Loosing/gaining weight before or after your cruise

[ventru]

Okay, I admit, I gained too many kilo's and I want to get rid of them before I start my cruise. So Weight Watchers, I'm with you again. There is time enough tilll 14th September next .....

Who else wants to loose weight and has set a goal : your cruise!

Last cruise we all gained ..... 3kg :D .....

[RevNeal]

While I was on the Noordam this past Feb/March I made a difficult decision which has, since, changed my life.

I managed to cruise without gaining any weight because I began walking, extensively, while aboard that cruise, and I didn't over-eat. When I came home I joined 24-Hour Fitness, acquired a Trainer and a Dietician, and began taking care of my health.

Over the past 2 months, since I disembarked the Noordam, I have lost 44 pounds through diet and exercise. I work out a minimum of 2 hours a day: walking/jogging, swimming, and weight training. My diet is strict but not too strict. I have a GREAT DEAL of weight to lose, but I'm well on my way now. My prayer is that this change in lifestyle and diet will last. It's been a long time since I tried anything like this, and thus far I'm really pleased with both the results and the prospect for success.

[middle-aged mom]

While I was on the Noordam this past Feb/March I made a difficult decision which has, since, changed my life.

I managed to cruise without gaining any weight because I began walking, extensively, while aboard that cruise, and I didn't over-eat. When I came home I joined 24-Hour Fitness, acquired a Trainer and a Dietician, and began taking care of my health.

Over the past 2 months, since I disembarked the Noordam, I have lost 44 pounds through diet and exercise. I work out a minimum of 2 hours a day: walking/jogging, swimming, and weight training. My diet is strict but not too strict. I have a GREAT DEAL of weight to lose, but I'm well on my way now. My prayer is that this change in lifestyle and diet will last. It's been a long time since I tried anything like this, and thus far I'm really pleased with both the results and the prospect for success.

Reverend Neal:

Hey, good for you! I saw the photo of you that you posted at your Easter service, and I said to myself, "Rev Neal looks thinner to me," but I didn't want to say anything in case I put my foot in my mouth (something I do with regularity:rolleyes: ). 44 pounds, wow! Now that takes discipline and determination! I am VERY impressed! How do you feel?

[jhannah]

Kudos, Greg. That's wonderful! Keep up the good work.

Only one cruise have I not gained weight. I try to contain myself, but it's hard when there is so much good stuff the chef puts before us. ;) What weight gain I've experienced has soon drifted off, however, so while I try to watch it to some degree I'm not fanatic about it. I want to enjoy ALL aspects of my cruise experience.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Congratulations Greg!!!! That is fantastic. I fight weight gain daily. I sometimes think that is one of the many reasons we spread our cruises out for every three to four months so when I get back home I have to start being good again for the net cruise (actually it is really toward the bottom of the list:D ) Two years ago I lost 55 pounds but unfortunately I have let 20 pounds come back on but I do some form of exercise daily and I really watch what I eat at least 5 out of 7 days a week;)

Greg, it is a good thing we chose a nice heathly Fish restaurant for our CC HAL board Get Together May 3rd:)

[RevNeal]

Hey, good for you! I saw the photo of you that you posted at your Easter service, and I said to myself, "Rev Neal looks thinner to me," but I didn't want to say anything in case I put my foot in my mouth (something I do with regularity ). 44 pounds, wow! Now that takes discipline and determination! I am VERY impressed! How do you feel?

Thank you so much. :) I feel wonderful. I've got a LONG LONG way to go, but already I feel MUCH better. It's not just that all my clothing is so much more baggy ... except for the old clothing that I'm starting to be able to squeeze into again ... it's that I can walk more comfortably, further, and with less effort, don't hurt as much in my back, and am sleeping better at night.

I suppose that, on most of my cruises, I have picked up about 3 - 5 pounds. On the Zaandam for 21 days in 2004 I picked up close to 8 pounds ... and I was trying, HARD, to keep it down by not eating all the time. However, I DO love to eat. :) Food is my "drug" of choice. In the past I have, generally, attempted to diet a bit before cruising and, thereby, try to keep things "even." But, frankly, I think that process is more damaging that it is helpful. :)

[RevNeal]

Greg, it is a good thing we chose a nice heathly Fish restaurant for our CC HAL board Get Together May 3rd

Absolutely, although I'm afraid that one of the few ways that I really like fish is <shudder> FRIED! :D Oh, I've been eating some baked and grilled and its ok. :)

I'm worried about this trip out to Henderson. Leading retreats, like this one, is usually a sedentary undertaking and I'm worried that I won't be able to get enough exercise. And I'm sure they're going to feed me way too much. Oh, well ... it's only for 4 days. :)

Looking forward to see y'all out there.

[middle-aged mom]

Absolutely, although I'm afraid that one of the few ways that I really like fish is <shudder> FRIED! :D Oh, I've been eating some baked and grilled and its ok. :)

I'm worried about this trip out to Henderson. Leading retreats, like this one, is usually a sedentary undertaking and I'm worried that I won't be able to get enough exercise. And I'm sure they're going to feed me way too much. Oh, well ... it's only for 4 days. :)

Looking forward to see y'all out there.

Reverend Neal:

Here's an idea! You're leading the retreat, right? Therefore, you set the agenda? You should incorporate a hike or some form of physical exercise into your presentation. Emphasize that physical fitness enhances spiritual fitness! Take everyone on a jog! You can quote scripture in cadence with your steps as you go, like "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". Just a thought, FWIW.:)

[ventru]

Wow, Rev, that's great! Indeed work outs are a great way to get into shape again! Unfortunately I was infected with the Lyme disease 1,5 years ago , so I cannot do everything I would like to do, but swimming and cycling are OK.

My husband has a great way to keep in shape: Eat Half Of Everything, and I must confess, it works (with him). I never overeat, but I love cheese and bread and that counts .....

[CCCM]

ventru,

I rejoined WW last week. I am going back online since that is where I had the most luck over the years. Sad thing is it kept all those numbers over the years. :eek: So I can see exactly how bad I have been. My goal is to say goodbye to between 25-30 pounds. I did end up booking in October on Westerdam this past week. The world (and Voyage of the Vikings) will wait while I do another carribean. My goal is earlier than my cruise it is before the end of the summer.

Which is becoming worse, my food addiction or my cruise/vacation addiction? I have to admit I am a foodie. I have joined a gym in the past year and meet with a trainer, but it just doesn't seem to come off as easily. I am stronger and can keep up a good pace now. I can bench press over 45 pounds.

revneal,

Definitely incorporate fitness in to the retreat. It helps to clear the mind and the body and helps us to think about what is really important in life. My greatest and deepest thoughts are on the walk around my neighborhood with the sun rising and the birds chirping.

Happy Saturday!

[Krazy Kruizers]

That is so wonderful that you have lost so much weight.

Now you will have en excuse to buy all new clothes for your hawaiian cruise.

[Krazy Kruizers]

When we first started cruising many years ago, we did gain weight.

But now that we are retired and cruising more, we watch our weight both at home and on the ship. Thus no weight gain.

Just had baked Tilapia last night.

[sail7seas]

Congratulations, Greg. Good Going!!!!

Two hours of exercise daily. That is mighty impressive. I'm very concientious about getting 40-50 minutes and that's all I'm 'gonna do!!! :)
DH and I were excellent about walking just about every day of our Ryndam cruise but have to admit I ate a little more freely than I have in a very long time. Thankfully, the damage is 3 pounds and I'm attacking it immediately.

Please comment about your progress from time to time as I think we all wish you (and everyone fighting the waistline battle) the best of success!!!

Good Luck.

[jhannah]

I'm worried about this trip out to Henderson. Leading retreats, like this one, is usually a sedentary undertaking and I'm worried that I won't be able to get enough exercise. No prob, good buddy! There's a 24-Hour Fitness at 498 South Boulder Hwy, Suite B
Henderson, NV 89015. That should be convenient enough. ;)

[pmenefee]

How funny.........no not that revneal and the other posters are telling their stories........not that a lot of us could lose a few (or more in my case) pounds....not that we all tend to gain weight on a cruise.....not not any of that.........

It's just that I sat down with a Slim Fast for lunch and turned on the computer and this thread. Maasdam, here I come! The pre-cruise diet!

Pete

[ventru]

I always try to be honest and open to people, also on this board. Why not, if we can help eachother. Dutch forum members remembering songs, meeting friends from way back, I'm happy to be able to contribute to that.

I live quite a long distance from you, but we share the same dreams ..... and the same problems.....

I also lost over 30 pounds with WW, but 4 years later they're back. But when I "switch the button", I can stick to my diet.. It helps to take one of my favourite dresses (2 sizes too small now) and try it on till it fits ........... it's a long way .....

[djallar]

It's just that I sat down with a Slim Fast for lunch and turned on the computer and this thread. Maasdam, here I come! The pre-cruise diet!

Pete
Doesn't having a Slim Fast after a meal cancel out the Big Mac I had for the meal? :confused:

[HeatherInFlorida]

Ventru, weight has been an issue for me since I was about 35 years old. I have never allowed myself to get terribly heavy because I'm just not comfortable that way, but I definitely weigh more than I want to and more than I should.

We have a wonderful thread on the Lose Before You Cruise board and always welcome new people. I just rejoined the group. They're friendly and everyone is on a different diet plan. We call it WOE (way of eating). No one knocks anyone's method of losing ... that's a rule. We're just there to make friends and support each other. It's a very active thread. You're welcome to join us if you like ... in fact anyone who's interested in support is welcome there. The thread has been going a very long time. Here's a link to the most recent page ... you can always read back a few pages and see if you think you'd enjoy the group: ***Welcome To Cruise Diet Countdown Club*** - Page 231 - Cruise Critic Message Boards (http://boards1.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=6438366#post6438366)

I just started a new plan which is no snacking whatsoever and so far so good. I've only lost 4 1/2 lbs with a goal of about 15. I'm in no hurry. A pound a week is fine with me.

Greg, congratulations on your new health plan. That is extraordinary and an amazing loss. Keep up the good work:) .

[Robin7]

Over the past 2 months, since I disembarked the Noordam, I have lost 44 pounds through diet and exercise. I work out a minimum of 2 hours a day: walking/jogging, swimming, and weight training. My diet is strict but not too strict.

Wow, Rev Neal! That's totally amazing. My dad (age 65) and I (age 44) both started a diet at the end of February. We eat mostly low-fat protein and veggies, veggies, veggies plus two fruits a day. Nothing white--no bread, rice, pasta, potatoes. No pork or cheese. No sugar. Lite salt. In seven weeks, I've lost 25, and Dad has lost 33. (It's so annoying that men lose so much faster.) What neither one of us has done yet is add in exercise. The weight loss has slowed down so now we're adding in 40 minutes of walking a day. I hope to work up to weight training etc. but right now just moving is better than what I've been doing recently.

Keep up the good work! You're inspiring.

Robin

[ventru]

We have a wonderful thread on the Lose Before You Cruise board and always welcome new people. I just rejoined the group. They're friendly and everyone is on a different diet plan. We call it WOE (way of eating). No one knocks anyone's method of losing ... that's a rule. We're just there to make friends and support each other. It's a very active thread. You're welcome to join us if you like ... in fact anyone who's interested in support is welcome there. The thread has been going a very long time. Here's a link to the most recent page ... you can always read back a few pages and see if you think you'd enjoy the group: ***Welcome To Cruise Diet Countdown Club*** - Page 231 - Cruise Critic Message Boards (http://boards1.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=6438366#post6438366)
.

How nice to know, thank you for your invitation, I'll have a look! Together we're strong !

[sail7seas]

Good for you, Robin. I'm happy for your success. That's quite impressive.

Sounds like what you are eating is on the lines of South Beach though that 'way of eating' permits good carbs such as whole wheat bread and pasta and whole grains, high fiber cereals etc

Wonderful you added the walking. That should help with the weight loss and certainly your general well-being.

Good luck reaching your goal.

[obriendan]

On most cruises, I will routinely gain 5-7 lbs. After our Maasdam August 2nd transatlantic cruise, I hit an all time high in weight (don’t ask how high!). So dieting for the next cruise isn’t a matter of want to, its a matter of have to! For the last four months (excluding the Holidays, unfortunately) I’ve been on what I would call the "Starvation Peanut Butter Diet." I will try to go all day without eating anything. When this becomes too much, I will have a half of a peanut butter sandwich. A Spartan dinner then tides me over until the next day. With this diet and walking about 3 miles six days during the week, so far I’ve lost about 30 lbs. With our next cruise in October, I hope to lose an additional 20 lbs. And I hope to minimize weight gain on the cruise, although I’m not quite sure how.

[jhannah]

Doesn't having a Slim Fast after a meal cancel out the Big Mac I had for the meal? :confused: I would think it would ... but after I finish a Big Mac or Jumbo Jack I just can't choke down a Slim Fast. :D

[ptoronto]

I've always believed that having a caffeine free diet coke cancels out the calories in whatever you might be eating with it.

Of course I also believe that carrot cake is the perfect food: you've got your vegetables (carrots), your fruit (raisins or pineapple), your protein (pecans or walnuts), your dairy (cream cheese icing), your starch (flour) - see what I mean?

Unfortunately, this combination isn't working for me:confused: . I guess I'll have to try a real diet/exercise combination (sigh). Yoga tomorrow morning for sure!

[Robin7]

Sounds like what you are eating is on the lines of South Beach though that 'way of eating' permits good carbs such as whole wheat bread and pasta and whole grains, high fiber cereals etc

Wonderful you added the walking. That should help with the weight loss and certainly your general well-being.

Good luck reaching your goal.



Thank you! You're very kind. I need the encouragement because I still have so far to go. Didn't Rev Neal say food is his 'drug of choice'? Well, it's my 'drug' and my father's, as well. I wish it weren't so.

We're seeing a dietitian, and she doesn't call this diet by any name. I just know it's not as low-carb as Atkins. (Tried that and failed a few times.) And it's not as flexible as the Weight Watchers points system. (Tried that and succeeded but have never kept it off.) I've never read about "South Beach" (which is amazing considering how many diets I have tried). I'll have to ask her if this is based on that when I see her next week.

I'm hoping to be down 25 more for our cruise to Alaska at the end of July. I have my eye on a beautiful formal dress that I'd like to buy. :D

Robin

[Thunderbolt]

Just off the Oosterdam today and found that I lost about 7 pounds!!! I lost a pound a day. I think this is because the amount of walking I did but who really knows. Cruising makes me loose weight!!! I did it on all other previous cruises also.

I think I need a world cruise:D

[HeatherInFlorida]

Just off the Oosterdam today and found that I lost about 7 pounds!!! I lost a pound a day. I think this is because the amount of walking I did but who really knows. Cruising makes me loose weight!!! I did it on all other previous cruises also.

I think I need a world cruise:D

Terry, you are now my enemy for life:D :D !! I hate you.;)

[RevNeal]

Thank you, everyone, for your wonderful words of encouragement. They are needed, and appreciated. I didn't want to take over this thread, however, with me. :)

I think my point is that trying to lose just before a cruise so that one can gain it back while ON the cruise is really a recipe for disaster. EVEN if one then loses it, again, AFTER the cruise ... from what my dietician tells me the yo-yo-ing is VERY dangerous in the long run.

I've been asked to share a bit about the diet I'm on. My dietician doesn't buy in to any of the several diets that are or have been popular, but takes elements from each. For instance, she advises me that if I just HAVE to have a nice New York Strip ... fine ... but DO NOT EAT A POTATO with it. That's wise advice no matter what. Likewise, if I want to have some pasta from time to time ... FINE ... don't eat it with the super FAT Alfredo, but but prepare some low-fat alfredo (there are some EXCELLENT recipes for low -- VERY low -- fat Alfredo sauce to be had on the internet, and they're mostly QUITE good. I've already fixed one and LOVED IT. Additionally, she doesn't believe in depriving one of the foods one really loves, but teaches "all things in moderation." Well ... having once been a novice in a Monastery, I know quite a lot of about moderation! :D

I cut out the cokes, and have switched to Diet Dr. Pepper when I feel the need for a soft drink. I eat a great deal of fruit, I also eat vegetables in varying amounts, but especially lots of green roughage. I don't deprive myself of all breads, but I watch how much of it I eat when I eat it, and I buy bread that is low in fat. Indeed, one of the critical keys in my diet is that I watch the fat grams ... I limit myself to between 20 - 40 per day, max, and I also remember that the KIND of fat grams are as important as the total number (saturated as opposed to unsaturated). If I count ANYTHING very closely, it's those fat grams. In the past, if I wanted to take off 10 or 20 pounds, it was easy to do it quickly by consuming about 20 grams a day. This time I'm not limiting my care to just the amount of fat I take in, however. I'm also watching my caloric intake: I'm trying to take in fewer than 1800 calories per day ... indeed, many days I'm trying to keep the calories down to 1400 - 1500 per day. I don't actually "count them" as closely as I do with the fat grams, but I DO pay attention to how many calories are in a certain dish, food item, or some such ... but without worrying too much about it. For instance, my best guess is that I ate about 1600 calories today in two very good meals (breakfast and dinner). For a guy of my weight the BMR calculations say that I should consume about 3000 calories per day (you can do the math to figure out what I weigh from that, if you want). This means that I had a 1400 calorie deficit today, which came from my stored fat. In addition, I also burned about 500-600 calories at the gym, which ALSO came from my stored fat. :) Sadly, I have a LOT of stored fat to unload. :D

[ventru]

I know how difficult it is to start a diet, but once the kg disappear you'll know I CAN DO IT!!! It is a long way, but now I know my health is involved, I múst be strong.

I believe in good and healthy food, so Weight Watchers is the best diet for me so far. I can still eat everything, of course limit the fat, sugar, etc., but when I want to eat out, it is possible. I count my points, 20 a day, free vegetables and fruit, so it is not too bad at all. And when I work out, I have my bonus points = extra points. I can also collect points when I want to have diner, or just a piece of cake, pastry....

Around four in the afternoon is a difficult time for me. I love my soup, crackers, cheese, and that's when I drink lots and lots of water :eek: . Diet Coke, tomato juice, green tea.

I am glad we can support eachother. Let's go for it! Think of the reward you will get, do it just for yóu, feeling great again, looking great, and then imagine you in your gala .....

And when you once skip your diet, never forget, there is always a new day to go on with what you started ...

[DenNJill]

My hat is off to all who have decided to lose weight and/or get in shape -it's a great thing to do and surely takes a lot of will power!!! I'm proud of you all!!:D

Last year at this time was a very stressful time for me - and through it I had to buy practically all new clothes because I'd lost so much weight - I hated the stress, but physically I felt SO much better and heard so many nice comments ... thankfully the stress is over now - I knew I'd gained SOME weight, but now that I'm getting my spring/summer clothes out, I'm finding I've gained A LOT of pounds back and I don't even fit into most of the clothes I bought last year! I was in tears when I realized it ... so ...
I've joined Curves and have worked out for 2 weeks now - and Tuesday night will be starting a nutrient class that lasts 6 weeks. I can tell a difference already since starting to work out - but it's my 'mid-section' I'd like to see change! ;) My goal (before our Alaskan cruise in June) is to get back down to size 7/9 ... right now the only clothes that fit me comfortably is the size 14's I have ... I am not buying clothes for the cruise until I get down there - now I only wish I'd given myself more time!
DH and I have started walking at least 2 miles 3 or 4 times a week too - and we've been eating better ... I'm anxious to see what sorts of foods Curves will recommend through the nutrient class ... and will keep you posted.

[kakalina]

I am impressed with all your stories! I too, have struggled with the "yo-yo" problem all of my life.

I find I eat healthier when on a cruise, it's the pcd that tends to cause my weight gain.

Thanks for the link to the diet thread, I'll check it out.

[mountainmare]

I second Heatherinflorida's suggestion of the Lose before you Cruise gang. They have helped me through thick (and thicker) and thin. Always welcoming and no one ever (and I mean EVER) has been flamed or belittled--come share the love.

[sail7seas]

IMO....Diets do not work.

Permanent, sustainable weight management means lifestyle changes for those who feel they wish to lose weight.

Counting anything will never work long term.
Only an understanding of nutrition works.
To count fat grams, or calories or carb grams for the rest of your life is unrealistic IMO

I think, for those who wish to eat healthy and maintain a healthy weight, it's about choosing to eat low saturated fat, eating whole grains/whole wheat, fish/white meat chicken (no skin) and very lean meats (if you are a beef eater) , good oils/fats (olive/canola oil, walnuts, almonds), soy proteins, loads of veggies, high fiber, fresh fruits, eliminate most of the processed junk, no white foods ----white bread, white sugar, white pasta, white rice, white potatoes and the like.

Enjoy sweet potatoes, brown rice, whole wheat or soy pasta, whole grain cereal high in fibers (add a serving of blueberries and soy milk and it's a perfect breakfast), whole wheat bread. Just about all veggies are wonderful but some need to be aware of high sugar content of some fruits and veggies.

Just my thoughts on the subject.
Good luck to all of us trying to eat healthy for most of our day to day lives. (I have to admit that on our current cruise, I 'slipped' a bit from my usual way of eating but so what----I seriously doubt the two weeks will kill me.)

[HeatherInFlorida]

Yes, I love that thread and particularly the lack of flaming of any kind about anything. And no one puts down whatever "WOE" one chooses. It's a wonderful support group and it's continuous.

I prefer a very slow weight loss so on April 4th I gave up all snacking. I eat 3 healthy meals a day and that's it. Nothing else. The first week was so hard, but it reminded me of when I gave up smoking and later drinking.

In the end it's all about calories and of course you need to watch your fat and carb intake. But if we eat less, we will lose weight. WW is wonderful. It's very healthy and I lost a ton of weight with them. I also gained it back. Over the years (and I've lived many;) ) I think I've probably lost and gained at least 150 lbs. Sadly it's a lot harder to lose the pounds than find them again.

It's really a mindset. It's committing yourself to living your life differently and not having it all be about food. And sitting here at a keyboard doesn't help unless you get up and dance every few minutes!:D

It's the one thing on this earth we have complete control over. No one can put a pound on us but us. And when you feel in control, you feel good. It's a wonderful cycle.

[RevNeal]

Permanent, sustainable weight management means lifestyle changes for those who feel they wish to lose weight.

Counting anything will never work long term.
Only an understanding of nutrition works.
To count fat grams, or calories or carb grams for the rest of your life is unrealistic IMO

On the whole, Sail, I agree. Particularly for a life-time. Focused attention (i.e., counting calories, fat grams, carbs, etc) while attempting to remove significant amounts of weight is one thing, and it is do-able. But it's done only for a limited amount of time for a specific purpose. As a "life-time" practice, it's insane and I could never do it forever myself. But I can do it for 6 months, while I'm trying to get myself down to a more livable, healthier weight. From THAT point, with healthier eating habits learned and in-place through training, etc., the focus moves more toward maintenance and healthy muscle growth, not fat loss.

But ... Sail ... I don't see that you have anything to worry about. You're as thin as a rail. :D

[jfishe]

ah... counting.... the biggest bonus with counting anything for a short term period is you learn HOW MUCH you are actually eating. I have a personal trainer who had me write down everything I ate ... and I mean everything. I truly was clueless as to the calorie count and portion size of items. After almost 10 months of writing down everything in a daily journal, learning that I need protein to have a good workout, and figuring out that I don't need to eat the ENTIRE bag of baked chips... I've lost 54 pounds and have stayed at the weight I'm at now for 4 months. Can't complain... so for me, the simple task of keeping a daily journal of food intake, and then limiting that intake and eating properly, has been my saving grace (of course, the killer workouts helped too !) And there are days where I don't write things down, but I do the math in my head constantly !!

[sail7seas]

Congratulations, Jodie.....WELL DONE!!!!



Ah, Greg...........


But ... Sail ... I don't see that you have anything to worry about. You're as thin as a rail.

Don't I Wish!!! :) Not right now. :( We seem to have had ourselves quite a party on Ryndam and we're back to constant vigilance. Constant Battle. :) But Thank you. :)

[jfishe]

Thanks Sail - also, my counting had an incentive other than just weight loss... at the age of 32 I was diagnosed with osteopenia, and now, at 39, it's developed into osteoporosis... yep, I have bad bones. I have a prescription I take monthly, but my doctor insists that eating healthy and weight training will help too. So, all kinds of good comes from that daily watching... not always fun, but in the long run, worth it ! As long as my arm doesn't break when I'm lifting a martini glass !

[bluegrass grannie]

Congratulations, Greg and each of you who are fighting the weight battle and winning. It's really all about healthy lifestyle choices but it isn't easy. I also recommend Curves for the women reading this, and not just for weight loss, but for healthy bones and flexibility. Curves has a really good program and I've heard the nutrition classes are very helpful.

I work for the Center on Aging at the University of Kentucky and our Alzheimer's disease guru recommends exercise and low caloric intake as a lifestyle to help prevent that terrible disease and to assist in healthy aging. The Mediterranean diet has gotten publicity lately, also, as a good sensible way to eat--lots of fruits, veggies, fish, lean meat, olive oil. Hmm--perhaps a cruise of the Greek islands would be helpful!!:D