How to Eat Healthy Whilst Travelling

A cruise provides the opportunity to combine relaxation, adventure and indulgence. For decades, cruise ships have offered travellers a getaway from everyday life, with an array of culinary delights, high-end entertainment and leisure activities to enjoy on board.

Traditionally, cruises are synonymous with rich buffets, meals served around the clock and the freedom to enjoy food and drink with no restraint. If you want to order three mains, sample the full cocktail menu or double up on dessert, we welcome you with open arms.

Yet, we recognise that travel and wellness are becoming increasingly connected. Travel needs to align with your personal goals and leave you feeling rejuvenated, not weighed down. If this sounds like you – and you’re looking to enjoy the perks of a cruise holiday whilst maintaining your health and fitness goals – read on to discover our tips for eating healthy whilst travelling.

Tips for having a healthy cruise holiday:

• Start the day right

• Make smart choices at the buffet

• Drink mindfully

• Take advantage of the fitness amenities

Start the day right

Your morning sets the tone for your entire day and is the perfect opportunity to prioritise your health and well-being and set your intentions. When you cruise with Ambassador, you can kickstart your day however best suits you.

The BBC explains the advantages of starting your day right: “The secret to health and well-being is setting healthy habits, and one of the best ways to achieve this is to start your morning well. The right routine not only sets you up for the day, it also puts you in control of your mood and behaviour, helps establish consistency and can manage anxiety and stress.”

For those with a focus on health, we recommend starting the day early – catching the sunrise from the walking track on our morning walk and talks is always a treat.

We’ve all heard that breakfast is the most important meal. You can enjoy a range of choices to fuel your body and delight your palate at the start of the day. For those keen to balance their breakfast, we recommend:

• A selection of fresh fruits, nuts and seeds

• Yoghurt

• Whole grain bread

• A protein-packed omelette

You can also choose from our selection of hot drinks and juices. Whether you’re getting ready for a busy port day or a relaxing sea day, you’ll have started off on the right foot.

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Make smart choices at the buffet

A buffet is a chance for both temptation and opportunity. With such a wide range of delicious options, it can be easier to find yourself curating a plate that’s more focused on quantity than quality. Although this can be a great way to try more, it can leave you feeling uncomfortably full from a meal that doesn’t align with your health goals.

As a basic rule, it’s recommended that you fill 50% of your plate with fresh produce (fruit and vegetables), 25% of your plate with carbohydrates, and 25% with protein-rich foods.

Here are a few other valuable strategies to help you tackle the buffet:

• Opt for a smaller plate to reduce the temptation to load up.

• Take a full tour of the buffet before loading up your plate.

• Team up with a travelling companion to split portions you want to try.

Drink mindfully

When you’re prioritising health, it’s not only your food intake that you should consider but your drink, too. Often, people can mistake thirst for hunger; when you’re out of routine and travelling, this is even easier to succumb to.  

Ensure you drink water throughout the day and stay hydrated – carrying a refillable water bottle with you can be a great way to do this. You can use our convenient refill stations to top up as you spend time on the ship. And, when you’re ashore, having water to hand can help you resist the temptation of buying higher-calorie, sugary drinks to quench your thirst.

The NHS recommends drinking between six and eight glasses of fluids a day, counting water, lower-fat milks, lower-sugar/sugar-free drinks or tea and coffee within that allowance. They warn that although fruit juices and smoothies also count, to be aware of their sugar level and to try and limit them to 150ml a day.

When it comes to alcohol, awareness is key. Having a drink whilst you’re cruising with us is a great way to unwind and relax, but many people don’t realise how many calories a cocktail can have. Considering the type and number of drinks you’re having is a wise choice if you're focusing on a health goal.

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Take advantage of fitness amenities

In addition to considering your food and drink options whilst on board, you can also take advantage of fitness amenities as you travel with us. Keeping active, especially on sea days, will help to promote healthier choices when it’s easy to get tempted by the buffet or a day of unwinding by the pool.

Why not start the day enjoying the onboard gym and health facilities? Throughout the day, we’ll have classes you can take part in, so you don’t need to worry about planning a workout or session, and you can try something new. Our walking track can also be a brilliant way to get your steps in whilst taking in the ever-changing surroundings.

The Green Sea Spa is perfect for unwinding, so why not book a treatment and reward all of your hard work? From facial treatments to healing therapies and hair styling to teeth whitening – whatever treatment you’re looking for, our therapists are ready to help you.

READ MORE: How to spend a sea day on an Ambassador cruise

Our no-fly cruises from the UK can be the perfect escape from real life, letting you find a holiday that balances your needs. Discover destinations from Norway to the Canary Islands, and enjoy West-End quality entertainment and culinary mastery – whether you’re indulging or not – when you cruise with Ambassador.

If you are looking for more advice on how to make the most of your upcoming cruise, be sure to check out our blog.