10 days in WDW and Weight Watchers, any suggestions?

[Kreid001]

Hi!

In 12 days we leave for our 10 day vacation at WDW. We're staying at the Polynesian, LV Concierge. My wife and I are both Weight Watchers members. She's lost over 40 lbs and I'm down 75 with 45 to go. Any suggestions from other WW members is greatly appreciated.

Most breakfasts will be in the Polynesian Concierge lounge and here are our current PS reservations:

Breakfasts:
Crystal Palace
Chef Mickey's

Lunch:
Sci-Fi
Biergarten

Dinner:
Liberty Tree
Spoodles
Luau Dinner Show
Rainforest Cafe
'Ohana

Any help is appreciated!

Thanks!!!

 

[suzannews]

WOW, awesome losses. Keep up the good work. By now, you know most of the tricks, all dressing and sauce on the side, dip the fork in the dressing first and then the food, don't even have bread brought to the table, etc. Also, you can ask to speak with the chef at any of the restaurants and let them know what you are looking for, most are very accomodating. Is the health club included since you are staying on the concierge level? I'm not sure if the Poly has one but the Contemporary and Grand Floridian are a short monorail ride away. If you are going to have dessert, why not split one. This way you can still have it, just not a huge portion. All Disney portions are large! Also, think of all the walking you will be doing.

Have a great vacation!


Suzanne (down 28 lbs on WW )

 

[Ms. WDW]

Congratulations on the wonderful losses!! I too am on WW and I've managed to stay OP while there.

I love the buffets. I can pick and choose what I put on my plate. And you'll find the Servers very willing to help out with selections and even sometimes substitutions. Split desserts and even some of the entrees. The portions at most sit down restaurants are big. Be careful at Spoodles. Some of the sauces are very rich. But definately go there; you'll love it.!!!

Also throughout WDW you can find salads, fruits, low fat treats and the such. Plus like suzannews said, the walking will definately offet what you eat.

Have a wonderful time...

Linda - down 40 lbs.

 

[barbeml]

Good for you! Both DH and I struggle with our weight but always manage to come out even at WDW. Some ideas:

I don't know how many healthy options Poly Concierge breakfast will offer, but Kona Cafe has a wonderful breakfast called Kona Delight--fresh melon, yogurt, a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of granola. Kept me fine until lunch.

Warm weather makes me more thirsty than hungry--staying hydrated helps keep the appetite in check.

While we don't deny ourselves anything we really want at WDW, we walk and climb stairs at every opportunity, and focus on eating salads for lunch. Also, we really don't do many desserts. We love them, but usually are too full.

When we do indulge, we share appetizer, enjoy our entrees, and split dessert. Also, I often ask for extra veggies in place of starch. Low carb really works for me.

Have a wonderful time!

 

[colleen costello]

Good luck! I gained a few, but am right back on track since returning home. I noticed that drinking lots of water helped. I packed snacks when I could, so if I got hungry before a mealtime I was prepared. I love Dr. Atkins Endulge Caramel Nut bars, (obviously not meant for WW) about 3 points and sugar free. These help fill me up til next meal. I always have one in my bag! I also ate A LOT of grilled chicken sandwiches. Just about everywhere offers a fruit cup or will substitute fruit for fries. I also never ordered dessert, just mooched bites from those around me. My family is used to this! My Dad calls me "Scuttle" after the seagull in Little Mermaid.

One place I threw caution to the wind was Boma. Fabulous food I won't ever get anywhere but WDW. Why diet here? I really tried to remember that even though I have a long way to goal weight, I can take my time getting there. THIS is my life and one week is not going to blow my diet for life! Just try to be "moderate" and enjoy!

 

[pewing]

First of all...consider your backs patted! Nice work...for a healthier tomorrow.

I too have been dieting. Buffets are nice...if you have self control...which I lack When I eat out I have been asking for smaller portions. Alas...sometimes I am still charged the same $$, but it's better to waste the money than the food Or worse...eat it!

Good luck. I admire you for trying. I will be there soon too...

 

[disney queen]

pewing, you ask for smaller portions at wdw? that is a great idea! and i am like you--i don't mind paying the price listed. buffets are killers for me. i am a life member at weight watchers and know all the tricks of the trade, but still have to be careful! one thing i do, and i know you are on vacation, but this really helps me is keep a food diary. that will really help you be aware of what you are eating! we say in our meeting: "if you bite it, you write it." even on vacation! and don't forget the water. have a great trip!

 

[aprincessmom]

First congratulations on your losses! Way to go both of you!

I went to WDW while on WW and not only that, I spent part of the time at a conference where food was served so I didn't have much of a choice what I ate at lunch but could control the breakfast and dinner.

I kept my breakfast light but filling. I actually packed a box of Kashi and bought fruit and skim milk each night so I could eat breakfast in my room each day. I think sticking with a high fiber cereal each morning (except for the two PS mornings) will help keep you on track.

Don't forget your water. It's really a lifesaver in the heat and also for keeping you feeling full.

When I ate in the restaurants I'd order a salad for the appetizer and an appetizer for my main dish. That way I could enjoy a full course meal similar to my traveling companions but not feel like I was cheating. Many of the appetizers are just smaller portions of the main dishes so it worked out really nicely. I never felt cheated of anything I wanted to eat but yet never felt like I was overeating or overindulging.

Another trick is to each order a salad and then just one entree (with an extra plate) to share. Some places charge an extra plate fee of a few dollars but it's worth it.

On the buffets, keep away from sauces and things that have been marinading (usually they involved oil so keep that too a minimum). I avoid anything beef (too many points) or anything with breading (again for points).

Most of the parks have a stand or two now where they sell baby carrots, grapes, apples and other fresh fruit. It kept my craving for other snacks to a minimum. Also treat yourself to a chocolate covered strawberry at Epcot. It was just so heavenly and really made me feel indulgent

Each morning before breakfast I would take a nice brisk walk. We stayed at the Swan so I did a few laps around the Boardwalk. Maybe you could do some around the lake. That would boost your activity points and give you a little more to play with for a treat.

Good luck and have fun!

 

[anne60]

I found these to be a life saver for the mid-afternoon hunger, saved me from making bad choices. Also, I brought Kashi heart to heart cereal, and chomped on that as a snack.

 

[carone0318]

Congratulations on your loses !!!!

I have lost 45 lbs and have been maintaining since last May. I went to Disney in June and I actually lost weight. The one thing that you really don't realize is that you are doing so much walking that you are burning a lot more than you do at home. I basically ate one big meal a day and when I snacked I kept it to the healthy snacks that I had brought with me. In regards to your breakfasts, I find the lesser of the breakfast food evils is pancakes. If you do not over-do-it and just eat your normal portions, I think that you will be pleasantly surprised. Everything in moderation!!!!

This time I am doing the cruise, so I need to practice what I preach. Luckily, after the cruise I go to Disney for 6 days, I plan to do some extra walking.....

 

[Gaiusrex]

I have been dieting (not the WW diet) and the only other tricks I use are:

-Carrots instead of French Fries!
-It is not a crime to leave food! You paid for it, you can throw it away if you want.
-Never try to get your money's worth at a buffet.

All of these things are hard for me to follow, but I've been sticking to it.

Biergarten may be tough. Ground-up meat and fat shoved into a pig's intestine is generally not "health consious".

 

[TandyR]

I am a WW lifetime member (lost 75 lbs). I journal when I am at WDW and make sure to drink your water...that is very important. If you gove over you points some it is ok....there is a reason my DH calls WDW "the land of endless walking" so I am sure you will have some activity points to make up for any minor overages. I know some people don't handle them well, but I find that I deal with buffets better then full service resturants because I can take the serving size that is right for me rather then what the chef gives me.

Have a good time I am sure you have the tools to make this work for you. Good luck.

 

[Dodie]

Hit up those fresh fruit and veggie stands for snacks!

Buy a bottle of water and one of those bottle straps first thing. Either refill it at fountains (if you can stand WDW water) or keep getting new bottles. Either way, having it hanging on you all the time will encourage you to KEEP drinking that water!

Sharing entrees is VERY common throughout WDW (at both counter service and sit-down places) and the portions tend to be huge anyway. Doing this will allow you a little extra room for a special treat.

Remember, although there's no reason to "fall off the wagon" while you're there - all of the WALKING you do will probably do more than make up for any indulgences you allow yourselves.

 

[Harambe]

We ate most breakfasts at Captain Cook's, banana and cereal. I'd fill my refillable mug with coffee, ride the bus to whichever park, rinse out the mug and use that at the water fountains. It saved a little money and I drank all my water. I also hit the fruit stands instead of the ice-cream stands, and walked tons! I also found good points-worthy foods at both Ohana and Kona Cafe. Since I don't do too many rides, my family knows that eating out at different themed restaurants is my splurge. I've always stayed the same weight, while enjoying myself. It's definately all the walking.

Keep up the good work! Your heart will love you for it!

 

[reneesam]

I'm a WW lifetime member (and also own at DVC, so I have to keep my points straight...lol) My biggest problem at WDW is portion control. Either split meals or ask for a doggie bag BEFORE you start to eat (or ask for an extra plate and put half of your portion on it to go into the doggie bag after you're done.)

I like the buffets, and my rule is fill half the plate with veggies (no points), 1/4 with a lean meat (regular ww portion size), and 1/4 with a high fiber, low fat starch (brown rice, whole wheat roll.) Do not return to the buffet!!!Fruit for dessert is readily available, or carry a Just 2 Points bar (a nice yummy one like the new apricot and orange breakfast bars.) Don't forget to JOURNAL!!!!!

Good luck...and CONGRATULATIONS!

Renee

 

[genetic jackhammer]

congratulations on your weight loss!! I too have lost 40 pounds at WW and will be at WDW in early May. I figure with all the walking that will help burn the calories, and I hope to keep some self control and try and eat as healthy as I can, but hey it is vacation and you need to splurge a few times.

Don't forget to use the pools!! Perhaps you can make it a point to try and get up a little early or aftet a day in the parks, try and swim a few laps in the quiet pool. Also last year when we were at WDW, we rented bikes a rode around the Polynesian grounds for an hour. That definitely burns a few calories, especially if you rent those surrey bikes!!

Have a wonderful time and keep up the good work!!

 

[Ilove8Trax]

My adivce is be able to have fun and treat yourself. If you would really like a once a year dessert or meal that you can only get at Disney...eat it! You'll enjoy it. Plus, you walk around so much that you'll be getting good exercise. It's about fun, not guilt. Be lienant (sp?), but controlled.

 

[Kreid001]

We leave for WDW in less than 48 hours! Thanks for all the advice.

 

[DebbieB]

Enjoy yourself! I'm on WW, lost about 35 pounds but I splurge some while at WDW. The last time I gained about 3 pounds but it was worth it! My Mom and I sometimes split entrees. My problem is water, I don't think I drink enough like I am used to. I gained about 3 pounds on my December trip, but if you watch when you get home it comes off fast!

 

[Muffy]

The servings are huge at WDW. I would suggest sharing meals. I think you will be fine with some advance planning. Have a great time!