The High Seas Diet and Fitness Plan

(This list compiled during the latest journey on the M/V Fort Jefferson, when we went 8 mph for more than 6 long, grueling hours due to rough seas and having an injured boat limping along in our wake.)

Reduce caloric intake the natural way with nature's own cleansing and purging routine!

• Foods on the approved list include soft foods (easy on the way down and on the way up) that are low in calories such as yogurt, oatmeal etc.
  
• Drink a delicate balance of tea and water. Both help you avoid the dry heaves and both are low in calories. This very delicate balance is recommended because you don't want to drink too much liquid that will require a trip to the head -- an evil place to be avoided at all costs.
  
• Being on the water for such an extended period of time is a natural deterrent from eating high fat, high volume foods such as Big Macs, french fries, ice cream. In addition to not having access to such food, it kills your appetite for days (and sometimes for days prior due to dread of being on the high seas).
• Wearing seabands on your wrists makes them fall asleep, making it more difficult to negotiate getting food in your mouth.
• Taking motion sickness pills will knock you out for days, which you will spend sleeping and therefore not be awake to eat.
  

Get in a great, inexpensive all-over body workout! No expensive equipment to buy ... simply a sturdy ship rail!

• Getting sick works your abs better and cheaper than the ab lounger, ab roller and other costly ab machines.
  
• In addition, you get in plenty of knee bends (going for distance over the rail), which are easier on your joints than squats.
• Gripping the rail provides a burn in your arms and shoulders that will last for hours and is a surefire upper-arm and shoulder toner.
  
• Burn bonus calories from the chills and shivering that results from being in the constant sea spray and wind.