Vacation

(Brandy Leigh) #1

6 weeks in and I think I’m finally in the sweet spot. Consistent ketones, leaning out feeling good. Andddd I leave for a 6 day vacation and cruise. My BF says he’s going to indulge. I kind of don’t want to! I like how I’m felling, don’t want to lose it! Is this an unrealistic goal? Will it kill everything to try a few bites of non keto treats? Or drinks?

(Jessica) #2

You can totally do vacation and also stick to your plan. I’ve never been on a cruise but I would think it’s be pretty easy given the options. If I were you, I’d loosen up maybe a little and enjoy a fruity drink, but mostly sick with it.

(Carl Keller) #3

I would just be careful with large amounts of things with processed sugars in them. Some people have a very negative reaction… such as flu-like symptoms, a return of cravings and hunger. Depending on your metabolic flexibility, you may find that starches are a safer choice in moderation but expect to gain some water weight (probably less than 10 pounds) as your body will replenish glycogen stores in your liver and muscles.

If you don’t want to break your keto, seek out simple dishes like steak, unbreaded fish or poultry and let vegetables and salads be the bulk of your carb intake.

(Robert C) #4

Your BF will sit next to you and indulge and you will just watch?

I have not personally ever been on a cruise but, everyone that I know that has has also added a few pounds (which usually fall away after a week or two of their normal eating).

For me, I would ask myself - what is the point of this trip? As I understand it, a BIG part of going on a cruise is the food and drink (both supposed to be great). An example I have used before is going on a 2-month tour of France. Whatever woman I am with wants to go to a $150 per person “fixed menu” famous restaurant. If I say “No, you go ahead, doesn’t look keto - I’ll eat some sausage in the hotel room” then I am not going to have a happy roommate. Same with the case where I stick to my guns and demand that we go to a non “fixed menu” not-so-famous restaurant. Afterward I would feel pretty stupid - trying to get the cooks to make the same keto food I have at home all the time.

I assume you ate non-keto for the majority of your life - what is another week?
If you get all keto picky on a cruise - you might become the center of attention and conversation - I find that upsetting myself.

The other thing to keep in mind is to avoid the bad combination of keto foods and non-keto foods. If you have some high-fat “keto” foods at the same time as some insulin spiking carbs - you’re supplying yourself with lots of fat and the insulin spike will cause lots of storage.

So, if you go off keto - really go off and avoid the keto habits of adding extra cheese, butter, ordering the fattiest cuts of meat etc.

(Janelle) #5

Man, the cruise buffet should be awesome for keto if you’re willing to stick to plan. Most cruise ships have “stations” too. So if there’s a hamburger/hot dog station, just get the meat without the bun. At the buffet, there will likely be a carving station. Ask for a big piece of meat/a lot of slices, get a nice salad and indulge in some above the ground veggies. Omelet station for breakfast? Perfect. I think of cruise food way differently now on keto. Remind yourself that the desserts they serve are super sugar-filled and really not all that good.

(Janelle) #6

Not intended for @CarlKeller - sorry, it’s too early.

(Robert C) #7

Also, I’d be careful about what I said up front.

If you feel like you are locking yourself in by telling others that you are keto - you might not feel so good if you cave a couple of days later.

(PSackmann) #8

Have a wonderful time! Doing a quick Google search reveals a lot of ideas on how to stay in ketosis during a cruise if that’s what you want to do. If you decide to indulge, there are some good threads on the site regarding cheat days and how to get back on the next day. Just keep in mind you’ll probably feel some effects from any true carbage, so make sure the indulgence is worth the next day.

(Brandy Leigh) #9

I think it would mostly be alchohol I’m concerned with. I am certain I can happily maintain the Keto Diet. But I may want a drink too, even if it is low carb it kind of worries me… I am bringing some exogenous ketones, and tester with me as well. But is it a huge deal to have a couple drinks a day? Vodka and soda perhaps?

(PSackmann) #10

To me, vodka has no flavor. If it were me, I’d experiment with the good tequilas at the bar, find the ones you can sip straight. Small-batch gins as well, compare the botanical flavors. Local rums (just watch out, the flavored ones have sweetener added). It will affect you more, so plenty of water while tasting is a must and cleanse your palate with some cheese. Make it an experience worth any after-effects.

(Full Metal KETO AF) #11

You can drink distilled spirits pretty safely as long as they aren’t sweetened of course. Stick to club soda, neat, rocks or diet mixers like diet tonic water or diet sodas. But be aware that alcohol consumption in any amount will stall ketosis until your liver can process the alcohol. Your body sees alcohol as a poison that must be eliminated. Your liver will prioritize getting rid of it and will not process fats into ketones until the alcohol has been dealt with. Usually in most of a day’s timespan. If you drink everyday you will spend very little time in ketosis especially if you’re indulging in carbs on top of it. Any fatty foods as @RobC mentioned will be stored as body fat as your liver will be busy with the alcohol.

So either go HCLF and drink or stay keto and limit your alcohol consumption. Overall if you’re spending a bunch of money to go on a cruise I would enjoy the experience trying not to be overindulgent and get back on track when you get home. :cowboy_hat_face: