A thinking woman's guide to eating smart on the road

When I travel I eat. Sure, I eat when I'm not traveling, but something about freeing myself from the gravitational pull of everyday life unhinges me from my (almost) religious pursuit of healthy food.

Perfect BuffetI toss aside my need for fruit and veggies and shamelessly indulge in my not-so-secret love of bread, cheese and wine. I transform from a pious, healthy eater to a hedonistic, deliriously happy foodie.

Trouble is, that kind of behavior can land me into a hell of my own making. And the first trip to the gym can feel like a slap upside the head from the universe.

If you're like me, a few simple steps can help you sin without ever having to pay the price. I recently returned from a 2-week cruise where I ate and drank more than I ever have in my life - I came back 2 pounds lighter.

Take these tips for a test drive the next time you travel and let me know if they work:

Move it, Baby: You don't have to hit the gym, but physical activity 30 minutes a day will burn off that midnight buffet. A couple laps around the ship, a hike, a long walk on the beach, a round of horizontal gymnastics - use your imagination!

Workout ahead of time: Pushing yourself a little harder at the gym the week before you leave means more muscle mass - which burns calories at a faster rate than fat. And revving up your metabolism will help your body with all the splurging you're about to do.

Sin, but sin cautiously: Indulge in local flavors, but balance that with more control at alternate meals. Eat the pasta for lunch, but opt for fresh veggies and fish for your evening meal. Enjoy the red wine, but couple it with lots of water.

Choose your drinks wisely: Cocktails on the beach are a powerful aphrodisiac, but they're also packed with calories - a pina coloda has 800 calories (that's 2,400 if you have 3). Choose libations like wine spritzers or a Bloody Mary so you have more room to splurge on that pasta, the cheese, those deserts.

How do you avoid weight gain when you travel? Share your secrets with us!