Healthy eating in MDR/Specialist Restaurants

[gordylad]

Hi

 

We are on the T/A in October from Rome to Miami Celebrity Reflection. We were on the ship in June and had meals only in MDR which we enjoyed. We have decided to use the cruise and try and introduce some healthier eating habits.

 

This time we have the 4 dinner package at speciality restaurants.

 

Can anyone give some menu/food advice with regards healthier eating while on board?

 

Thanks

 

PS I think I may fail at the first hurdle [hee hee]................

[JanineM]

Skip the bread, limit cocktails, stay away from the buffet in between meals. Biggest thing for me has been learning to not worry about food waste. If I take a bite of something and it isn't completely worth the calories, put it back on the plate.

 

Take advantage of Aqua Spa cafe!

 

We now stay in Aqua class & eat in Blu. The servings are so much smaller - it's made me realise how much we were eating. Specialty restaurants have huge portions, but what is a vacation without a few splurges?

[gold1953]

There are healthy options in the MDR for sure. We don't order any food that has a pastry /phyllo. We always skip the MDR a couple of times and have the made to order stir fry from the buffet and we eat outside.

We have been in Aqua Class and yes there are smaller portions but they still use a lot of pastry.

 

It is nice that the MDR menu is posted early everyday at the door of the dining room as well as in the Oceanview café. We look it over and make our decision early as to where we will eat

[caribsun]

After boarding see the head maître d' and you can work with the wait staff to design your meals.

[Caribbean Chris]

On our last cruise to Hawaii on Century, I ordered fish most nights and was really pleased with the preparation and variety. At home, I tend to just cook plain salmon, tuna or shrimp, so it was fun to branch out a bit.

 

My husband usually orders lighter appetizers like consomme clear soups rather than creamy bisque, and has a single scoop of sorbet rather than more elaborate desserts.

 

Specialty restaurants like Murano unfortunately have the richest food on the ship...but it's certainly great and hard to resist.

 

If I skipped the bread, sweet blender drinks, breakfast pastries, desserts, pizza and ice cream, I'd be better off...alas. On the other hand, it's vacation!

[LF2C]

Hi

 

We are on the T/A in October from Rome to Miami Celebrity Reflection. We were on the ship in June and had meals only in MDR which we enjoyed. We have decided to use the cruise and try and introduce some healthier eating habits.

 

This time we have the 4 dinner package at speciality restaurants.

 

Can anyone give some menu/food advice with regards healthier eating while on board?

 

Thanks

 

PS I think I may fail at the first hurdle [hee hee]................

 

There is only one answer..............don't go on a cruise lol :D

[hcat]

We dine in Blu so luckily food is lighter on salt, heavy cream sauces and gravy yet nicely spiced.

 

Start with a salad.

 

I choose between a roll or potato/rice for a starch and usually ask for double veggie portion when I place my order...portions of veggies sometime small.

 

don't have dessert every night..save up calories for a big treat like an iglu

 

Go light for lunch on days dinner will be at a specialty restaurant....they have healthy choices there too!

 

Eat a bit of everything but no need to clear the plate!

 

walk everywhere!

Edited September 17, 2014 by hcat

[BunnyLebowski]

What I do- keep portions small and don't finish everything on the plate.

 

Breakfast is no carbs- often just coffee with cream (not milk) and splenda, but will have bacon and/or eggs if I'm hungry.

 

Lunch is protein and vegetables, no bread, potatoes, rice, etc.

 

Dinner I eat whatever I want including wine and dessert (a few bites), but not so much I feel stuffed.

 

Try not to snack at all.

 

Beverage package will add lots of calories if you aren't careful, erasing all the hard work you're doing by eating well in the MDR. I try not to drink calories, meaning a frozen drink is a special treat, not a daily occurrence. For cocktails I stick with wine, grey goose and club soda with a splash of grapefruit, captain and diet coke, and grey goose pear and sprite zero.

 

Of course always take the stairs if you are physically able to (but honestly you can't out exercise daily overeating) and try to be as physically active as possible while having fun.

 

Finally, if you really want something have it and don't feel guilty. It's your vacation!

[miched]

Everything in moderation.

 

Don't over indulge in deserts, alcohol, breads, juices, ice cream, salad dressing, waffles, fries, and etc.

 

Stay away from the buffet.

 

Don't eat pizza.

 

If you are trying to not gain weight you need to limit your calories and it is very easy to consume a days worth during breakfast by having that croissant, glass of juice, milk, waffles, pancakes, bacon and etc.

 

Don't justify it by thinking that walking around the ship, 30 minutes on a treadmill or walking up stairs are burning up those calories.

 

Happy crusing 🌊🚢🇺🇸🌅

[cruisinsusin]

Hi

 

 

Can anyone give some menu/food advice with regards healthier eating while on board?

 

]................

 

We have followed advice I first read here on the CC boards-" if it is not wonderful, don"t finish it".

 

Agree with others that limiting the carbs during the day allows for a small splurge at dinner and if physically able, never use the elevator-stairs are your friend!

[ClaudiaB]

I agree with all these but will add that the buffet can be your friend -- sometimes.

I am one of those people who could eat a salad every meal but I know that some salads are no better than a double serving of creme brûlée or cheesecake if not carefully put together.

 

I take a plate and fill it with raw lettuce and spinach leaves. I add some raw mushrooms and broccoli and other items like that. I do this while waiting for my grilled chicken breast or salmon filet (sans butter and oil please) to be made in Aqua Spa Grill. I choose a bit of low cal dressing or vinaigrette in a separate cup so I can dip my bites sparingly.

 

I drink about two bottles of water with this and I'm honestly totally filled up.

 

I love fruit but I also try and limit my consumption on board since it acts like a carb. I'll have one of those apples from the stateroom mid afternoon. Or I'll get the butler to bring me some fresh berries and fat free Greek yogurt for my breakfast.

 

I agree, skip the alcohol and juices and even the virgin daiquiris. I love broccoli and it's available all the time in every kitchen, so I just ask for that most evenings - just cooked and served without butter.

 

Last time we were in Blu I asked my server if I could have a lot more of the celery sticks and hummus than was delivered. I eat that instead of those breadsticks which are wonderful but I don't need. I actually love celery.

 

An hour in the gym is what I try for although sometimes I prefer to just walk an hour on deck.

[maggie.1008]

We do best when we dine in Blu. No weight gain. Stay away from bread and sugar and you will do fine. We still enjoy a few cocktails and wine with dinner.

[gordylad]

Great replies very helpful. My wife has to go for surgery when we return home so trying to make the best of the cruise whilst at the same time knowing a healthy body will cope a lot better under the op.

[Queen of Oakville]

Unless you have health restrictions ....it's a holiday, so enjoy! One week is not going to kill you, so go back on the wagon when you get home.

 

 

 

I vary rarely gain weight on a cruise. I eat to my heart's content, but like a previous poster noted, if I don't enjoy it, I won't eat. I'm not afraid to leave something on my plate that is not to my liking.

 

also, TAKE THE STAIRS. Unless I've got my 4" stilettos on and I'm late for dinner or a show .... we'll take the stairs. I also try and avoid booking mid-ship cabins which increases the amount of walking I have to do.

 

I'm looking forward to the next cruise while wearing my Fitbit device and seeing how many steps/stairs I take on a 7 day cruise and how much higher my activity level is on a cruise vs. my sedentary work week sitting at a desk.

[We're The Groupnors]

He's how I stick to my usual healthy habits while cruising:

 

- Book a cabin as far away from the elevators as possible

- Take the stairs as much as possible

- When in port walk, walk, walk

- When on a sea day walk the ship or get in at least 30 minutes in the gym

- Keep breakfast light, or at least the same as you would eat at home. I tend to go heavy on fresh fruit, maybe a poached egg a couple times during a week, and once in the cruise I splurge on kippers or corned beef hash

- At lunch DH likes the buffet so I fill up at least half my plate with fresh green salad with vegetable toppings and a little olive oil & vinegar, salt & pepper, then take a small portion of something else that appeals to me like curry or pizza.

- Limit snacking (I'm not a snacker at home either). If you must snack in the late afternoon sushi is a good option, but keep it to a couple of pieces.

- For dinner start with a green salad, dressing on the side, or a light (broth) soup. I admittedly splurge on escargot on occasion. Order what you feel like as a main, but if you're getting full leave some on your plate. Fish or lean meats are typically going to be your lowest calorie and fat options, provided they're not drenched in sauce. Ask for a side order of stramed veggies. For dessert opt for sorbet, or just a few bites of something more decadent.

 

I went on three cruises while on Weight Watchers and following the above I still managed to lose weight while vacationing. Good luck!!

[royalcruz]

With the 4 restaurant package, here are some healthier options:

 

Qsine: Qsine Greens, chilled soup, M's Favorites, Veggies du Jatour, sushi lollipops, salmon, Persian Kebob (chicken), Tresevechi. A lot of the other food here is fried.

 

Murano: Dover sole, loup de mer. The mozzarella salad and mushroom cappucini might not be too unhealthy compared to some of the other first/second course choices.

 

Lawn Club Grill: salad bar, margherita flatbread light on the cheese, grilled salmon or red snapper, vegetable kebob, baked potato

 

Tuscan Grill: vegetarian antipasti (it's not on the menu but they will make it for you), arugula salad, grilled sea bass, pan-seared salmon

 

Dessert tips:

Whever you dine, ask your waiter for berries for dessert. Try to avoid the dessert station at the buffet and Cafe al Bacio desserts for at least the first 2/3 of the cruise...then you can reward yourself during the last 3rd of the cruise....once you start tasting baked goods it might be harder to stay away so delay it.

 

Bring a couple of good books to distract you from food during the ocean crossing. :)

[Redtravel]

Celebrity has a good variety of options. There are a vast selection available at all meals. The MDR menus specify the options. Celebrity has a superb staff that can accommodate particular requests. I am allergic to nuts. I pre-order often...or just inform my waiter. Celebrity listens.

[Mapleleaf5]

With the 4 restaurant package, here are some healthier options:

 

Qsine: Qsine Greens, chilled soup, M's Favorites, Veggies du Jatour, sushi lollipops, salmon, Persian Kebob (chicken), Tresevechi. A lot of the other food here is fried.

 

Murano: Dover sole, loup de mer. The mozzarella salad and mushroom cappucini might not be too unhealthy compared to some of the other first/second course choices.

 

Lawn Club Grill: salad bar, margherita flatbread light on the cheese, grilled salmon or red snapper, vegetable kebob, baked potato

 

Tuscan Grill: vegetarian antipasti (it's not on the menu but they will make it for you), arugula salad, grilled sea bass, pan-seared salmon

 

Dessert tips:

Whever you dine, ask your waiter for berries for dessert. Try to avoid the dessert station at the buffet and Cafe al Bacio desserts for at least the first 2/3 of the cruise...then you can reward yourself during the last 3rd of the cruise....once you start tasting baked goods it might be harder to stay away so delay it.Bring a couple of good books to distract you from food during the ocean crossing. :)

 

I always ask for berries for dessert, but the last couple of cruise I get a little grief from the waiters.

about it!

[herbanrenewal]

At every dinner, ask for extra steamed vegetables. actually you only need to ask once or twice unless you have a different waiter every day.

 

Although you may not get berries every night you can ask for and receive fruit every night for dessert.

 

If the fish dish is battered ask for it broiled.

[lovetotraveltx]

Are all the celebrity restaurants OK with asking for dressings and main course sauces on the side?

 

Also, do they do egg white omelets?

 

Thanks!

[herbanrenewal]

Are all the celebrity restaurants OK with asking for dressings and main course sauces on the side?

Also, do they do egg white omelets?

Thanks!

 

Yes and yes

And if you have special dietary needs let them know in advance and they will be prepared to accommodate your dietary needs, such as gluten free, vegan, kosher, or diabetic diets.

[Lsimon]

We have no problems finding healthy foods on board with the biggest exception being the amount of salt they use in a lot of dishes.

 

The problem is avoiding the temptation of all the wonderful but not so healthy foods and/or eating in moderation with all of that temptation there for the taking.

 

My intended diet on a cruise:

Breakfast: Whole grain cereal with some low fat yogurt and fruit.

Lunch: Salad with healthy ingredients and an olive oil & balsamic dressing, no bread.

Dinner, Salad, low fat entrée with steamed veggies - no bread. Skip dessert

 

Reality:

Breakfast: Cheese omelet with bagel and cream cheese, bacon, waffle, seconds on bacon. The healthy part is I didn't have a pastry with that (I just tasted half of my DW's)

Lunch: Burger and fries and maybe a slice of pizza to go along with that.

Afternoon snack: Pastries or cookies at café al Bacio, or perhaps a slice of pizza or some sushi.

Dinner, after an apple martini or two: A few rolls or breadsticks with butter while we wait; escargot appetizer with lots of melted garlic butter to dip the second order of breadsticks into, soup or salad (or make that soup AND salad) , steak and potatoes along with my steamed veggies. Dessert: Waiter brings me the cake or pastry dessert I ordered along with the other dessert I was trying to decide between but didn't order and I eat them both.

Edited September 19, 2014 by Lsimon

[Ma Bell]

We have no problems finding healthy foods on board with the biggest exception being the amount of salt they use in a lot of dishes.

 

The problem is avoiding the temptation of all the wonderful but not so healthy foods and/or eating in moderation with all of that temptation there for the taking.

 

My intended diet on a cruise:

Breakfast: Whole grain cereal with some low fat yogurt and fruit.

Lunch: Salad with healthy ingredients and an olive oil & balsamic dressing, no bread.

Dinner, Salad, low fat entrée with steamed veggies - no bread. Skip dessert

 

Reality:

Breakfast: Cheese omelet with bagel and cream cheese, bacon, waffle, seconds on bacon. The healthy part is I didn't have a pastry with that (I just tasted half of my DW's)

Lunch: Burger and fries and maybe a slice of pizza to go along with that.

Afternoon snack: Pastries or cookies at café al Bacio, or perhaps a slice of pizza or some sushi.

Dinner, after an apple martini or two: A few rolls or breadsticks with butter while we wait; escargot appetizer with lots of melted garlic butter to dip the second order of breadsticks into, soup or salad (or make that soup AND salad) , steak and potatoes along with my steamed veggies. Dessert: Waiter brings me the cake or pastry dessert I ordered along with the other dessert I was trying to decide between but didn't order and I eat them both.

 

Very funny Larry and unfortunately too true.;)

[lovetotraveltx]

We can relate, lol!

 

I will try to have a healthy breakfast, at least semi healthy lunch. Stick with my only whole grains most of the trip. And, only do a sweet desert at dinner.

 

Plan to carry some healthy snacks to help too.

 

But, don't "diet" on vacation.

[K.T.B.]

I love to eat. I could go to a buffet and wipe 'em out! :D

 

With that said, I was very determined on my last cruise to not gain weight. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I ate what I wanted. The main thing I did was watch my portions and I made sure for lunch and dinner that I always had a very large green salad of some sort. There was only one night where I would consider myself overly-gluttonous.

 

I also made full use of the Premium Drink Package. I had more alcohol on this cruise than I would have in a month normally.

 

Be that as it may, I still lost a pound. It was the portion control that helped and picking the one night to really over indulge in something I really wanted (Qsine). It also helped that most of what we did on shore was walk.

Edited September 19, 2014 by Kevin T Brown