9 Things to Avoid Eating on a Cruise

If you’ve ever been on a cruise, you’ve likely indulged in your fair share of available foods and drinks. However, it can be easy to lose control and before you know it, you’re choosing unhealthy items or eating way too much and by the end of the trip, you’ve gained weight and feel bloated and sluggish. In addition to parking at Newark Airport, here are some things you should avoid choosing on your cruise:

French Food

While French food is delicious, it’s also an overall heavy type of cuisine. Many French foods are smothered in creams, cheeses, butters, and other fat-rich elements that can quickly take a dish from healthy to heart-stopping. Do yourself a favor and choose restaurants that don’t have a French theme. If you do want to experience the cuisine, just make sure you choose lighter fare or have the chef put your toppings on the side.

Sugary Drinks

One of the main appeals of taking a cruise vacation is the amount of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages that are available at your fingertips. However, it’s easy to get lost in sugary, carb-filled drinks like pina coladas, sodas, melon balls, etc. and the more you drink, the worse you’ll feel (not to mention the more you’ll have to work out to burn off the extra calories).

Pizza

Pizza is one of those foods that’s almost always available at any time of day. While this makes it convenient as a quick snack, it also makes it dangerous. Skip the buffet, room service, or cafe pizza and opt for something like a salad, fruit, granola bar, or another type of snack.

Daytime Ice Cream

From self-service ice cream stations to specialty ice cream shops, ice cream is another food that’s usually available. While the hot sun can intensify your craving, do yourself a favor and save your calories for after-dinner dessert. Not only will you crave less sugar, but the deserts offered by the ship’s chef will likely be much more interesting and delicious than your run-of-the-mill ice cream machine.

Buffet Sushi

Most cruise ships have strict buffet rules and take their food handling serious, however, sushi is one of those foods that’s better made fresh and in front of you. While you can take your chances on the buffet sushi, there’s no way to know how long it’s been there or how fresh the ingredients really are.

Already-made Eggs

Most cruise breakfasts consist of a large tray of pre-made scrambled eggs, making it easy for you to scoop some up and plop them on your plate next to your potatoes and bacon. But if you really want fresh eggs that don’t come from a powder or a box, head to the made-to-order omelet station. Your eggs will be fresher and you’ll also have the opportunity to add toppings like onions, peppers, ham, cheese, and more.

Burger & Fries

A burger and fries seems like the perfect lunch order while you’re lounging by the pool, however, the burger and fries you get will likely be cooked in a lot of grease and pack lots of calories and lots of fat. If you really want a burger, try one from a fine dining restaurant that’s likely to be made with fresher, leaner meat and a more healthy way of preparation.

“One of Everything”

One of the most exciting parts of a cruise dining experience is the fact that there are no limitations for what you can order off the menu. So if you want to try out two of the appetizers or three of the desserts, you easily can. However, this freedom makes it easy to over-indulge and eat way more than you should. While you can still have this fun experience, try to limit the number of times you do it. Or ask the chef to prepare you half-sized portions so you can try more things without intaking the extra calories.

Heavy Sauces & Dressings

Many times, travelers will make a conscious healthy decision and opt for a salad or grilled vegetables, but any healthy dish can easily be turned unhealthy when you spoon on the heavy sauces (like a cheese sauce or an aioli) or salad dressings (like Caesar or Thousand Island). Try skipping the sauce or dressing or asking for it on the side.

A Tip to Remember…

While buffets and self-service food stations are incredibly convenient, keep in mind that you’re sharing the ship with hundreds of other travelers who may not always wash their hands or have the best hygiene habits. If you touch handles, levers, bottles, and other items that are out in the open, be sure to wash your hands before you touch your food. You could also try using a napkin to dispense things like ketchup or ice cream.

After you book your next cruise, be sure to skip parking at Newark Airport and make your reservation with NALTP instead!