So, how did I do?

Allure of the Seas | A typical cruise breakfast.

With my Caribbean cruise over, I have paused to evaluate my eating and energy expenditures. I stated in a previous post that my cruise goal was to eat low-carb and still lose weight. I know, vacations and weight-loss do not often occur together unless there is an illness. I was perfectly healthy. So, how did I do?

Shrimp Cocktail | I ordered this each night.

SUCCESSES

• I passed on grains, alcohol, sugary beverages, and dessert.
• Every meal consisted mostly of low-carb veggies and meat.
• With 17 floors on the ship, I chose to use the stairways on many occasions.
• I danced to top hits and Caribbean music.
• I did a great deal of brisk walking.
• My clothes fit loosely throughout the cruise.
• I did not experience bloat until after I flew from Florida to Idaho—which was mostly due to the flight and extra water consumption.

ALLOWANCES AND CHALLENGES

• Our evening meal in the dining room was pre-scheduled for 8:00 PM. We were eating the main course at 9:00 PM. For best weight-loss results, I need to eat earlier.
• Small amounts of potatoes were allowed from time to time.
• I drank occasional Starbucks breves.
• There was so much meat to choose from! I admit to consuming a little more than usual.
• I got less that 8 hours sleep for the duration of the cruise. We had early morning island tours and I enjoyed being in the jazz lounge until at least 12:45 AM.

END RESULT

I gained 3 pounds which are quickly disappearing as I return to a normal schedule and lifestyle. I am quite pleased with myself. I was never deprived, my energy was great, and I did not miss the things I chose not to eat.

Allure of the Seas | Mahogany Black Cod
(whipped parsnip, baby bok choy,
and mustard sauce)

Allure of the Seas | Final breakfast...

Happily,

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The Party's Over

Nassau, New Providence

My high seas adventures have concluded. Our cruise was a floating family reunion, along with a celebration of my parent's 60th wedding anniversary and mom's 80th birthday. I have an amazing family!

St. Pete Beach, Florida

I was resisting a return to responsibility because I spent one week meandering from one happy moment to another. I followed musicians from venue to venue, listening to Broadway, Jazz, Dixieland, Ragtime, and decades of top hits. I danced to Caribbean music, saw top notch acts on stage, ice, and water; toured 3 islands; and was up-close-and-personal with a vervet monkey. I lounged, daydreamed, and made new friends. I also enjoyed more low-carb choices than I dared to imagine and made excellent use of stairs.

Jazz Lounge on the Allure of the Seas

Ragtime on the Allure of the Seas

I enjoy meeting people with different cultural backgrounds and cruising hits the jackpot. The cruise staff and entertainers represented countries worldwide. Likewise, I met passengers from an assortment of places. A Persian family and I became fast friends. We spent evenings in the jazz lounge with a Greek quartet, listening to spectacular sets and artist tributes. Our paths intersected on every level.

I told Barry that we need to start saving for a cruise of our own. He's already on board!

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Cruisin' and Losin'

 

I reached a 40 pound weight loss marker before leaving on my cruise to the Bahamas. "You'll want to cheat on the ship," my dad advised me. I confidently responded, "I have no desire to cheat." 

Ah, what a feeling! My goal is to eat scrumptious, satisfying low-carb food and arrive home slimmer!

I am presently sipping a St. Arbucks iced latte on the 15th level pool deck. I pushed my shaded lounge chair up against an observation window. The pool is crammed with soggy guests. I am content to bask in the balmy breeze and admire the vast Atlantic.

It has not been difficult sticking to a low-carb regime. There is no temptation or "special-treat" reasoning. The low-carb cuisine is so delicious and plentiful that any feelings of deprivation have been quelled. 

Again, my goal is to slim down while maintaining my lifestyle and using the ship's stairs. I believe!

Cruisin' and Losin',