Going on a Cruise

Hi, Judy. Just follow the basic principles so that you can enjoy yourself without regrets. Note that portion control and physical activity can manage just about any potential food disaster. The general rules for meals are just to be sure to have something from at least three of the major food groups – particularly important to combine protein with carbohydrates, and tuck in a vegetable or fruit.
When you write “cruise,” the culinary translation is usually “buffet,” so the following are some tips:
• Look for grilled, broiled or flame-cooked chicken, fish, and lean meats or tofu, and avoid anything breaded, batter-dipped or fried.
• If there’s a salad bar-type option (there usually is), concentrate on crisp, crunchy vegetable and bean mixtures; leave the potato, macaroni and tuna salads behind. Avoid going back for seconds on all items except vegetables, and be sure to use dressings sparingly unless naturally light, such as lemon juice and/or vinegar.
decide whether to take generous servings only of your very favorites, or just a tablespoon of most items served. Skip the extras such as bread during the meal, and whipped cream at dessert. If the soups tend to be especially good, then have that be your first item with which to wait out the magic first 20 minutes – the extra fluid will leave even less room for the fattier fare. If the hosts have a super wine collection they like to share with guests and you are a fan, budget your eating to make room for a glass or two, or just taste it tour-style.
• Take in as much of the “good stuff” as possible. If you see crudités (cut raw vegetables) served on the appetizer table, then go for it and pile your plate, taking care to go easy on the dip or dressing (or pass on them altogether). This will fill you up and take the room that fatty appetizers would otherwise take up. If you are served a big green salad, then savor it. If you see fruit as an option for dessert, then fill up on that. When you go in for the good stuff, then you are far less likely to overindulge in the other options that are just not good for you.
• Stay away from the bar as much as possible. It’s okay to allow yourself 1-2 4-ounce glasses of wine that you enjoy slowly throughout the night. It’s not okay, though, to overindulge in alcohol – in general, and particularly on a diet. This is a big pitfall for many people. Not only do unlimited drinks spell trouble for you on your diet plan, but you are also less more likely to be smart about your food choices.
• Allow yourself small samplings of the items you really love
If you adore cake, then allow yourself a little sliver. If you simply can’t pass up stuffed mushrooms, then allow yourself one. There are favorite foods that we all have, and if you deprive yourself all the time, then you may be setting yourself up for failure. The key is to manage the way in which you eat and ensure that you just enjoy a taste, to give into your craving. Then stop before the portion gets out of control!
• If there is dancing, then go out there and enjoy a bit. Not only does this keep you from eating and away from the bar, but it also helps you to burn some fat. Even more, that kind of activity releases endorphins, hormones that serve as the brain’s joy signals – this provides a big boost to your overall attitude, and combats the stress that may be causing you to overeat. It’s a true win-win!
• Eat slowly and savor the flavor of the food that you are served
If you are served a plated dinner and that’s it, then just eat slowly. There’s nothing that says you can’t enjoy a fillet, but you do need to take your time. You will be sure to get full before you have a chance to overeat, and that’s good for everything. Really savor the food, chew slowly, and try not to clean your plate, no matter what is served.