Moderation is the best choice to stay shipshape
By KAREN HAYMON LONG/of The Tampa Tribune


You, too, can gain 7 pounds in seven days on a cruise like a Gainesville man did a few years back.

Or, you can avoid gaining an ounce. You might even lose weight.

Contrary to what many wary dieters think, cruises are not necessarily dangerous to your hips. Sure, many ships feature nightly midnight buffets, but you don't have to go wild. And many ships include lots of fresh fruit at these late-night buffets known for fattening desserts and all-you-can-eat pizza and burritos.

The two best ways to maintain your weight on a cruise: Make intelligent choices and exercise.

Many ships, such as Carnival's Celebration, which sails from Tampa, identify some items on their menus as ``spa'' selections. Try to order these. They're usually salads with fat-free dressings, fresh fish or chicken, vegetables and low-calorie desserts. Some are very good and seasoned so they taste better than they sound.

For lunch, some ships offer salad bars featuring a wide range of raw vegetables, fresh fruit and fat-free dressings. Avoid the pasta bar, unless you can request that your pasta is made oil-free or with little fat. The same is true of the omelet station at breakfast.

Also, avoid desserts in the cafeteria line and the soft ice cream machine. It's also a good idea to limit alcohol and non-diet soft drinks. Aboard the Celebration, ice water is available free at the bars between meals and at all meals. It's also a good idea to take bottled water on land excursions. Ship stores sell it. Water may not be available - or drinkable - in some places you visit.

Every ship offers some sort of exercise, even if it's only climbing the numerous stairs from deck to deck. Many ships have full-blown spas, with exercise bikes, treadmills, rowing machines and weights. And many have jogging tracks. The Celebration's is only a tenth of a mile, so it's an annoyance if you're trying to walk two or three miles. But the watery view is nice.

Some ships, including the Celebration, have volleyball and shuffleboard courts and numerous swimming pools. On port days, you'll probably do lots of walking, more than you might even do at home.

The best advice is to practice moderation, but enjoy yourself, too.