I am taking a break from a long awaited Alaskan cruise vacation to write about the balancing act (literally and figuratively) that is required to avoid weight gain and/or hyper/hypoglycemia (in people with or without diabetes). I am writing about those of us who are at risk for pre-diabetes as well. In December of 2010, I arranged a family cruise to celebrate my son's graduation from medical school to coincide with a diabetes meeting in Anchorage, Alaska. Everyone warned me about all the "food opportunities" once on board and the multitude of choices available. They were not wrong. Since dining is part of the cruise package, there is no extra charge for multiple appetizers, main courses, and desserts. A buffet is always available for your eating pleasure! Of course, cruisers are the target of multiple jokes and the myth of 1- 2 pound weight gain per day may just not be a myth. Strategies are necessary to survive the barrage of food.
The temptation to eat 3 meals per day along with the "light" snacks offered in the afternoon is very real. One may sit down to dine in a traditional dining room or eat at other venues. There is a gym available to work off those extra calories and a deck to walk around the entire ship's periphery. (1 mile=3 laps around the ship). It is interesting to observe how people seem to become somewhat more gluttonous as the days progress...ordering more than 1 appetizer, entrée, or dessert! So, how is it possible to remain euglycemic and avoid the poundage that leads to further insulin resistance?
1. Buffet strategies-
a. walk all around the aisles to see just what is available. Often (per my hotel management friend), the best quality choices are harder to find and are in places not as easy accessible. Look for the lean meat choices.
b. Take the smallest plate available to help with portion sizes.
c. Try out the lovely fruit choices and avoid muffins/croissants.
d. Fish appears to be abundant, especially salmon, so take advantage of freshly caught fish!
e. When you have filled your (smaller) plate, walk as far away as possible to another room to enjoy your meal. This will make you less inclined to get seconds or thirds.
f. If on an insulin pump, use the combo/extended bolus feature as much as possible.
g. If on basal /bolus regimens with shots, make sure you try to bolus before eating after estimating as best as possible the amount of carbs on your plate (same is true for pumpers).
h. Test blood sugars at least every 3-4 hours if on basal bolus therapy (pump and multiple injections) to take advantage of "correction opportunities." After all, you do not know those hidden carbs packed into that delicious appetizer or soup.
i. Try to fill up your plate with pretty veggies (did not always work for me, despite the sage advise of my wise Children's Diabetes team dietician)!
2. Traditional dining strategies
a. Order one appetizer, main course, or dessert. DO NOT succumb to temptation (that is really hard). Peer pressure should be avoided.
