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The Cardiologist's Wife Cruises to Alaska
Jul 06, 2011

Sorry to say, but while you all were sweltering in the heat last week, I was on a cruise to cloudy, significantly cooler, Alaska. But don’t think it was all fun and relaxing by the pool for me. A cruise is serious work if you want to avoid temptation.

From the first minute we stepped on the boat and were handed a glass of champagne, I knew we were in trouble. Then someone told us the buffet was open on the 10th floor. And indeed it was. There were so many different kinds of food, breads, desserts and beverages that it was overwhelming. Right away I made a plan, right after I had an ice cream cone. I knew if I indulged in every way possible every day on this ship, that the scales would tip in an unfortunate direction. Being myself, I couldn’t let that happen.

So here are my survival strategies for a cruise vacation or any vacation where food is a problem:

Allow yourself to enjoy your meals that someone else prepared, someone served to you and someone else will clean up. Eat slowly and savor your food. Have a strategy and stick to it. My strategy was to eat a light breakfast and lunch and not to drink too much alcohol. Breakfast was either eggs and fruit or muesli and fruit. The salad bar was fantastic so I had a nice green salad with plenty of fresh vegetables, nuts and craisins with a touch of oil and vinegar for lunch. Do NOT skip exercise. I took a body sculpting class that I credit for keeping the weight gain to a measly three pounds while also learning a great new workout routine. You really should get extra exercise since you probably will be eating more than you should. Take advantage of the dancing onboard the ship. Pick a sensible entree most of the time. Skip the cream sauces and anything fried. Eat your vegetables. Remember, you can share a dessert. Avoid walking through the food service areas. Seeing and smelling are part of temptation. Don’t buy the beverage package the cruise offers. That way you won’t fill up on calorie laden sodas and alcohol.

A cruise or any vacation should really be about more than food (I can’t believe I said that!). Take in the sights and activities offered and learn something new. Treat yourself to a massage or catch up on your reading. Take plenty of photos. Spend quality time with your family or significant other. Get out and live the life you want.

One quick note: you will have a better time on any vacation if you are fit and healthy. Don’t let lack of physical fitness keep you from doing anything, get up and get active!

Until next week,
Lisa

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| Jul 06, 2011 - 6:16 pm
Thanks for the advise. Was it rainy?
| Jul 06, 2011 - 10:31 pm
The Southern most tip of Alaska is known for its rainy conditions. Ketchikan gets over 100 inches a year! However, we lucked into some great weather so while it was in the 50's and 60's, we only had a couple of quick showers. It is truly a wonderful trip and a great place to see.