Chapter 1: Setting Sail with a Goal

My main aim was to ensure my pants still fit after returning from the cruise.

In March 2023, my wife and I set off on an unforgettable journey aboard Oceania's Marina, departing from Buenos Aires. We navigated around South America and traversed the Panama Canal to reach Miami. This cruise line is renowned for its exquisite dining options, featuring four specialty restaurants, a Grand Dining Room, and two casual eateries. As is standard with most cruise lines, round-the-clock room service is also available, with all meals included.

Did I engage in rigorous exercise to burn off calories? Absolutely not.

I'm not a fitness enthusiast. Aerobics and jogging were never my cup of tea, and that hasn't changed. I enjoy indulging in food and beverages—appetizers, desserts, cocktails, wine, and beer have always been my weaknesses. Throughout my life, managing my weight has been a challenge. While I occasionally win small battles, I've never truly conquered the war, likely due to the previous two sentiments.

I adopted a straightforward eating strategy. During the cruise, I dined at every restaurant multiple times. I ordered freely from the menu, enjoying appetizers, main courses, and desserts. Most evenings, I paired my meals with wine and opted for beer with lunch. We even indulged in afternoon tea, savoring both sweet and savory canapés.

But how was I going to manage to button my pants?

I embraced the notion that food was available around the clock, ensuring I wouldn't go hungry. After years of battling weight, I’ve learned to estimate the calorie content of nearly everything I consume. My plan was to eat enough to satisfy my hunger and then stop.

I know what you're thinking—this approach often leads to overindulgence. So, I decided to change the game.

Here’s my strategy: I categorized everything I consumed as either "good" or "bad." I allowed myself to enjoy the good foods without limits but restricted myself to only half of the bad foods. If something didn’t appeal to me, I simply didn’t eat it. This way, I avoided unnecessary calories.

For breakfast, I chose between eggs or avocado toast—both good options to enjoy fully. Pancakes? Those were considered bad, so I cut them in half, savoring just one portion. If I found myself still hungry later, food was always within reach.

At lunchtime, if I ordered a beer, we shared it. I would also split hamburgers and sandwiches. When it came to dessert, a single scoop of ice cream sufficed.

During dinner, I primarily enjoyed the good food but restricted myself to half the bad.

The Rule I Stuck To:

Always halve the bad food portion before taking my first bite. If I didn’t, I knew I’d cheat.

Our meals were always leisurely, which allowed time to feel satisfied with smaller portions. Why did this method work for me?

I believe it comes down to two factors.

Firstly, I engaged in more physical activity than usual. We walked everywhere, as onboard activities always seemed located at the far end of the ship. Excursions on land also involved considerable walking.

Side note: Why can’t they find a closer parking spot for that ship?

Secondly, I shifted my mindset. Growing up, we were taught to clear our plates. Wasting food felt like wasting money. However, on a cruise, the cost remains the same whether I consume all the food or just a portion. The experience was about savoring flavors and textures, regardless of the quantity consumed.

How challenging was this?

I won’t sugarcoat it—leaving half of a perfectly cooked, juicy steak on my plate required significant willpower on the first day. But as the trip progressed, it became easier. A slice of cake turned into just a few bites, and a scoop of ice cream transformed into only a spoonful or two. I started appreciating the taste and texture more than the sheer volume.

Throughout the cruise, I eyed a warm, iced cinnamon roll every morning during breakfast at the casual restaurant. It was undeniably tempting. However, I only dared to try it on the last day. It turned out to be deceivingly underwhelming, and I only took one bite.

Mission Accomplished: My pants still fit when we disembarked.

Back home, we don't prepare a meal and simply toss half of it away. Instead, we opt for leftovers. I’m still adjusting to the idea of smaller portions, but my strategy seems effective. My weight fluctuates occasionally, but overall, it's trending downwards—which is a positive outcome.

We have another cruise planned this year, and I’m eager to continue my dietary approach.

Chapter 2: Enjoying Your Cruise Without Gaining Weight

Explore practical strategies for maintaining your weight while indulging in a cruise filled with gourmet dining. This video shares insights on navigating food choices without compromising enjoyment.

Learn insider tips for enjoying your cruise without adding unwanted pounds. Discover how to savor meals and make smart choices along the way.