Low Carb on Cruise... is it possible?

[monkeboat]

I have lost over 30 lbs doing Atkins over the past 6 months. I am going on the Adventure in May and am so worried about gaining alot of weight back over the week. Does anybody have any advice on how I can enjoy myself "here and there" without jeopardizing all that I have accomplished? or should I just indulge and worry about losing what I gain when I get back?

[birdyhunter]

I'm not being cute....but will power is important. I have to maintain a low fat, low cholesterol diet. It is possible to maintain while on a cruise. Temptation will be great. You can cheat a little bit. I get up and excersize every morning and I definetly don't do the midnight buffet. It should be avoided at all costs.

Having said all of that...I have always had a good time and never felt like I short changed myself. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

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[Mark_K]

A strict regimen of Michelob Ultra. Twelve a day is only 30 grams.

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[abridalmaven]

Have no worries, I have been on Protien Power for a year ( same as atkins but 10 carbs a day more) and I have been on 2 cruises this year and did not gain more than 2 pounds, which by the way was gone in 2 days ( it was water weight). I find eating on a cruise actually the easiest way to stay low carb because of all the choices. I just switched to maintainence mode and allowed myself a few extra carbs. So at Breakfast I had one slice of whole wheat toast minus the crust with my eggs and bacon and so on( did you know that by removing the crust you lower carbs?) and few extra fruits and a sugar free dessert now and then, which by the way were great. My waiter knew no starches and always brought extra veggies. I also discovered some new veggie dishes I like. I also brought splenda packets as all they have are the pink and blue kind.
By the way, I have lost over 40 pounds and am not going to binge because as you know the sugar cravings may come back and then you are back at square one. Most people really misunderstand low carb diets , so I am sure you will get a few lectures on this post just to eat smaller portions and exercise. Like they really have a clue http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif But we both know how much healthier we are and how NOT hungry we are and how much energy we have, so why ruin a good thing! http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

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[mauibaileys]

Good for you, "Monkeboat"! Losing weight is very, very difficult.

I agree with Barbara that you will find excellent choices, especially in the Windjammer cafe for breakfast and lunch. In the dining room you can select and mix and match any of the available dinner selections. Berries and cream often are available for dessert as well as other low or less carb items.

Schedule a walking or exercise time that fits into your day's schedule, too.

There are many, many excellent tastes that are low carb. You've achieved so much now, it's just not worth it to give up. You don't want a headache or sluggishness to spoil any minute of your marvelous cruise and shore time.

Stay strong!

[Driftwoodgal]

Yes, it is possible to stay on your Atkins diet while on ship. I just took a 12 night Panama Canal cruise and didn't gain any weight. I did get off of my diet slightly, but I had so many ship shape dollars that I got a T-shirt and other things at the end of the cruise. One could eat strictly to an Atkins diet if you wanted to. Saying that you would have to know what your maintence level is. If you are feeling you are consuming more carbs than you should then go to more of the exercise classes... and heck that track is open 24/7. I walked in a coat the first two days of our cruise in February. Sure was alot nicer to be in shorts later in our cruise. Good luck to you ...and just remember if you slip... moderation... and there is the ability to go back to square one for two weeks when you get home.

Mark K.... not a funny post for someone that is trying to keep a healthy weight. I guess you haven't ever had that problem, if you had you wouldn't post something as frivolous as wasting your carbs on alcohol. A good diet for someone that has fought hard to lose weight surely wouldn't be counting all of the carbs in a beer product.

God bless you and yours.

[knowla1]

I lost 28 lbs on the South Beach diet and was also very worried about gaining weight on our Panama Canal Brilliance Cruise.
I cheated VERY LITTLE,used the stairs, still greatly enjoyed the low sugar deserts. I gained 1/2 lb. Not bad at all. Had a great cruise.
There are so many food choices that you really shouldn't have any trouble.
Be careful, DH really enjoyed the Lemonade until I asked, and its main ingrediant is sugar..woops.
I'm sorry that I'm not as familiar with Atkins, but on the South Beach diet, we can have some wraps. They had a nice selection of wraps daily for lunch in the Windjammer.
Have fun. There are soooo many choices you should do fine, oh yes, don't forget you can always ask for double veggies..
Nancy

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[bassetdaddy]

I lost 30# on South Beach and on my cruise I cut back on carbs but in no way followed the strict diet. I weighed the same when I got off as when I boarded. Enjoy yourself. You don't have to go hog wild but life's too short to avoid indulging in a dessert souffle now and then.

[abridalmaven]

When I was on the AOS in May I was very new to the diet and really did follow it quite strictly. I did something that may sound a little silly. I have found and excellent local source of very low carb breads and brownies. So I brought some with me. Plus I did carry the protien bars for excursions. So then when I did stray and eat an oatmeal cookie or two, I knew that it was not enough to put on weight because the rest of the time I was eating the right foods.I did still have some sugar cravings then, but not as strong as when I was a candy junkie.
But In December when we spent 5 days in Hawaii then 10 days on a cruise, and I had already lost most of my weight, I was a little freer and went to between 55-100 carbs a day knowing I was also very active. And to be honest with you, I like the sugar free ice creams and desserts better because if you have been sugar free long enough, things with sugar are way to sweet because your taste changes. Hey I have done major holidays eating lower carb versions of everything. I did not eat one sugar laden thing am proud of it.Besides the lack of heartburn alone is enough to keep me from cheating. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

I do not know about anyone else on these diets, but I know I will eat like this the rest of my life because now "real" foods are much more tempting to me than twinkies ever were. And coming from a real Ex-junk food addict, that is saying something. I make lasagna now with spinach leaves instead of noodles and it tastes much better to me. Personally I keep track of my daily carbs on FITDAY (http://fitday.com) and if you connect to the internet on the ship you can also keep track. Some of us actually take eating right seriously. Remember how awful you felt during induction? http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif That is something I do not want to go thru again!

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[gkeep]

My husband and I just returned a week ago from the carribbean princess. We both started atkins on Jan 1st, 2004. I had lost 40 pounds, husband even more.

We both went totally off the diet for the cruise. Pretty much ate what we wanted, though I feel the diet still affected some of our choices. We both gained 10 pounds exactly as of the morning we returned! But I believe this was mostly water.

I am now up only two pounds ( i had lost 4 pounds in two days even before returning to the diet). My husband has already lost his 10 and is down another 2 or so. Not bad for 7 days.

We were on induction level for the whole 3 months before the cruise, so sometimes it can be good to shake things up for a short period of time. We enjoyed ourselves. The only real drawbacks was the return of the sleepy, draggy periods, and our pictures are not that great. But we had tons of fun, and rarely had time for the sleepies to set in. We both felt that it would have been pretty easy to stick to the diet if we had wanted to! Have fun!


Just wanted to add that some people have really bad problems when returning to their old ways... feel really bad, headaches, naseau, etc. Fortunately we did not have these. If you are considering going off the diet, I would do a small "test", or a refeed. You don't want to feel like crap for your cruise, not worth it.

[AuntieBon]

I've been on three cruises since starting the low carb life in August 2002. I've kept pretty much to plan although I did endulge in the sugar free desserts. I managed to gain a few pounds as I wasn't as faithful to my water intake as I am when at home but they came right off.

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[BEVGOO]

http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gifI've been on the Atkins for 4 years and lost 2o pounds (I'm under 5 ft tall so that can be alot). I do not stick to it on vacations but it does make a difference in my food choices. I even make my own wine coolers out of a splash of white wine, lots of ice and lots of diet 7Up or Sprite.

I did just have an indepth cholesterol test and it was great. Recently the Atkins diet has been knocked for being high in fat. As with any diet, it can have it's drawbacks. Heck, I just heard French Fries can cause cancer and I know they can make you FAT.

[pcur]

DH was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes last August, and we had a 15 day cruise leaving on 10/31. Our low carb diet was to keep the blood sugar under control, because carbs are just as bad as sugar for creating high blood sugar levels.

I joined him in changing our eating habits, because I needed to lose weight. Our carbs were 45 grams for me per day, and 60 for DH. One slice of bread is 15, which is considered a serving of carbs. So, you can see they can go fast. We worked out a routine that satisfies us.

Well, no problem with our eating on the cruise, I'm happy to report. We told the waiter our first night in the dining room NOT to bring the bread basket, so we weren't even tempted. We also didn't order any potatoes or pasta, but if they were on the plate, either didn't eat them or ate just a bite or two. I would order double veggies with my dinners.

Breakfast and lunch in the Windjammer was easy, too. Lots of eggs or EggBeaters with veggies in the omelettes, no toast, fresh pineapple and melon, and breakfast meat. Yogurt is also high in carbs, so I'd eat half of one if I wanted yogurt. Lunch was the same: fruits, veggies and meats.

We allowed our carbs to be desserts. That worked out great, because then we didn't feel overly deprived.

The low sugar desserts are HIGH in carbs, so remember that. You can eat them to cut fat and sugar, but you won't cut any carbs with them.

Use the stairs and walk a lot, or use the gym, too. We walked every day around the ship for 20 minutes, and used stairs a lot.

Worked great, and we didn't gain any weight. DH's blood sugar was normal the whole cruise.

Peggy - RCI since 1973

[vossjemi]

I lost 20 lbs before cruising on a low carb diet. I decided I paid for this food, I am going to eat it. I did follow some low carb rules, taking croutons out of my salad, limited bread/potato intake, but I didn't scrimp on desserts. I tried to order entrees that weren't breaded and fried. But, overall, I pretty much ate what I wanted. I did gain 7 lbs back, but easily lost it within 2 weeks after getting back home and going back to induction mode for 2 weeks.

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[DedeM]

I've been on Atkins for 4 years and have lost 55 pounds.

Whenever I go on vacation, I try to stay on plan for breakfast and lunch. For dinner, I eat properly, but sometimes allow myself a dessert.

Here's my tip to avoid cravings: If you must be naughty, eat the naughty stuff after dinner. That way you end up sleeping off your cravings as well as the blood sugar crashing. If you cheat during the day, you risk cheating all day long.

YMMV, but I've found this works best for me.

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[pbillington]

I have lost 20 pounds on South Beach and I am also worried about gaining weight on this cruise. I am going to try and follow the suggestions to only cheat at dinner so I won't crave sweets all day long. Thanks for the tips.

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[pcur]

We allow ourselves small desserts at lunch in the Windjammer, also. It's surprising what you can keep in your diet by eliminating potatoes, bread, rice and pasta.

We actually eat this way all the time, not just on cruises. It's worked very well for us for over 6 months.

My DH has to be careful with carbs late in the evening, since his blood sugar will go up when he's sleeping. However, he allows himself desserts with dinner (not large, huge ones, just normal portions), and sticks to high protein snacks after that. Beef jerkey and peanuts in the shell are his favorites. He takes them on vacation, too, so he has a snack late at night if he wants one, and doesn't eat sweets.

I've lost about 20 - 30 lbs just eating like him to help him change his habits. Works great for me, too!

Peggy - RCI since 1973

[DedeM]

pcur, is your dh diabetic?

My idea of eating sweets later at night rather than earlier in the day is not one I'd recommend to anyone who is diabetic. In fact, I'd be VERY afraid of eating sweets if I were diabetic ANY time of day! Diabetes scares the crap out of me! http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

From what I understand, eating a fatty or high protein food with dessert helps slow down absorption of the sugars. So, I'd rather eat ice cream than cotten candy, for instance. Or eat a steak for dinner with tiramisu for dessert.

I guess I don't diet very well when I'm on vacation LOL http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

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[abridalmaven]

Ice cream is the only thing that I ever really cheat with because of the fat content. It never slows my loss down, but candy, cookies and so on are a real no no. I will only eat a peice of bread if it is whole wheat and slathered with butter or cream cheese and the crusts cut off ( no kidding check fitday).

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[digitalabyrinth]

I wonder about the tour food. We are doing several shore excursions that say they have a "snack" included. What does that consist of? In a 7 hour tour we will need to take some lowcarb snacks if the tour snack is high carb

Thanks

[Adventure Girl]

Since Jan 1st I have lost 24 pounds....not following any particular diet...just lowering carb intake, increased proteins, and began excersing faithfully 3-4 times per week. I cruised on AOS week of 3/7/04 and was worried about gaining weight. I ate whatever I wanted....but in moderation...and I tried to use only the stairs as much as possible...and I took the 1 mile walk on Deck 12 every morning. (5 laps = 1 mile). I came home 3 lbs lighter than when I left.

I basically ate scrambled eggs and bacon for breakfast in the Windjammer, had salad or other light lunch in the diningroom, had my 3pm burger at Johnny Rockets, and ordered appetizer, soup, salad, entree, and dessert at dinner each night.

Enjoy yourself on the cruise and don't worry about weight gain. Stay as active as you can during the cruise, eat whatever you want...but in sensible portions. You can do it!

Great job losing the weight that you have already!!!

It is not easy.

Kimberly
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[DedeM]

I wonder if Ben & Jerry's is offering any of their new low carb ice creams on board. They are pretty good!

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[monkeboat]

WOW!!! Thanks so much for all the great feedback...I had no idea so many people were doing either Atkins, Southbeach, or other low carb diets!!! The combo of low carb and exercise has really changed my life and I am so excited to go on this cruise feeling better than I have in years! I think I will enjoy myself but in moderation and just make good choices as best I can.

[abridalmaven]

Most times it includes a sandwhich. I just eat inside and leave the bread. And they might have sugary dessert and sodas. I am always prepared with other options.Besides the inside of a sandwhich will not fill me. Nuts are very easy to carry. When we were in Hawaii I found macademia nuts to be low carb and filling, but they are high in calories. And while I really do not limit calories after awhile even that can be a problem unles you burn them off.
If possible grab a few pieces of cheese from the windjammer. I always carry baggies. Another thing I find, sometimes the drinks are the worst, so I always carry some iced tea mix that is also decaf and sweetened with splenda(but most likely water is also available) It can fit in those tiny snack size bags.It never hurts to be prepared.

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[pcur]

Yes, DedeM, DH is type 2 diabetic. That's a fancy name for being too overweight for too long, and the cells slow down their ability to get the blood sugar out of the bloodstream. It doesn't mean you take insulin.

We do pretty much what abridalmaven does: lots of protein, veggies, and the right kind of fruits. Fresh pineapple, melons, and strawberries are the best. We avoid starchy veggies like corn, sweet potatoes and carrots.

If anyone is worried about getting "stuck", then do take some cheese or beef jerky or nuts with you.

We went to the grocery store when he was first diagnosed, and went through EVERY aisle and read ALL the labels for carb content. It was amazing! There wasn't a single frozen food he could eat. We learned a lot on that trip, and now it's almost second nature to know what to eat and what to avoid. Since I eat large portions, I just eliminate the bread, potatoes, rice and pasta almost completely. Some foods are breaded, so I get some of it that way. The once a week I have starch or potatoes doesn't really hurt, because the rest of the time it's out of my diet.

Low carb is not that hard to do anywhere. The buffet style meals in the Windjammer are a real blessing, because you can load up on the protein, veggies and fruit.

P.S. abridalmaven: kind thoughts still coming your way. I have a 22 year old son, and I feel for you and your family.

Peggy - RCI since 1973

[Bookit]

All of you have the conversation topic at our house -- HOW (and WHAT) do we do on our upcoming cruise? BTW, Bridalmaven, I am 25 lbs from my goal, not 30, as I thought. (hey, as we know it ALL adds up to being where we want (and need) to be. SO and I are thinking about doing the "shipshape" program -- where we walk so much aboard, etc. We will order from the sugar-free desserts (where possible) but I don't foresee great compliance. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Note to all: Of course, there is Dr. Atkins "Endulge" ice cream (20/20 program recently stated that in their survey of "low carb" Atkins was the most reliable count (exception: ? Atkins cereal) --

I have found a wonderful bread (very pricey, though!) very small slices -- only 3 net grams of carbos -- (and I do believe it) -- also organic, which I'm "kind of" doing as well. It is called: "Food for Life Low Carbohydrate Bread" (Organic). Tastes good ...

Bookit

[Bookit]

Thanks to the poster who mentioned that the S-F desserts are not necessarily low in carbs. We will keep that in mind. We will bring some Dr. Atkins bars to eat on excursions, if we don't have something suitable .... we always take plenty of water. I have found that by having Evian (or bottled water) always available in the cabin -- it is my reminder to drink the water. As far as $$, I don't think I drink as much alcohol -- love those 'Love Connections" --definitely NOT low carb. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

Bookit

[brn2crz]

Sweet potatoes have a very low GI.

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[abridalmaven]

Peggy, thanks. Tomorrow is a tough one, his birthday, but I think after that we will be alright. My sis even has a big BBQ planned. You know the one you and your friends and family never got around to type? Well this will be a celebration of life and the wonderful people we have in our lives type party. So with 19 acres in PA we are inviting the world. It is a BYO (tent even), so if any of my pals are in the PA area on Aug 14, come join us, email me. The wonderful responses of love and caring has made it easier.
Yes, I forgot about the beef jerky, a wonderful little snack!It is so strange now, how my delights do not center around sugar. I just had a lovely snack of mozzerella/proscuitto roll. And we ate a great salad at Subway, spinach leaves and lots a great stuff, it was so filling!
Bookit, that is about how much I want to go now.But my DH said if I should stop now it would be fine, because my size 16's are starting to get loose. I have not worn this size in a looooooong time. But I want to not just look ok in a bathing suit, but GREAT! http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

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[pcur]

Bookit:

Make sure you understand that LOW SUGAR does not mean LOW CARB. The reduced fat and reduced sugar foods are actually very high in carbs. That was one of the things my DH and I found out on our grocery store "tour".

The low sugar desserts on the cruises will help with calories, though, but not carbs.

It's really funny how I don't miss this stuff I've taken out of my diet. My DH used to refer to me as "Mrs. Potatohead", because I looooooved potatoes. I really don't miss them.

Peggy - RCI since 1973

[Bookit]

I have a correction of the carb bread I mentioned here -- it is "4 carbs per slice", not 3 net grams carb (as I recalled). However, even though the slices are small and thin -- sometimes it help to have the texture for such a low count.

Pcur -- yes, I do need to start checking more carefully. I was a Dr. Atkins "devotee" in the early 80's. Through various "life transitions" -- I would ignore carbs -- and gain weight again. I think that is true of almost any kind of diet. Good to be aware everytime you eat.

[abridalmaven]

Due to food allergies (mostly cottonseed oil) I always read labels, but was not aware of carbs until this last year, what an eye opener http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif. I also avoid soy now (which is even harder than avoiding cottonseed oil) because it depresses thyroid function which becomes and issue for women as they get older.

That and the sugar alcohols were causing my stall. Malitol spikes insulin more than they thought, so if it is in some products, you can only subtract half. Plus it wipes out good bacteria in your intestine. On the PP discussion board, I have found many helpful articles about issues like these.
Peggy, the low sugar desserts are higher carb because they still use white flour and other starches. But things like sugar free mousse and sf jellos are not as bad. Even the sugar free ice creams are not as bad. At home if I eat sf ice cream, Breyers carb options is also not bad and the Lecarb Ice creams. But again I go with more things sweetened with splenda (and now there is liquid splenda, no carbs), less issues all around. I make a great LC refridge cheesecake! http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

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[frayedknot]

I've done atkins for 18 months and gone on 9 cruises in that time. I've lost 30 lbs.
At first I stayed on the diet on cruises because it was so easy.
Smoked salmon and cream cheese for breakfast, lobster, steak for dinner...
I ate a lot and lost weight one cruise because due to taking the stairs everywhere.
Then I started going off the diet one or more days of the cruise. Only with things I reaaly miss, like mashed potatoes.
I take very small portions of carb foods and desserts.
I may try every dessert.
I allow myself to get more if I want and I never do.
I may gain 2lbs a day every day I'm not doing atkins but what I really like about this diet is when I come home and go on induction, I lose 2 lbs a day without starving myself.
and in a week max I'm back at my pre-cruise weight.I would definitely be looking forward to going on your cruise and enjoying low carb choices : )

#14 Monarch of the Seas 5-21-04

[Kapeluza]

CONGRATS ON LOSING THE WEIGHT!!!

I thought this post was going to be about another delusional toothpick http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif complainging about looking fat and not wanting to gain weight!!!



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[vossjemi]

I can attest to abridalmaven's soy/low thyroid dysfunction link. I am only 35 years old and not over the top overweight. I'm 5'8" and was 147 lbs. before going low carb. I had just had 2 children and after finishing the breastfeeding stage, found the weight to be piling on. I had never been that high before, but began low carb eating last september.

Right before my cruise in january, I had actually gotten down to 128, my ideal weight! I hadn't been this skinny since high school! But, in december, I tested low thyroid and am now on thyroid hormones. My Mom had this problem, so I figured it was heredity only. But, I too recently read about the thyroid dysfunction link to soy products and am trying to cut back soy products. I don't know if my thyroid problem is heredity only or due to a few short months of low carb, but it sure makes one think!

On my cruise, I brought those lovely Russell Stover low carb candies to help stave off sweet cravings. I also brought beef jerky for the plane trip and island days if we didn't have time to stop and eat. As for liquor,although I did have some fufu drinks, I brought 2 bottles of crown royal (which hard liquor is much lower in carbs than the fruit juicy drinks), and I brought a case of caffeine free diet pepsi to make mixed drinks in my room. It kept me from drinking too many of the bad drinks!

Good Luck & have fun!

Carnival Festivale 8/95
RCI Navigator of the Seas 1/24/04--SEE MY REVIEW AT http://messages.cruisecritic.com/2/OpenTopic?a=tpc&s=927093444&f=408097554&m=7683004077
RCI Brilliance of the Seas 1/14/05
WE CAN'T WAIT TIL WE SAIL AGAIN!
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[frayedknot]

love those Russell stover candies,
especially the large box of assorted sweets.
trader joe's market has great "carb safe" candy, a box of belgium chocolates that I frankly cannot tell the difference.
of course I don't overdo on low carb candy because of the, well, side effect..
cost plus, an import store, has some good low carb candy, taffy, licorice, chocolate..

#14 Monarch of the Seas 5-21-04

[DedeM]

my biggest complaint:

why must they use maltitol in ALL these sf/lc foods now? It makes me so sick (and yet I still eat it). But the side effects are awful!

Navigator of the Seas 5/1/04
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[abridalmaven]

I found a website that has some made with zylitol, no side effects low carb treats (http://www.locarbtreats.com/cakes.php)but are a little pricey. But if you get the sampler set, shipping is free.

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[vossjemi]

I also found a chocolate bar called z-carb that has no malitol. It uses inulin, which is supposed to be healthy. Here is the link to the info and catalog. I have purchased them at walmart, though.

http://www.zcarbbar.com/
http://www.zcarbbar.com/catalog/

Carnival Festivale 8/95
RCI Navigator of the Seas 1/24/04--SEE MY REVIEW AT http://messages.cruisecritic.com/2/OpenTopic?a=tpc&s=927093444&f=408097554&m=7683004077
RCI Brilliance of the Seas 1/14/05
WE CAN'T WAIT TIL WE SAIL AGAIN!
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[vossjemi]

Oh my goodness!! Just as I posted my previous email, I went back to the main page and saw the article that Carnival is adding low carb items to their menu! That is wonderful. I will be excited to see CruiseCritic's newsltr next week telling us what cruiselines have something like this in the works! What great news!

Carnival Festivale 8/95
RCI Navigator of the Seas 1/24/04--SEE MY REVIEW AT http://messages.cruisecritic.com/2/OpenTopic?a=tpc&s=927093444&f=408097554&m=7683004077
RCI Brilliance of the Seas 1/14/05
WE CAN'T WAIT TIL WE SAIL AGAIN!
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[pcur]

Yes, it will be very interesting to see what low carb menues the cruise lines come up with, since the restaurants "low carb" menues are the regular food with the bread and potatoes eliminated! My guess is they'll serve the same entrees and up the veggies.

When we eat breakfast out we get omelettes and substitute the potatoes with fresh fruit, and share a slice of dry toast with a little jelly of our choice. We get the omelettes with lots of veggies and chopped ham in them.

Peggy - RCI since 1973

[pcur]

Yes, it will be very interesting to see what low carb menus the cruise lines come up with, since the restaurants "low carb" menus are the regular food with the bread and potatoes eliminated! My guess is they'll serve the same entrees and up the veggies.

When we eat breakfast out we get omelettes and substitute the potatoes with fresh fruit, and share a slice of dry toast with a little jelly of our choice. We get the omelettes with lots of veggies and chopped ham in them.

Peggy - RCI since 1973

[Bebet]

I lost 85 pounds doing Atkins the 14 months or so beofore my cruise in March. Druring the cruise I got off a bit, but I didn't sweat it too bad. My DH and I shared desserts alot just to try them. We were very active on the ship and on our excoursions. I did however gain 4 pounds still trying to get it back off but that's another story. I guess I wanted to say, you paid alot of money for your cruise, do what you can, have a good time, there are going to be a lot of good choices you can make. If your are easily tempeted stay away from the midnight buffets and don't order desserts. Above all HAVE FUN!

Rhapsody of the Seas 3/04

[abridalmaven]

Great News! http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif I just got my first issue of Low Carb Energy magazine, and all I can say is WOW! There are more tips and sources of new foods and information on Low carbing I have ever seen; and it also has the NEW food pyramid. And since there are new manufacturers of LC foods, there are samples you can send for, instead of buying hating, and wasting your money on. You all know what I mean about trial and error on the nutritional bars. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gifHere is the link to their website, which is also loaded with recipes and info
Low carb energy (http://sheknows.com/lowcarb/)
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My vacation pics
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[pcur]

Thing is, I love the food choices they offer on a cruise, because there's a lot of freedom to eat a lot of the stuff I want, and then I can have the desserts in small portions, too!

I don't find it a problem, but then I love low carb foods, anyway. If I had my choice, I'd go for fish, chicken, fresh fruit and veggies before other foods, anyway. Then I'd add the desserts after that..... http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Thanks for the tips, BridalM

Peggy - RCI since 1973

[dwillis43]

I have been on the low carb for five years and have lost 90 pounds going from a size 22 to a 10 or 12 depending on what it is I am buying to wear. I am glad to see there are lots of people on the low carb craze. I just bought a book called Low carb for dummies which really helps when you have been on it for so many years and are starting to get bored with it. I never knew there were so many foods you could eat that were actually low carb or the carbs were free carbs like fruit. We will be cruising in August for our 25th anniversary and hope to have a good time going Lo carb, my husband has even got into the low carb thing a little. We went on Sovreign of the seas in June of 2002 and now we will be on Rhapsody in August 2004.

Happy sailing the low carb way!

Jackie and Dale

[vossjemi]

So, has anyone experienced any of the new Lo carb entrees? Does the Brilliance have anything on its menu for dinner? Any lo carb desserts? We will be on her in Jan, and I would sure like to not gain 7 lbs like I did on my last cruise!:p

[mle0213]

Was wondering if any one out there is Somersizing? We are planning a cruise for next year and was also thinking about how to incorporate the program into the cruise. Somersizing isn't low carb. Basically, it's food combining....proteins with fats and veggies, carbs with veggies but no fat at all. No white flour or sugar of any kind. Looking forward to hearing your replies!