, however, that sticking to a healthy diet is not impossible, even while surrounded by grown men eating two ice cream cones at a time! (Yes, I actually witnessed that. Some guy had the double-fisted technique down to a science.)
Every morning these would magically show up at our door! (Check out the huge mango in the background. Can you see how I got hooked?)
First, speak with the dining manager as soon as you board to alert them of any special food requirements or requests. I did this and was able to have green smoothies delivered to our stateroom each morning. The simple recipe that I gave them was to blend 6 cups of mixed baby greens with 2 bananas and a cup of water. It was a great way to start each day with a boost of nutrition, and to approach the breakfast table with a half-filled stomach.
The second trick I used was to focus on all of the amazing fresh fruit available onboard. There were beautiful displays of fruit on the ends of the buffet lines, and each time I would pass through that deck I’d snag a big juicy mango. (Since then I’ve become crazed about mangoes…I eat two a day!)
- Fun beach day!
The third trick was to avoid the buffet line as much as possible. Eating in the main dining room, where food is plated and served, makes portion control a no-brainer. I was also impressed that each menu contained a wonderful vegan option, delicious salads and always lots of fresh fruit.
The fourth trick was to stay active! We power walked with the kids around the deck (3 laps equals a mile), swam in the pool and visited the ship’s gym. One night I even jogged 3 miles around the deck after dinner. I made friends with people lounging on the deck chairs and they kept track of how many laps I’d done. (Side note: it is pretty crazy to be jogging on a moving ship in slightly rough waters! Talk about a ‘core’ workout!)
All that being said, I did have moments of indulgence…who can really say no to the dessert menu? And when it was all said and done, after 10 days at the all-you-can-eat floating buffet, I gained 2 pounds.
So now it is back to reality, and back to my healthy veegetarian kitchen.
