During a cruise to Mexico, we met a nice couple at dinner the first night. They had a cruise-mindset typical of the sort of thing we heard all over the ship: “We already know we’ll gain ten pounds.” With their cruise-mindset, I’ll bet they did!
On the other hand, my husband and I continued to use our “eat what you love, love what you eat” mindset throughout the cruise and each gained just a pound – that we’re blaming on the margaritas!
Eating on a Cruise: Overcome the Cruise-Mindset
So how do you enjoy a cruise (or any vacation) without going overboard? You don’t need to deprive yourself, but you do need to change your thinking from the cruise-mindset (CM) to an Eat What You Love mindset (EWYL).
To show you the difference, I’ll use examples from each of the decision points in the Am I Hungry? Eating Cycle. (To review the Eating Cycle, see Chapter 1 of Eat What You Love, Love What You Eat or download it here.) Of course, even if you aren’t going on a cruise, the Eat What You Love mindset applies to any situation where there’s an abundance of food – in other words, every day of your life!
Why? (Why do I eat?)
CM: I’m on vacation so I’m going to eat as much as I want.
EWYL: I’m on vacation so I’m going to eat as much as I want, but not more than I need.
CM: I dieted before I came, and I’ll go back on my diet when I get home. I better enjoy eating while I can!
EWYL: I eat what I love and love what I eat every day.
When? (When do I eat?)
CM: Food is everywhere all the time so I can eat constantly.
EWYL: Food is everywhere all the time, so I can wait to eat until I’m actually hungry.
What? (What do I eat?)
CM: The buffets are amazing! I’m going to try everything.
EWYL: The buffets are amazing! I can choose what I love and skip the rest.
CM: The food is so good!
EWYL: Some of the food is so good. When it isn’t, I don’t bother with more than a bite.
CM: I don’t want to miss out on anything.
EWYL: The food just keeps showing up, so there’s no need to worry about missing out.
CM: I’m not going to worry about what I eat this week.
EWYL: I eat to meet my needs for nourishment and enjoyment no matter where I am or what I’m doing.
How Much? (How much do I eat?)
CM: I have to get my money’s worth.
EWYL: I get my money’s worth when I eat exactly what I need. More than that is a waste of food and makes me feel uncomfortable.
CM: I’m on vacation, so I’m going to splurge.
EWYL: I’m on vacation, so I going to enjoy some new foods and activities.
CM: I’m going to eat until I’m unconscious.
EWYL: I’m going to eat until I feel content then I’m going to relax with a good book.
Where? (Where do I use my fuel?)
CM: I’ll eat until I’m stuffed tonight, but I’ll hit the gym to make up for it tomorrow.
EWYL: I’ll eat until I’m comfortable tonight. Maybe I’ll check out the gym tomorrow.
CM: Why exercise? I’m on vacation!
EWYL: Why exercise? I’m on vacation! I can swim, walk on the beach, dance, kayak, and rock climb.
CM: I know I’ll gain ten pounds.
EWYL: I know I’ll enjoy an abundance of wonderful food and come home feeling great!
By changing your cruise-mindset to an eat what you love, love what you eat mindset, you’ll enjoy your cruise or vacation without going overboard!
(Michelle May M.D. has been the featured Enrichment Speaker on several cruises. View an interview on Princess Cruise’s Wake Show.)
This article has been updated from a previously published version.
Enjoyed this article? Here are three more to help you:
Sensuous Eating: Make eating a multisensory experience
The Italian Treadmill: Do What You Love, Love What You Do