Overcoming the cruise-mindset: How to enjoy a cruise without going overboard

So how do you enjoy a cruise (or any vacation) without going overboard? You don’t need to deprive yourself but you do need to change your thinking from the cruise-mindset (CM) to an Eat What You Love mindset (EWYL). To show you the difference, I’ll use examples from each of the decision points in the Am I Hungry? Eating Cycle. (To review the Eating Cycle, see Chapter 1 of Eat What You Love, Love What You Eat or download it here.)

Of course, even if you aren’t going on a cruise, the Eat What You Love mindset applies to any situation where there’s an abundance of food – in other words, every day of your life!

Why do I eat?

CM: I’m on vacation so I’m going to eat as much as I want.

EWYL: I’m on vacation so I’m going to eat as much as I want, but not more than I need.

CM: I dieted before I came and I’ll go back on my diet when I get home to lose what I gain. I better enjoy it while I can.

EWYL: I eat what I love and love what I eat every day.

When do I eat?

CM: Food is everywhere all the time so I can eat constantly.

EWYL: Food is everywhere all the time so I can wait to eat until I’m actually hungry.

What do I eat?

CM: The buffets are amazing! I’m going to try everything.

EWYL: The buffets are amazing! I can choose what I love and skip the rest.

CM: The food is so good!

EWYL: Some of the food is so good. When it isn’t, I don’t bother with more than a bite.

CM: I don’t want to miss out on anything.

EWYL: The food just keeps showing up so there’s no need to worry about missing a thing.

CM: I’m not going to worry about what I eat this week.

EWYL: I eat to meet my needs for nourishment and enjoyment no matter where I am.

How much do I eat?

CM: I have to get my money’s worth.

EWYL: I get my money’s worth when I eat exactly what I need. More than that is a waste of food and makes me feel uncomfortable.

CM: I’m on vacation so I’m going to splurge.

EWYL: I’m on vacation so I going to enjoy some new foods and activities.

CM: I’m going to eat until I’m unconscious.

EWYL: I’m going to eat until I feel content then I’m going to relax with a good book.

Where do I use my fuel?

CM: I’ll eat until I’m stuffed tonight but I’ll hit the gym to make up for it tomorrow.

EWYL: I’ll eat until I’m comfortable tonight. Maybe I’ll check out the gym tomorrow.

CM: Why exercise? I’m on vacation!

EWYL: Why exercise? I’m on vacation! I can swim, walk on the beach, dance, kayak, and rock climb.

CM: I know I’ll gain ten pounds.

EWYL: I know I’ll enjoy an abundance of wonderful food and come home feeling great!

By changing your cruise-mindset to an eat what you love, love what you eat mindset, you’ll enjoy your cruise or vacation without taking it home with you.

Do you change your eating patterns while on vacation? Tell us what you do differently. 

Michelle May MD

Michelle May, M.D. is a recovered yoyo dieter and the award-winning author of Eat What You Love, Love What You Eat: How to Break Your Eat-Repent-Repeat Cycle (download Chapter 1 for free). She is the founder of the Am I Hungry?® Mindful Eating Workshops and Facilitator Training Program. Find more articles and resources at AmIHungry.com.

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