Hungry Girl (81 page)

Take advantage of the "free to walk about the cabin" part of your trip. Stretch your limbs, stroll the aisles, and keep your blood flowing. You'll be less likely to munch mindlessly if you're alert and aren't achy. Happy travels!

HG's Quick Road-Trip Fixes for "On the Go" Snack Options

So you forgot to plan ahead. No worries . . .

Stop at the corner market instead of the corner fast food joint, and you'll have hundreds of healthy options.

Take part in a Slurpee-fest at 7-Eleven, but only with the reduced-calorie Crystal Light Slurpees (which come in several fruity-licious flavors).

Dying for ice cream? Who needs that awful convenience-store freezer loaded with bad choices? McDonald's has soft-serve, reduced-fat vanilla ice cream cones with just 150 calories and 3.5 grams of fat each. Well worth it!

Frap Attack! There are Starbucks locations on practically every block in the U.S. (sometimes two per block!), so it's good to know that you can stop in and enjoy a Frappuccino Light Blended Coffee if you're craving a sweet blended coffee drink. Most are super-low in fat and have just 140 to 180 calories for a Grande size. Go for it!

Eating is definitely a major part of a cruise. And all the rumors are true—there are usually multiple buffets at all times of the day (and night). But this isn't necessarily a bad thing . . .

* Embrace the Buffet
—Buffets are packed with healthy options, and each one is a great opportunity to custom-build your perfect meal. Look for omelette stations (egg whites, no oil, and tons of veggies!), shrimp cocktail, cut-up veggies, fresh fruit, salad bars, and more.

* Drink Up
—If cocktails are part of your celebration style, no worries! For low-cal cocktail choices, your best bottled bets are wine or light beer. For mixed drinks, stick with ones made with calorie-free mixers (like diet soda or seltzer) and then flavor them with all the fruit garnishes you can get your hands on.

* Speak Up
—Cruise crews are used to special requests. The kitchen staff is usually prepared to cater to diabetics, vegetarians, and more, so if you want to special order something for the sit-down dinner, it shouldn't be a problem. Ask in advance to give them plenty of time to prep.

* Stay Active
—Participating in physical activity on board is a great way to avoid feeling the effects of extra food. Most ships have fitness rooms, but even splashing around in the pool or playing shuffleboard on the Lido Deck burns calories.