A Sensible Dinner - Pearlieq's Journal

[TPCShauna]

Your WDW posts are making me want to go NOW!!!

It sounds like you are enjoying yourself. I think it's fine if you want to loosen up a bit on your vacation. After all, do diets really exist in the Happiest Place on Earth?

 

[Lesli54]

Well, the is shining here and it is warmer, but not FL weather!

You sound like you are having a great time. Your food choices and portions don't look too bad and with all the walking you are doing, I think you will be fine .

 

[pearlieq]

5/4/05 - As God as my witness, I'll never eat again!

8:30am

--1/3 pt. strawberries
--1 c. yogurt
--1 c. raisin bran

Off to Epcot. It rained like the dickens last night and it's still very damp this morning, it's not hot, but the humidity is holding at 100%. We got in just in time for rope drop. We started at Soarin, then headed over to Test Track. DH and my bro rode Mission Space, I sat that one out. Then off to Spaceship Earth. After that we ambled into World Showcase--the walk took a while because we kept stopping ot admire the beautiful topiary. DH is sore and hurting, so we opted to take the boat over to Germany instead of walking. I must say that I can feel a difference in this trip. Between the working out, weight loss, and the Crocs, I'm really not having much foot trouble. It's like a miracle! I used to be in almost constant agony after the first day of our trips. Now I'm much more energetic and I can go for quite a while. I still get tired, but I don't feel disabled by it like I did before. I'm really happy with this!

11:00am

--1 ginormous chocolate chip/coconut/caramel cookie

I saw this in a shop in Germany and had to have it. It was amazing! We fed some of the nuts to the birds and DH took a taste, but mostly I enjoyed the whole darn thing myself. I loved every bite! We were walking around Germany and I found a coster I had to buy. It says (in German) "For me, there is only you and gummy bears". I thought it was so funny, plus I'm a gummy bear fiend, so I had to buy it!

1:00pm

--5 pieces chicken schnitzel
--1 meatball
--1 T macaroni & cheese
--1 taste macaroni salad
--2 white rolls
--2 packets butterine
--2 t. apricot chutney
--1/2 c. roasted potatoes
--2 large shortbread cookies with raspberry jam and almonds
--1/2 piece black forest cake
--1/2 slice apple strudel
--2 cake rolls.

I'm never eating again!!!

4:00pm

We rented hydrobikes at the resort--it was really fun and a great workout. Lots to look at and very serene.

7:00pm

--1/2 cheese dog pretzel

8:30pm

--1/2 bacon double cheeseburger
--1 order fries
--1 grilled cheese
--1 skim milk

9:00pm

--1 McDonald's soft serve cone

Tonight didn't exactly go as planned. My bro wanted to see BB King, but DH and I really weren't into it. We dropped him off, then went to get some dinner at Carribbean Beach resort. The resort wasn't really my bag, but the food was OK. We were supposed to meet with my brother at 9pm, but his show ran late and we didn't find each other until after 10pm. He wanted to play pool so we went to Rock & Roll Beach club. He didn't really like it, and DH and I aren't really pool players, so I don't think he really got what he wanted. We cut out pretty soon after that--we didn't make it to any other clubs.

 

[toystoryduo]

Hi pearlieq!

It sounds like you are having a great time at WDW! Your trip reports make me want to go to WDW now!!!

Did you eat at Biergarten yesterday? That is my DH's favorite restaurant! Their food is really good and really filling.

Enjoy the rest of your vacation!

 

[Lesli54]

Good morning Pearlieq!

I have a question for you. You may not be eating again, but was it worth it? The splurges of vacation, you gotta love them or they would drive you nuts. At least it isn't a norm every day!

It is great to hear that you have more energy and your feet don't hurt like they have before. That is a great motivator for me! It would be great to go to WDW and have more energy. Of course, this time I won't be as pregnant as a whale, so that should help, but just to know that the weight loss really makes a difference in the ability to enjoy entertainment is a plus.

Have a great day!

 

[pearlieq]

5/5/05 - Vacation Fatigue (aka Hell Is Other People)

8:45am

--1 whole wheat roll
--1 apple

MGM this morning. We were pretty tired from last night, and we were kind of late getting going, but we still got there right after rope drop. My bro rode Star Tours and then we went to Sounds Dangerous, Indiana Jones, and the Great Movie Ride before lunch.

11:45pm

--1/2 bacon cheeseburger
--1/2 order fries
--1/2 barbecue chicken sandwich
--1/2 order onion rings

Lunch at Sci-Fi. After lunch we caught Lights, Motors, Action which both of the boys seemed to like. I thought it was pretty cool too. We then saw MuppetVision. After the show we headed for Millionaire, but it was 25 minutes until the next show and none of us were interested in waiting. The park was pretty crowded and we headed out.

2:30pm

--1 large white chocolate raspberry cookie.

I'm sorry to those looking for a vicarious vacation thrill, because that's just not where I am today. The first few days were a lot of fun, but I'm starting to get vacation fatigue. I wonder if the sloppy/crazy eating is affecting my mood--I'm not as cheerful as I would normally be. I've just had enough. The crowds were hard to deal with today--Epcot being closed really affected crowds at MGM and I was just about ready to start biting by the time we left. Also, my bro is really getting on my nerves. He's one of those people that lives life his own way, no negotiation. He has issues with crowds/people, and isn't one to think of how other people would feel, and I'm just sick of dealing with it. I'm not sure why I thought taking him to WDW would be a good idea. He's constantly getting upset in the parks because other people have had the umbrage to be there. He refuses to keep up with us, instead following behing and veering off whenever he feels like it without saying anything to anyone. He feels free to say the most obnoxious things, both to us and other people, and has apparently decided that belching is socially acceptable. Sorry for TMI, I'm just running out of patience to deal with him. He is what he is, but I can't handle more than a few days, apparently. DH isn't much help. I'm so sick of hearing how hungry/tired he is, what part of him hurts today, how he's sick of drinking plain water, etc. I'm tired of dropping everything while he deals with work (somehow they survived for years before him...). I'm just sick of trying to deal with both of them. My bro really isn't concerned with how anyone else feels--DH is a little better, but he still can get really wrapped up in himself. I'm just sick of trying to make both of them happy. Both of them seem to have abdicated any responsibility for this trip--I'm in charge of planning and entertaining them--neither of them have any opinion on what they want to do, but feel free to complain.

I'm not really looking forward to tonight. Neither of them want to go back to the parks--I would like to see Fantasmic but I don't dare try it with my brother. I didn't come on vacation to sit around the room, but I'm running out of options for them. My bro refuses to swim, isn't enjoying the parks, and only wants to eat bagged salad. This is our anniversary, too. What a way to celebrate.

I really need a break. I'm sure things will feel a lot better after a swim and some down time...

Lesli, you asked if the vacation eating was worth it. Yes and no... Some of it is fun--I enjoyed the restaurant yesterday, I liked the cookies, but I'm starting to feel pretty yucky--sluggish and cranky with heartburn. I'll enjoy the next couple of days, but I don't think I'm going to have too much trouble going back to my regular eating--I miss it already.

4:00pm

--1 hot dog
--1 order nachos
--2 bags smartfood cheese popcorn
--1 pretzel rod

Let's call an apple an apple--I was carb bingeing in an effort to make myself feel better. I'm not sure why I believe that hot dogs have the power to solve my problems...

9:45pm

--5 chicken strips
--1 order steak fries
--1 white chocolate macadamia cookie
--1 oatmeal raisin cookie

We are all doing much better! DH and I went to Good's To Go and then for a swim, and then we all went out and played mini golf at Fantasia Gardens. DH always loves mini golf and bro seemed to have a good time, so everyone was happy again. It's amazing how much good a nap for the two of them and a break for me did! We were going to go to Jellyrolls, but the heavens opened up just as we were leaving Fantasia Gardens, so we opted for dinner at the Pepper Market and then home to rest up for an early morning tomorrow.

 

[Lesli54]

Sorry to hear that your day isn't going well. I definitely understand vacation fatigue. We go on vacation for 2 wks at a crack every year. I love going away, I enjoy being with my family (when they cooperate), but they can get on your nerves and leaving ALL planning up to me can send out a few complaints. I definitely hear ya!

BUT........you have an option! Tell them that you are going back to see Fantasmic tonight and they can do whatever they want. Do a little shopping on your own, just get away for a bit so that you can relax and soak up the magic. Once you are re-energized, you will probably feel better tomorrow.

Happy anniversary! Hope your day gets much better!

Oh yeah! Isn't it great to know that you are missing your healthy eating style? Makes you realize that you will definitely succeed on this journey.

 

[CarolA]

I am with Leslie... I think you are trying to hard. Plus it sounds like you are going thru Disney like your in a three legged race. Probably you and your brother need some "away" time LOL! Since it is your anniversary what about dinner with DH and just tell Bro he is on his own for the evening? No meet up plans this time!

 

[wilderness01]

Thanks for posting and letting us know how your trip is going. How are the crowds? One of my friends just got back and said it was very crowded at the 3 parks she went to and at Universal. How has it been for you? Have a nice rest of your trip.

 

[goldcupmom]

Sounds like you are having a good time, but need to have some YOU time. It's really hard to remember you aren't in control of everyone's happiness.

I always get the theme park blahs about the 3rd day, too. Just need a break.

Happy Anniversary and try to take some time to enjoy what you want to. Let the guys fend for themselves.

 

[Lesli54]

Hello Pearlieq! At least the temp is up to 60 this morning. Be careful on your way back, you might freeze.

I am glad to hear that the evening was better for you yesterday and everyone calmed down. You mentioned that Epcot was closed? Why? I guess I didn't think the parks closed.

Hope today is a good one and tell the mouse I will be down in less than a month!

 

[TPCShauna]

It sounds like some down time was just what the doctor ordered! Aren't naps fabulous? They turn a terrible day into happy time.

Glad to hear that everyone is doing better.

 

[pearlieq]

5/6/05 - The last night

11:00am

--1/2 turkey wrap
--1/2 cup grapes
--1/2 apple

We were supposed to go to Boma, but DH and I were both feeling pretty yucky--too much rich vacation food! We got a pretty late start this morning, but it was fine. The boys went on the Safari, then my bro and I went up the Jungle Trek and we all saw ITTAB. That was enough for us this morning. DH wasn't feeling that great this morning, but at least everyone seems to be over the funk of yesterday and ready to have a good time again.

1:30pm

--1 large fried fish fillet
--1 1/2 cups macaroni & cheese
--3 monterey jack cheese cubes
--2 biscuits
--2 pieces cornbread
--2 packets honey
--2 T butter
--3 bites barbecued pork sandwich
--1 cup apple cobbler
--1 cup vanilla pudding

Oof! After AK we went over to Fort Wilderness so my brother could take pictures of the horses for a friend of his. I love that we're getting to explore so much of the depth of WDW with the car. we never did this much when we had to ride the bus. DH really wanted to eat at Trail's End again so we wound up there. I didn't mean to eat this much, I just got going and didn't stop. I'm feeling it, too. I'm all bloated and sluggish agian. I really night to have a very light dinner much, much later. I can't wait to get back to my normal eating habits at home!

The boys are off boating on Bay Lake, so I'm going to get a few minutes to myself, which I'm sure I will enjoy! Time to start packing.

Lesli--There were actually two park closings this week--MGM closed early on May 4th and Epcot closed early on May 5th. Both closing were to accomodate press events for the official kickoff of The Happiest Celebration on Earth. The parks closed around 4pm, but they definitely had an impact on crowds from about noon on. I'll make sure to say hi to Mickey for you!

As for general crowd levels, they're about normal for this week in May (in our experience at least) maybe just a touch heavier. We've been getting to the park at or around opening and haven't had much trouble getting through the headliners in the mornings. So far Fastpasses have been pretty easy to obtain and waits seem to be about what I would expect, so I wouldn't say we're innundated like people had feared. OKW definitely isn't full.

9:00pm

--1 PB&J
--1 small bowl raisin bran
--3/4 1% milk
--1 apple

We went to WinterSummerland and played a round of golf, before turning in a bit early.

 

[Lesli54]

Good morning Pearlieq!

Sorry to hear that you have to come home today, but I bet your cats are missing you. So bittersweet.

Glad to hear that you got some time to yourself. All in all, it sounds like you had a good time. When is the official kick off for the Happiest Celebration on Earth? Just wondering how it will affect our trip. Probably not much more than last time when it was the 100th Celebration.

Looking forward to having you back. Have a good flight home.

 

[pearlieq]

5/7/05

10:30am

--1/2 PB&J
--1 cup raisin bran
--3/4 cup 1% milk

We tried to eat up a much food in the room as we could. We left some of the unused, unopened stuff in the room--I hope maybe someone took it home.


12:00pm

--5 pieces schnitzel
--2 white rolls
--1 T apricot chutney
--2/3 cup spaetzle
--3/4 cup roasted potatoes
--1 packet butterine
--2 raspberry jam cookies
--3 strawberry cake rolls
--1/2 cup vanilla pudding

One last pass at Biergarten--my bro actually requested it. It was one of the first and only things he showed much enthusiasm about. We pretty much were in and out of Epcot just for the meal. It was very tasty, but I'm ready for some post-trip detox.

6:30pm

--1 turkey cheddar roll up
--1 light & fit yogurt cup
--1 oz. Doritos
--1 Snickers bar

It was pretty emotional saying goodbye to my bro--I don't get to see him often and I miss him. It always hard to end our trip or visit--there are always regrets--was I too harsh? Too intolerant? Too hard on him? Should I have tried harder to go with his style and preferences? We had a good visit, but guilt seems to be my specialty.

8:30pm

--2/3 large soft pretzel
--1 pack of nachos with cheese
--2 oz chocolate covered cranberries

I got pretty snacky on the plane--I guess one last hurrah for my the vacation.

11:30pm

--1 double stack cheeseburger
--1 mandarin chicken salad
--3 T sugar-free poppyseed dressing

I've been jonesing for the summer salad at Panera, but they weren't open by the time we got off the plane, but the Wendy's salad was a fine substitute. My plan for the next couple of days is as much water as I can drink down, and lots of fresh fruits/vegetables, and unprocessed foods. Looking forward to getting back to normal.

 

[Lesli54]

Glad to have you back home Pearlieq!

As much as I love vacations, it is still always nice to get back to a norm. Is your brother younger than you? I am the oldest in my family and I ask myself the same questions when it comes to one of my brothers as well, about whether or not I am too hard on him at times.

Have fun detoxing. At lest you kept up with your exercise and got a lot of walking in, so hopefully that will counter balance things. Hope the rest of your day is a good one.

 

[pearlieq]

5/8/05 - Weigh In

336.5 - up 6.5 pounds from last week.

I'm actually not too worried about this--I'm pretty certain it's a combination of lots of food still in my system and retained water from all the salt/junk I ate. I expect to be back on track after a couple days of detox, exercise, and my normal routine.

Daily Averages (some of these numbers are imprecise/estimates, but I think they reflect about what happened)

Calories Eaten: 4027
Fat Grams: 173g
Carb Grams: 459g
Fiber Grams: 40g
Protein Grams: 163g
Calories Burned: 3705 (I didn't record everything, so I estimate this number could be a little higher, but he gist of it is there)

Goals for Next Week:

1.) Tons of water! As much as I can possibly drink
2.) Lots of salads, fresh fruits, and vegetables
3.) Get back to my regular routine--breakfast, lunch, possibly a light snack, exercise, dinner, then off to bed on time.

 

[rcyannacci]

Welcome home! Sounds like an awesome trip. Those pounds will drop pretty quickly. I think you did a great job navigating the minefield of WDW eating. It's definitely a place that encourages indulgence!

And, now that it's May, Chicago will start warming up! We lived there 2 years, and I really miss Chicago summers and the lake. Summers in Austin are just miserably hot!

 

[pearlieq]

5/8/05 - Detox...

--12:30pm

--3 prunes
--1 strawberry poppyseed salad
--3 1/2" section of sourdough bread

Yummy! I've had almost 3 quarts of water--hopefully that gets some of the salt and chemicals out of me!

3pm

--9 German chocolates

Epcot strikes again!

4:30pm

--1 Lean Cuisine Cheese ravioli
--1 1/4 packets low-fat ritz
--1 raspberry sorbet cone (abt. 1 cup)
--1 large handful graham cracker sticks

Oops--carb overload. Maybe I overestimated my ability to jump right back on the wagon. I'll keep trying...

8:45pm

--1/2 large cheese pizza from Domino's
--3 nsa banana muffins

Oops. This is much harder than I thought it would be. It does kind of illustrate the difference between here and WDW, though. This day wound up at not quite 4100 calories--the difference is that I had to work really hard to overeat here, where as at WDW it would have been almost impossible to eat three meals for anything less. I'm glad to be home and I will get back on the program--it just may take more effort that I thought.

 

[mking624]

Welcome home Pearlie!!

Great job for getting yourself back on track...it can be so easy to continue with the "junking" after the end of the vacation.