SouthernWorldwide.com – A unique cruise experience is offering passengers a taste of a low-carbohydrate diet, an approach that one woman claims has finally led to sustainable weight loss after years of struggle.
Debbie Hubbs, a 73-year-old from Arizona, was instrumental in creating the Low Carb Cruise. Her journey to weight loss success began when she embraced a low-carb eating style, which she describes as “the only thing that ever worked for me.”
The concept for the annual cruise originated in 2008 when Hubbs connected with another woman in an online weight loss forum. They discovered a shared passion for cruises and decided to invite fellow members of their online community to join them on a voyage.
One of these members, a blogger with connections in the ketogenic community, offered to recruit speakers for the cruise and even present himself. This initiative laid the groundwork for the educational component of the event.
The inaugural Low Carb Cruise saw approximately 30 participants. In the following years, the event grew significantly, with over 360 individuals joining the sailing to Alaska last year.
To date, the Low Carb Cruise has set sail 20 times. The company collaborates with a major cruise line that provides “great conference spaces” for their seminars. In recent times, Royal Caribbean has been a frequent partner for these sailings.
The cruise itinerary features seminars designed to educate passengers on the principles of reducing carbohydrate intake, rather than endorsing a single, rigid low-carb plan.
Hubbs’ personal experience with low-carb eating dates back to the 1970s with the Atkins diet. She found this dietary approach effective in managing the weight she gained after giving birth to her seven children.
The most recent Low Carb Cruise included a diverse range of expert talks. An oncologist discussed the relationship between diet and cancer, a cardiologist focused on metabolic and heart health, and an internal medicine physician addressed the topic of overcoming food addiction.
Passengers on the cruise have the opportunity to dine together and participate in various group activities throughout their journey. Hubbs describes the atmosphere as akin to “sailing with friends and family,” highlighting shared experiences like playing, dancing, and costume parties.
The Low Carb Cruise attracts a mix of individuals, including those new to the low-carb lifestyle and seasoned participants who return for subsequent voyages. Hubbs notes that attendees come from a wide array of international locations, including Iceland, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, and various European countries.
Michelle Hall, another committee member for the Low Carb Cruise and an Arizona resident, shares that many passengers are familiar with the cycle of trying numerous diets without lasting success. Hall herself underwent gastric lap band surgery in 2011, resulting in a nearly 100-pound weight loss without significant dietary changes. However, she began regaining weight after the band was removed.
In June 2020, Hall decided to re-engage with the keto diet, a plan she had previously experimented with. This time, she found it to be a sustainable lifestyle change. She attributes her renewed commitment to the health concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, stating, “That was enough” to motivate her to prioritize her health.
Upon learning about the Low Carb Cruise, Hall immediately booked a trip for herself and her husband. She sought feedback from other cruisers on the group’s Facebook page regarding the most valued aspects of the sailings.
“The overwhelming response was the community,” Hall reported. She highlighted a fellow cruiser’s sentiment that the experience had been “transformative” since their first Low Carb Cruise, enabling them to discover their potential through sharing their story and completing their first 5K.
Another participant was inspired by the cruise to pursue a doctorate in health sciences. Hall believes that a significant barrier to changing one’s eating habits is often psychological. She emphasizes the connection between gut health and overall well-being, referring to the gut as “our second brains.”
The Low Carb Cruise website clarifies that the event does not endorse or promote any specific type of low-carb lifestyle. Hall assures potential participants that there are no strict rules or enforcement, stating, “There’s no low-carb police.” The focus is on enjoying a vacation without pressure or judgment regarding dietary choices.
