Avoid Packing the Extra Pounds from Cruising

As summer came to a close, we enjoyed our last hurrah by taking a cruise. It was a great time to let our hair down, hang out by the pool, explore different ports, and taste different cuisine (my favorite turned out to be Indian! Channa Masala Chickpea Stew in fact). However, being carefree can come with a few extra pounds that you didn't want to bring home with you. The cruise fitness director even stated that the average cruiser can pack on anywhere from 7 to 14 pounds in 1 week! That's a surplus of 3500-7000 calories per day!

This statement and observations during the cruise got me thinking. So, here are 6 tips to avoid packing those extra pounds.

1. Stay Hydrated

If you normally drink an adequate amount of water (I'm talking half your body weight in ounces), increase that by at least 40 more ounces. This will prevent any dehydration and also eliminate salt retention from foods not normally eaten. Not to mention healthy kidneys and skin!

2. Portion Control

It's easy to be glutinous during vacation but can come at a price of being stuffed and miserable at times. Be mindful of your portion sizes and your feeling of satiety. Instead of shoveling it all in, eat slowly to gauge your satisfaction. Also, just because all the food is included, does not mean you have to clean your plate. If you are satisfied, push the plate away or even put your napkin on top to avoid eating extra bites.

3. Stay Active

Pack a few days of workout clothes. Each cruise varies but there are many activities on board to keep you  moving. Fitness classes, basketball courts, volleyball games, rock wall climbing, jogging track, flow rider (surf board simulator), and so much more. There is also a fitness center on board. Take advantage of utilizing the cardio equipment or weights if you have never been to a gym before. If you have, then do your thang and lift those weights!

4. Get Enough Sleep

Lack of adequate sleep can increase the hormone ghrelin (think hungry hormone) and decrease leptin (full hormone). This hormonal shift can lead to an increased appetite when you're not actually hungry. Lack of sleep reeks havoc on your hormones and body in general. So make sure you get about 8 hours.

5. Alcohol

Lets get real here. Some people get a little cray cray due to being on vacation. Especially when it comes to an unlimited drink package. Haha, one guy was confined to his room from day 4 until home for being drunk and starting a fight.... but that's another story! Consumption will probably happen, heck even over consumption one or two nights. However, please don't fall into the thinking of, "Well, I need to drink enough to make the package worth the value". This thinking can sabotage your waist line. If you know that you will be having a few extra drinks one day, make sure to add in a cup of water in between each drink. I know that is not as fun, but it will not only keep you hydrated but prevent rapid intoxication.

6. Take The Stairs

Depending on if you booked any excursions or even get off the boat at the ports, you may not be walking that much. So, if you don't have knee/hip issues, take the stairs as much as possible instead of the elevator.