smitch588

Sounds like you are doing a great job there Rein. Loosing !-2 lbs a week is a healthy amount to lose. Keep doing what you are doing and don't too hung up on a number. Hope your trip is fantastic and that you really enjoy yourself. Keep up all the hard work everyone else as well.

Ham and cheese omelet with toast and bacon is so enjoyable. Finishing it off with a nice cup of tea on deck soaking in some sun.

I loved it when I did it, however I needed a little more of a challenge on the fitness end so I picked up 21 Day Fix Extreme The portion control is still the same which I am happy about because I got really good results with it.

I will be going through 21 Day Fix Extereme pretty soon- http://www.beachbody.com/product/fitness_programs/21-day-fix-extreme.do I did 21 Day Fix a little bit ago and really enjoyed it. Now that I am in better shape I am really interested in how extreme will up the challenge. The meal plan and portion control really helped me learn how to eat healthier. I hope this helps

Hi Trixie! I have not been to Iceland on a cruise, but I was there for vacation and met a number of people there for a couple days via cruising. You will most likely port in Reykjavik- most common and popular town of visiting. That's kind of like the 'hub' of Iceland and you can do anything you want from that point.

Do you know how long the cruise will stop there for? Your best bet would probably be half day tours. You can do a lot on your own by renting a car, but the closest areas are great to see with a tour company. My family and I rented a car, but when we first got there we did the golden circle tour with a local from Guide to Iceland- https://guidetoiceland.is/book-trips-holiday/nature-tours/golden-circle I'd definitely recommend them! Great trip with small group and did not feel any bit commercialized. For other tours on your own, there are maps, suggested itineraries, etc. everywhere you can think of - everyone is Iceland is very accommodating and helpful! Just know how long it will take you to get places ahead of time. (can drive 5 hours for ice caves and other popular sites) Reykjavik is also popular for their food and nightlife! So you can always spend a day just wandering the city, shopping, eating, etc- http://www.visitreykjavik.is/

Iceland is expensive so just be prepared for that as well..And bring your own water bottles! Summer time is their most popular tourist time and it's around 50s/60s but weather is very fickle there so always be sure to check every few hours.

Norway is on my bucket list so you'll have to tell me how visiting it on a cruise is! I heard it's also breathtaking. Disney cruises (which I've always wanted to try) is now doing a Norway/Iceland cruise so I may just have to do that in my future!

What a wonderful overview! Thank you! I'm trying to plan a trip to Iceland, but not sure if it will be on a cruise or flying directly there. Disney announced increasing the amount of cruises having a stop in Iceland, which sparked interest for my family but still figuring that all out.

A few questions though..did you rent your car prior to getting there? Or did you just figure that out when you docked? Also for the sites you saw, did you do a tour for any of those or did you simply drive everywhere and see everything yourselves? Would love to know what you think is best or most helpful while you are there since I'm sure I won't be able to get back anytime soon...would like to see as much as possible with the best experience and such! I've seen a few companies for tours, cars, and such through researching travel there but would still like personal opinion. Thank you!

I'm going through 21 Day Fix right now- http://www.beachbody.com/product/fitness_programs/21-day-fix-simple-fitness-eating.do?e=347045 It comes with a schedule and missing a day is what is keeping me accountable. I really make sure that if I can't do it that day that I pull a double day to make it up. I'm loving it so far and it really helps keeping me motivated.

I've been reading a tonnnn of reviews on the best snorkeling in the carribean because I'm trying to plan a snorkeling/diving trip as well and all the reviews say st thomas is wayy better than caymen. Caymen is notorious for great snorkeling so those 2 combined in option 1 are sure to give you a great trip :)

great overview! I can't stress enough how important it is to constantly drink water and mainly only drink water. When you want those cocktails it makes is all that much better! I'd also suggest to walk around as much as you can (goes hand in hand with taking stairs)...you sit so much that walking sometimes goes away but taking nice walks in the mornings is a great way to start your day and get your body movin!

I would get into a good exercise routine beforehand and try to still stay as active as possible while you are cruising...their is no reason why you should go into it expecting to gain weight...that's only setting yourself up for disaster. Instead, go into not gaining any weight! You can still walk everyday, go to the gym once or twice, and try to eat healthier while aboard.

Limit yourself to how many sugary drink you are having, and try to only drink water so you can enjoy a few cocktails. Just because there's a buffet present and a large amount of food for you at dinner doesn't mean you should go back for seconds and eat all of it either. It's nice to enjoy the yummy food but you shouldn't let yourself go just because you're on a cruise.

One of my favorite healthy breakfast dishes is freshly sliced avacado with sauted spinach and over easy egg on toast...no need for salt or any other condiments!

I'd suggest doing a program that way you can track your workouts and talk with others about it. I hear nothing but great things about Beachbody workouts (my brother lives by them). They just came out with 21 Day Fix which focuses on portion control and has workouts that go along with it- http://www.beachbody.com/product/fitness_programs/21-day-fix-simple-fitness-eating.do It seems like a good option to jump into if you haven't been on any sort of exercise regimen. I'd also incorporate walking/jogging into your everyday as added cardio. It all depends on what types of workouts you like but once you find one just remember to stick with it and track your progress so you have something that keeps you accountable. It's not a race, so to take it day by day and you'll eventually get there :)

Constantly starting over definitely makes it difficult for you to mentally be ready to stick to something. It's also hard on your body to be thrown into exercise and then completely stop, to just continue to repeat that cycle.

Being on a program that guides you through everything seems like it could be really helpful for you to stay on track (and they're usually way cheaper than being on a diet plan or using a personal trainer). Exercises and a proper diet laid out for you with a schedule really helps take away from any guessing that goes into a lot of diets or exercising. Even if you don't like exercising, having someone there telling you and showing what to do can make all the difference. The company Beachbody just came out with a new program, 21 Day Fix that has an exercise program along with a 'diet' that focuses solely on portion control- http://www.beachbody.com/product/fitness_programs/21-day-fix-simple-fitness-eating.do You can do a program like this at any time, and even during your cruise! You can track your progress, which can help you want to stick to it, so you can really see how you started and how you ended!

I would also suggest starting to look into how you can cook and eat healthy without depriving yourself or foods that your really love that may not be so healthy. Making sure to get good vegetable, fruit, and protein intake is good for a strong, healthy body, and then a few pieces of chocolate here or there never hurt anyone! Just have to keep it all in control while making sure you're eating more healthy foods than unhealthy ones :) Some great foods to incorporate in your everyday eating- http://www.womenshealthmag.com/weight-loss/flat-stomach-foods

Hope this helps!

largolab, I'm not a coach so it's nice to see coaches on here for their help with the programs! I have found that it is too difficult to bring the dvds on a cruise since space is so limited in the rooms. I try to just do my own things in the gym and walk/jog the track (I usually make sure cruises I go on offer these things). I plan my dvd workouts so I will finish the program right before my vaca! That way I will have my 'beach bod' and I won't miss a week or so and then have to get back into it, possibly throwing the whole process off.

I haven't done p90x but I hear great things about it! I did power 90 for a bit and really liked it. I do want to start another workout of some kind..maybe p90x3? I really liked Tony Horton so I think I'd like that one. I looked at some of the exercises they do on his google+ page and they look intense but totally doable! https://plus.google.com/111136277359229870970/about

I've used tarte foundation for a few years now and I love it. I recently read makeup artists makeup recommendations on refinery29 and they raved about tarte's bb tinted moisturizer. It's oil free, light weight, and spf 30 (so even good in the heat!) It's also a vegan formula! http://www.sephora.com/bb-tinted-treatment-12-hour-primer-broad-spectrum-spf-30-sunscreen-P377542?skuId=1486752

I also used cliniques regular tinted moisturizer and definitely liked it...I did feel a bit dewey to the point where I could just wipe it off with a tissue when I would wear it in humidity. But it is a lot lighter feeling than wearing a whole face of foundation in the heat. It's spf 15 and still oil free. http://www.sephora.com/moisture-surge-tinted-moisturizer-spf-15-P284201?skuId=1322510

I usually take cruises to tropical/beachy places so I can get away with just having a pair of flip flops, sneakers for exercising/excursions, and a pair of nice heels that can go with multiple outfits for dinner. I am a shoe-aholic so it is harder to say than do once I start packing, but I try to condense because I know I will wind up mostly only wearing flip flops.

I am planning a cruise around italy next summer, and for that I know I will be taking a lot more shoes. I will need stylish ones to walk around in (but still be comfortable, so maybe some sandals and flats), heels for nice dinners/outings, sneakers, flip flops for the beaches, and hopefully that covers it.

I snorkeled in key west when I was younger..I can't remember how long it took to get there but it was nice once we were in the water. That was one of my first snorkeling experiences so it was pretty awesome (I saw a barracuda!) but if you are a seasoned snorkeler/diver I don't think you'll be that impressed..especially since it's quite a ride to get to the destination.

I honestly bring my entire makeup bag every trip I go on. Even if it's just for one night! But the main things I need to make sure I do is my 3 step clinique procedure...wash face, toner, & moisturizer every morning and night. I usually only apply makeup for dinner when I'm on a cruise, but again, I take all of my makeup lol

That does not sound snobby at all..in fact your point isn't snobby what so ever. The comments on what you were wearing is extremely rude and uncalled for. I see people all over wearing 'nicer' clothes in restaurants that are casual places. It's preference. I feel as if carnival is starting to generate guests that aren't used to cruising with dress codes or have little cruise knowledge.

I went on Princess for my first time last year and they definitely still follow dress code, and have formal night often and their less formal night is still a night wear everyone dresses very nicely. Celebrity may also be another good option.

I do looove my margaritas when it's hot and sunny! If it is all inclusive (which is usually the only kind I go on) I drink a good amount. If I have to pay, I only drink maybe one drink a day...it's not super necessary for me but when it's free, why not!