Counter Service recommendations for those watching their weight

[ccudmore]

Our family is doing a short trip to Disney World in October and are using the Quick Serve Dining Plan for the first time. My wife and I are both trying to watch our weight and eat as healthily as possible (I know that that and going to Disney doesn't really go together and I'm looking for suggestions of what Counter Service restaurants have good options for healthy eating. I don't want to end up eating burgers and chicken strips the entire time. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[francie57]

Sunshine Seasons in The Land at Epcot has lots of selections that are healthy. Pacos Bills at MK had a great taco salad that you build yourself so you can make it healthy. Columbia Harbor House at MK also has some really good salads with meat on them. The Studios had the worst CS period so look else where (Boardwalk Bakery had some really great sandwiches). We usually go to Flametree BBQ at AK and they have a salad and chicken plate option. It can be done, you just have to check all menus when walking through the parks.

 

[Hootch]

about the options at CS locations. There are actually a lot of choices if you look. Most places have a grilled chicken wrap or an entree salad. Apple slices are offered as a substitute for fries as a side item.

Some of the healthier options I remember are:

MK - Hummus sandwich and tuna sandwich at Columbia Harbor House. Since we go in the summer I usually have a salad at lunch at Pinocchio House. he salad dressings come in packs and light versions are available. My wife often gets a chicken wrap at Cosmic Ray's

Epcot - The wraps at Tangierine Cafe are pretty healthy as is the vegetarian platter. Lotus Blossom has a vegetarian stir fry. Sunshine Seasons has a number of healthy options including rotisserie chicken, a grilled veggie sandwich (I think they called a grilled Cuban) and stir fries.

DHS - a lesser selection here - but that's an issue with all CS questions. There is a grilled veggie sandwich at Backlot Express which I have not had. Starring Rolls has a turkey sandwich on focaccia. Studio catering has a chicken caesar wrap. Unfortunately they got rid of their grilled chicken which was very tasty.

DAK - Flame Tree has smoked turkey and chicken. Yak and Yeti Counter has a chicken salad and a chicken sandwich offering.

 

[tony67]

There are lots of good options all over Disney.
You do not have to eat a burger or dogs unless you want to.

They have some really nice salads at sunshine seasons.
Roasted beets and goat cheese or seared tuna for example.

Norway has really nice black forest ham sandwiches on a nutty wheat bread.
Main street bakery in MK has healthy sandwiches as well.
There is starring roles at DHS. The Black forest ham on focaccia is excellent.

You can get roasted chicken at flame tree and cosmic rays ( I think).

Other thing to consider: Bottled water instead of soda or diet soda.
The desserts at a lot of the places are really good, but you can always ask for an second bottle of water for dessert. Some paces will do that.
IF the dessert is not great have a bite and don’t eat it. If it does not look good don’t even order it it, there are lots of good desserts at the QSDP places though.

The other thing you can consider is do a lot of extra walking if you can.
For example I would walk around the world showcase once before and after each meal at epcot.

You can walk from Epcot to DHS.

If you’re at a Boardwalk area hotel you can walk to Epcot or DHS. It is faster than the boat for me.
I even walked from the Dolphin through Epcot to the monorail to go to MK.

I know not everyone is the same and not everyone can do the extra walking, but for me it helped a lot.
I ate a lot of desserts, snacks and alcohol at the F&W festival etc and still only gained a couple of pounds after 10 nights on QSDP.

 

[johnsonville5]

We were at Disney World for a week this June. We are on the Atkins diet (lost 73 lbs since Jan 1) and we had no problem eating well and staying on track. Eggs and bacon for breakfast. Burgers or salads for lunch. Nuts and cheese for snacks. Steaks, Seafood and Veggies and Salad for dinner. Even a couple of drinks a day - no sugar. Never felt like I was giving up anything. Good news on the weight - stayed even for the week.

 

[disneyfav4ever]

Columbia Harbor House at MK and Sunshine Seasons at Epcot are probably your best choices for healthiest CS.

 

[disneyfav4ever]

The other thing you can consider is do a lot of extra walking if you can.
For example I would walk around the world showcase once before and after each meal at epcot.

You can walk from Epcot to DHS.

If you’re at a Boardwalk area hotel you can walk to Epcot or DHS. It is faster than the boat for me.
I even walked from the Dolphin through Epcot to the monorail to go to MK.

I walk a lot too. Another one to add, walking from MK to the Contemporary and from the Poly to the GF. There's also a jogging path around Pop, though that's not useful unless you're staying there.

 

[lrichardson]

This is great information. I had gastric bypass surgery and I a trip planned for March, 2011 which is 6 months away but I have been stressing over the food choices as I can not have carbs, fat or sugar and there are many things I just can digest. I also need to walk each day so the walking paths will help just walking in the park may not be enough. I will keep checking for more information on healthy food choices. Disney needs to add some more like frozen yogurt that is sugar free for the diabetics. etc.

 

[trac96]

As stated there's lots to choose from while at disney. I am also a gastric bypass person so my suggestion is don't forget your protein bars. they are easy to carry with you and are great to have on hand. I also always make sure i take crystal light singles with me to add to my water because i'm not a plain water drinker. One other comment about the sugar free options, just remember that sugar free doesn't always mean sugar free. there may not be real sugar in it but there's lots of way for them to add sugar, so be careful. if in question ask!