How To Stay Healthy On a Cruise Vacation: 8 Tips and Tricks
When you think of a cruise vacation, the word ‘indulgence’ often comes to mind. The buffets, unlimited amount of soft serve ice cream and the all-inclusive drink package….. This all sounds incredibly tempting, so the question is, can you survive a vacation and stay on track with your weight loss goals? Our answer – yes!
Read these 8 tips and tricks to see how you can stay healthy and active on a cruise:
1. Establish a Healthy Routine Straight Away
With all the excitement of being on a vacation and all the different dining options available, it may be tempting to overindulge on your first day at sea. However, if you establish a routine instantly, it will make it easier for you to form healthy habits and stay on track with your weight loss goals. You could spend 5 minutes each night making a plan for the next day – choose where you will eat and plan your workouts.
2. Ditch the Elevators
With cruise vacations, everything you need is within short walking distance from your bedroom, and there’s the option of taking an elevator to help you get there. Choosing the stairs is a great way to burn a few extra calories and increase your heart rate.
3. Drink Plenty of Water
Feeling tempted by the soft serve machine? Choose the water machine instead! Take a refillable aluminum bottle with you and make sure you are always drinking throughout the day. Sometimes we can mistake hunger for thirst, and so making sure you’re hydrated will help keep those hunger pangs at bay.
4. Take Advantage of Onboard Activities
This is the best part! You can have fun while burning those calories. Examples of fun things to do on the Royal Caribbean Cruises include rock climbing, dancing at the discos, salsa dancing, ice skating and more! Other options include going to the gym and hitting the running track, which may not be as exciting, but you’ll feel great for it.
5. Swap the Buffet for The Restaurant
The problem with the buffet? People tend to overeat. There are so many different foods to try, and because you have already pre-paid, it’s easy to have the mentality of ‘getting your money’s worth’. However, this often leads to overindulgence. Ditch the buffet and eat in the restaurant – you will be able to exercise more restraint and take some time to think before ordering.
6. Choose Adventurous Activities on Land
You could lounge about on the beach all day drinking piña coladas, or you could choose the more adventurous excursions and have the thrill of a lifetime! Depending on where you port, excursions can range from zip lining through the forest to snorkeling with the fishes and so much more. Say no to the all-inclusive food and drink packages, and opt for a high protein lunch made fresh by the locals instead!
7. Prioritize Sleep
Cruise ships may host different parties every night, but that doesn’t mean you have to attend them all and stay up drinking until the early hours of the morning. Lack of sleep and feeling tired may cause you to make excuses – you may skip the gym because you’re too tired, or you may head over to the buffet for a sugary shot of energy. Prioritize sleep, and feel refreshed and energized throughout your vacation
8. Splurge at the Spa
We get it – vacations are meant for splurging. You’ve worked hard all year, and now you deserve a reward. However, instead of treating yourself to endless amounts of ice cream and cocktails, why not make the most of the onboard spa and treat yourself to a facial or a massage? You’ll feel relaxed and rejuvenated, and you will be able to stay on track with your weight loss goals.
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