Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Mythbusters: People Must Gain Weight on a Cruise

Author: Jeffrey Hauser

Source: articleage.com



This article is addressed to two groups of people: those who have cruised and those who haven't. Does that make sense? If you've cruised, you can relate to what this is all about. If not, I'm preparing you for what to expect on that fateful, phoenix travel agencies , day when you do. Well, as a cruiser, I feel that an urban legend regarding, phoenix travel agencies , weight gain must be put to rest. The myth perpetuated by former cruisers is that, during the course of the journey you will gain (a) 5 pounds, (b) 10 pounds, (c) 20 pounds, (d) so much weight, they'll arrange for a forklift on the other end. I can attest that this isn't, phoenix travel, phoenix travel agencies , agencies , true.
But, people do add additional girth because, once at sea, they have forgotten how to eat. Let me explain.
This 'out-of-control' behavior is the direct result of the insidious cruise line. They make, phoenix travel agencies , 'food' a destination by itself. By providing outrageous buffets, dining rooms, snack areas, and unlimited cabin service, food is available in a nonstop, never-ending, extravaganza that tempts even the best of strong-willed travelers. One could eat continuously for the entire trip if, phoenix travel agencies , one desired. Normal people become transformed into eating machines with uncontrollable urges, heaping outlandish portions upon their plates. It's as if they were hypnotized into a feeding frenzy, against their better judgment. Is there no help for these soon-to-be members of overeaters anonymous?
Of course, and that's why I'm here. There's a simple solution, which I will share. Begin with an attitude that says, I don't want to hate myself when I get home, but I still want to have fun and indulge. Consider every meal as a personal challenge.
Think about how you eat when you're not on a vacation, where there is:
(a) less temptation,
(b) limited choices,
(c) an actual cost associated with each portion, and
(d) consequences with overeating.
Then begin with your breakfast. Does a stack of foot-high pancakes, a dozen , phoenix travel agencies , sausages and a whole pineapple look anything like what you eat at home? Try to make a relationship back to realistic needs. If you usually have a piece of toast at home, then why would you require a tray-load of Belgium waffles, covered with extra whipped cream, at sea?
It's okay to treat yourself with a dessert that you might not normally order, but try to keep things in perspective. The temptation to overeat, because all the meals are included, is attractive. But the reality is that one day, you'll be back home bemoaning the fact you have to diet because certain clothes you love won't fit anymore. Another way to stay fit on a cruise is to bypass the elevator. Personally, I never use one. Even if I'm on the 5th floor and, phoenix travel agencies , need to get to deck 14, I walk the stairs. And walk the ship often. And when you're in port, walk there, phoenix travel agencies , too, phoenix travel agencies , . If you work out at home, use the ship's, phoenix travel agencies , gym: it's free. Then, when you grab the chocolate mousse dessert at night, you have a fighting chance to keep your weight gain to a minimum, if any at all.
To recap, avoid temptation and eat like you were at home. Walk everywhere and often. Treat yourself in moderation. You may not lose weight, but you should at least keep the status quo and you'll thank yourself when you're back on land. Gaining weight on a cruise is not inevitable: Myth busted and Bon Voyage!
Jeffrey Hauser, phoenix travel agencies , was a sales consultant for, phoenix travel agencies , the Bell System Yellow Pages for nearly 25 years. He graduated from Pratt Institute with a BFA in Advertising and has a Master's Degree from Monmouth University. He had his own advertising agency in Scottsdale, Arizona and ran a consulting and design firm, ABC Advertising. He has authored 6 books and a novel,, phoenix travel agencies , "Pursuit of the Phoenix," available at http://www.amazon.com. His latest book is, "Inside the Yellow Pages." Currently, he is the Marketing Director for http://www.thenurseschoice.com, a Health Information and Doctor Referral site.