low carb at Disney World

[disney_dreaming_mom]

Hi Everyone,

Since having my first baby 2 years ago I have been on a pretty strict diet and have worked really hard to lose weight since then. I am still about 20lbs from my goal and am getting there slowly and surely but once I get to Disney World over Christmas I don't want to slip back and gain like 10 lbs since we will be there almost 2 weeks. I have been worried about this because my personal trainer warned me against going off my low carb diet saying it will really mess up my progress. Does anyone have any advice to stay on track especially low carb while at the parks while still enjoying good meals with family? TIA!!!

[lisah0711]

Well, I would say that you have already taken a big step in realizing that you have to have a plan to stay on track while you are at WDW. That is a great first step.

Hopefully your diet lets you plan for the occassional treat so pick a couple of things that you really enjoy and work that into the plan. Eating a healthy breakfast in your room is often a good tradeoff for that treat later in the day. I imagine that you can do the usual pass the bread basket, salad with dressing on the side, no bun thing for low carb. If you're diet is really specialized, you may need to ask for help from your server or the chef for recommendations. Most places are happy to help.

And make sure that you have a plan for when you get home. That way no matter what happens while you are on vacation you know that you are ready to head in the right direction when you return.

Good luck and enjoy your vacation!

[cewait]

First I really hope your trainer is really looking at a balanced diet that just feels low carb.. Second as previously posted, you are already there just understanding what you need.

Preview menus online before heading out. Most sit down places will work with you. It's very easy to get a green salad with a grilled chicken breast added. Avoid restaurants like Italy where you know going in that you will be hit with a load of carbs... though I have ordered a more balanced meal there recently. You just have to be willing ot ask for what you want and refuse to accept what you do not. I travel about 40% of the time and after the first few timid tries I realized that it is easy to get what you want. Today I will look at a menu but rarely order a meal without modification.

ALSO, be prepared to ask for a doggie bag as soon as you receive your meal if the prtion sizes are larger than you expect. Pare your meal down to your portion size, put the rest in the doggie bag then enjoy the meal. Since you are travelling and may not have a refrierator, simply 'forget' the bag as you leave.

[perfectmatch300]

Most Disney restaurants sre really good about substituting verries for high carb items like potatoes. I've had no problem doing that. I also like buffets because I can fill my plate with low carb items and just skip the things I don't want. I always start at the carving station, then veggies and salads. By that point my plate is full & I am happy and not feeling like I've missed out on anything. I am more than happy to have stayed on plan.

Also, carry low carb snacks like nuts with you so you're not tempted if you want to snack during the day.

You can do it. I live locally to WDW so we are there frequently. I can't use the "I'm on vacation" excuse!

[FireDancer]

As the PPs have said the most important thing is to realize that you need to plan to eat the way you want while at WDW. It is not hard to eat healthy down at WDW as long as you are willing to make an effort.

Every restaurant at WDW will go out of their way to customize anything you would like. For me that is usually making something without a rich sauce or changing a side. I am hoping that by low carb you are more restricting over processed carbs and concentrating on high quality fiber rich carbs.

I would recommend going to the menu sections of AllEars and WDWInfo and check out the menus so you have a plan.

Keep in mind that for every additional mile you walk at WDW in addition to what you would walk at home, you will require around 100 extra calories. If you balance your diet with your activity level and concentrate on high quality calories as opposed to low quality (like all those Zebra Domes) I think you will be fine.