In four days, I envision being comfortably settled in our cabin on our twenty-one-day cruise. Our trip will include views of the April 8th eclipse from the Pacific Ocean near Mazatlan, Mexico.
We have been planning the vacation since last November, which has been both exciting and panic-provoking. I am sure once we are onboard and my nesting ritual is done, will will begin to relax.
We will start our new routines and soon feel as if we have always lived this way, never worrying about what to eat or do. Even our laundry is taken care of on this trip.
We are traveling with my husband’s college friend and their spouse. This is new for us, as we have only ever traveled with family.
I am looking forward to meeting new friends, the extra company, and the latest insights they will bring us, as they are quite seasoned travelers.
It will be a unique adventure, which I intend to document well with writing and photography.
The one concern I have regarding this trip is that I have already gained weight over the past year.
I had a specific goal to lose the extra pounds in the last few months but I did the opposite.
Cruises are notorious for so many options and eating opportunities, as well as delicious food and desserts. The thought of “I’m on vacation” may also tempt me to continue overindulging. I haven’t exactly given myself any wiggle room to do that.
I will have lots of healthy choices also. There will be a gym with a beautiful view of the ocean and a promenade deck for walking.
Plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and herbal tea are available throughout the day.
There are also tempting freshly baked desserts, creamy sauces, scrumptious snacks, umbrella drinks by the pool, gallons of cabernet, and specialty restaurants loaded with buttery-rich foods—all unique treats I can only get on a cruise.
I keep reminding myself that this long cruise will be an opportunity for a change from normal day-to-day routines and a chance to do things a little differently.
My plan is to create healthier habits.
Three weeks should be plenty of time to start at least one good practice I can take home.
But how with all of these temptations?
I believe the answer lies in looking more inward versus outward at all that deliciousness.
I intend to write daily while on board ship: Morning Pages, online posts, and at least outline a chapter or two for the non-fiction book I wish to publish. It may be an ambitious goal, but at the very least, I intend to write daily on the fourteen days we aren’t at a port.
A lazy day spent writing while looking out at sea sounds very appealing.
I hope that with the slower pace, writing, and additional introspection I will become more mindful and in turn actually listen to my hunger cues.
I was reminded recently that it takes 15-20 minutes for your brain to register that you are full. At home, few everyday meals take longer than 15 minutes to eat.
I normally eat in front of a screen. I am usually in a hurry to stuff down some food and get on to the next thing or eat completely unconsciously in front of the latest streaming series.
None of this will happen even once in the three weeks of our vacation. We rarely turn the TV on; when we do, it is to see the front of the ship and hear the background music playlist on board.
On the cruise, I will be slowing it way down just by talking to our traveling companions, no longer gulping, but enjoying the food and taking breaks.
There is a Japanese practice called “hara hachi bu,” which roughly translates to “eat until you are 80% full.” This concept is commonly practiced in Okinawa, Japan, which is known for its high number of centenarians (people living over 100 years old).
The idea is to avoid overeating by stopping before you feel full and allowing your body to register that it’s had enough food.
Since I intend to slow down my eating, I thought I would give this concept a try and hopefully practice enough to master the skill. I can still have a variety of foods and desserts and not feel deprived but also not add unnecessary pounds.
What I’m certain of is that this vacation will give me a new perspective on my day-to-day living. It will force me out of whatever rut I may be in even if I don’t realize it now.
New adventures and experiences have a way of doing that.
Currently, I am still at home, making crucial decisions on what I can do without to get my suitcase under 50 pounds. I don’t believe my packing habits will ever change, but that is ok. One or two transformations in three weeks is an ambitious enough goal.
I’ll let you know how it goes.
I’d love to hear about any experiences you have had maintaining your weight on a cruise or vacation or any changes that you experienced once you arrived back home.
Thank you so much for reading!
Keep smiling!
xx
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