Recently, I won a family cruise on the Regis and Kelly talk show. For a person whose business is fitness that is a good news, bad news dilemma. Statistically, an average of 5 lbs. per person is gained on a cruise. The camera adds about 10 lbs.

I set out to see if it was possible to have a great time, enjoy the food and not gain the obligatory 5 lbs. ( My other alternative was to hide behind a potted palm for the duration so as not to be seen by the cameras.)

The following five tips really work:

1. Walk, Walk, Walk
Take a walk around the deck with a loved one or get on the treadmill first thing in the morning before you start your day. When you stop at port walk if it is a short distance instead of taking a cab or shuttle.

2. Use the Stairs
My cabin was located on deck 7. Everything of interest was either two decks down or four to five decks up. I rarely took the elevator.

3. Dance the Night Away
My sisters and I went dancing for 3 hours, one night. We had a wonderful family experience and felt the mild pull of muscles we didnt know existed, the next day.

4. For Every Alcoholic beverage you consume have two large glasses of water. I think this one is self-explanatory.

5. Limit Yourself to one luscious dessert a day.
If you have a danish at breakfast, forego the pie at lunch and the chocolate truffle at dinner. The anticipation of that one dessert really adds to the pleasure of savoring your choice.

The key: I limited myself in such a way that I did not feel deprived and increased my activity so that I felt good physically. I did not gain a pound.

And if you get a peek at me on the Regis and Kelly show, I wont mind at all.