Cruising offers a plethora of temptations to over-indulge in food, resulting in adding a few pounds in just a few short days. This month I am offering a few strategies that have worked for me on cruises to keep the weight gain at bay.

Consider taking prophylactic measures prior to the cruise to give yourself a bit of an advantage during the cruise. You certainly did not sign on to torture yourself during your vacation. So, cut back on those calories a few weeks before the cruise and increase your physical activity. That should get your metabolism revved up and help you maintain your weight even if you do find yourself splurging at the midnight chocolate buffet.

Once onboard, consider the many dining options available. The buffet can turn into a pig trough if you aren't careful. There are soooo many different, tempting new foods to try, and then there are those incredible desserts that follow. What is a cruiser to do?

Well, if you really want to try all those different foods, just put enough for one bite on your plate. Graze around the buffet. Share some food with your roommate. Avoid going back to the buffet for seconds. Drink lots of water to convince your stomach that you are full. You could even avoid the buffet completely, since at the buffet, there are so many people and so many stations that you could actually eat at all of them and go back several times and nobody would look askance. However, if you go to the dining room where you order off the menu, you might draw some attention if you order one of every entree that is offered.

Each cruise line has its own variety and name for the lower calorie and/or lower fat menu. These are excellent choices to keep your caloric intake at a reasonable level. They even have low calorie desserts. If you have an aversion or allergy to aspertame or other artificial sweeteners, be sure to ask what is used. Choose something like sorbet for dessert, and maybe limit yourself to one dessert per day. Try not to keep up with the eating habits of your tablemates who are ordering two and three of every dessert. If you order “nothing” on a Radisson cruise, you will receive a lovely plate with “nothing”on it.

Consider getting room service. Most cruise lines offer this service at no extra charge. It can help to refrain from trying things that aren't in full view. Those trays full of desserts making the rounds through the main dining room begging you to take them from the buffet, won't be a constant temptation in the privacy of your own room.

Following a reasonable calorie intake regime isn't the only way to keep the pounds at bay. Check out the daily activity schedule. Most cruise ships have nicely equipped gyms, and at certain times of the day, group activities like pilates, spinning, stretching or walking are offered. Some of these activities might cost extra, but don't let that be an excuse. Every ship has a promenade deck and the staff in the gym can tell you exactly how many loops make a mile. Often there is a group walk in the mornings led by the staff. Keep up a good pace that gets your heart rate up. No lolly-gagging allowed, although any walking is better than nothing. You might want to invest in a pedometer to be sure that you walk the recommended 10,000 steps per day.  Use the stairs, instead of the elevator. Check out the video library to see if there are any exercise videos that you can use in your cabin.

Shore excursions these days come in a variety of flavors. Some involve sightseeing from a bus, but others get you out on bicycles, kayaks, canoes or on your feet. These also add a bit of expense to your budget, but that doesn't mean that you need to do this only on a pre-arranged excursion. Walk into town instead of taking the shuttle or tour. Rent a bicycle on shore and tour the island that way. Just remember that if you do venture out on your own, you do so at your own risk. Make sure you get back to the ship before it leaves port or you will be responsible for getting to the next port at your own cost. I have rented bikes on my own and just gave myself plenty of time for getting back to the ship and took into consideration breakdowns and unexpected diversions along the way.

Because you have been so good at keeping your weight under control, you deserve some type of reward. Sure, it might be a dessert, but how about a nice treatment at the spa? A nice massage will relax those muscles that you have used walking around the ship or exploring on shore.

Be prudent about your choices, and you may find that you have actually lost a few pounds. It is definitely easier to try out low-cal food when somebody else is preparing it. It is also easier to find time to exercise when you have no other commitments. Remember not to torture yourself if you do succumb to temptation. After all, you are on vacation, and you should enjoy everything the cruise has to offer.

Happy Traveling.

Holland America http://www.hollandamerica.com

Radisson Seven Seas - http://www.rssc.com

Seabourn -