The Beginning of Change Ahead

UPCOMING VACATION 

In four days, I envision being comfortably settled in our cabin on our twenty-two-day cruise. Our trip will include views of the April 8th eclipse from the Pacific Ocean near Mazatlan, Mexico.  

We have been planning this vacation since last November, which has been both exciting and panic-provoking. I am sure we will begin to relax once we are onboard and my nesting ritual is done.

Starting our new routines, we will soon feel as if we have always lived this way, never worrying about what to eat or do. Even our laundry is taken care of on this trip.

We are traveling with my husband’s college friend and their spouse. This is new for us, as we have only ever traveled with family. 

 I am looking forward to meeting new friends, having the extra company, and getting the latest insights they will bring us, as they are quite seasoned travelers. 

It will be a unique adventure, and I intend to document it well with writing and photography. 

ANTICIPATED CHALLENGES

Other than my anxiety over the possibility of bringing too much or too little personal belongings, the other concern is that I have already gained more weight than I am comfortable with over this past year.

 I had a specific goal of losing the extra pounds in the last few months, but I did the opposite.

Cruises are notorious for many options and eating opportunities.

There are tempting freshly baked desserts, creamy sauces, scrumptious snacks, umbrella drinks by the pool, gallons of cabernet, and specialty restaurants loaded with buttery-rich foods—all unique treats I can only get on a cruise.

The thought of “I’m on vacation” may also tempt me to continue overindulging. I haven’t exactly given myself any wiggle room to do that.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS 

I will also have lots of healthy choices. There will be a gym with a beautiful view of the ocean and a promenade deck for walking.  

Plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and herbal tea are available throughout the day.  

I keep reminding myself that this long cruise will be an opportunity to change from normal day-to-day routines and do things a little differently. 

My plan is to create healthier habits. 

Three weeks should be plenty of time to start at least one good practice I can take home. 

But how with all of these temptations? 

LOOKING INWARD

I believe the answer lies in looking inward versus outward at all that deliciousness. 

I intend to write daily while on board ship: Morning Pages, online posts, and at least an outline for a chapter or two for my nonfiction book. It may be an ambitious goal, but at the very least, I intend to write daily for the fourteen days we aren’t in a port. 

A lazy day spent writing while looking out at sea sounds very appealing.

I hope that the slower pace, writing, and additional introspection will allow me to become more mindful and, in turn, actually listen to my hunger cues.

A DIFFERENT WAY OF EATING 

I was recently reminded that it takes 15-20 minutes for your brain to register that you are full. Few everyday meals take longer than 15 minutes to devour at home.  

 I normally eat in front of a screen. I am usually in a hurry to stuff down some food and move on to the next thing, or I eat unconsciously in front of the latest streaming series.  

None of this will happen even once in the three weeks of our vacation. We rarely turn the TV on; when we do, it is to see the front of the ship and hear the background music playlist on board. 

On the cruise, I will slow down just by talking to our traveling companions, no longer gulping, but enjoying the food and taking breaks. 

80% FULL

There is a Japanese practice called "hara hachi bu," which roughly translates to "eat until you are 80% full." This concept is commonly practiced in Okinawa, Japan, which is known for its high number of centenarians.  

The idea is to avoid overeating by stopping before you feel full and allowing your body to register that it's had enough. 

Since I intend to slow down my eating, I thought I would practice this skill, hopefully enough to master it.  I can still have a variety of foods and desserts and not feel deprived but also not add unnecessary pounds.  

NEW PERSPECTIVES

I’m certain that this vacation will give me a new perspective on my day-to-day living. It will force me out of whatever rut I may be in, even if I don’t realize it now.  

New adventures and experiences have a way of doing that. 

I am still at home, making crucial decisions about what I can live without to keep my suitcase under 50 pounds. I’m sure my packing habits will never change, but that is okay. One or two transformations in three weeks is an ambitious enough goal.  

I’ll let you know how it goes.  

I’d love to hear about any experiences you have had maintaining your weight on a vacation or any new perspectives you experienced once you arrived home.  

Thank you so much for reading!

Keep smiling!

xx