Dieting/Calorie Counting in Disney

[BraveLittleToaster2]

I have been doing really well with my eating and weight loss by calorie counting and choosing better foods. I will be in Disney for almost 2 weeks and I noticed they do not post calories for literally anything there. It's very hard to make assumptions to continue to log my food. I realize with all the walking I will be burning more calories then normal, but want to make sure I don't gain weight back while on vacation.

Any tips or tricks on maintaining your weight while on vacation? I'm hoping to eat only one sit down meal a day, usually skip breakfast (not a morning eater) and then maybe a light snack of some kind for dinner.
Anyone done something similar?

 

[reddog21]

Your on vacation everything is calorie free!!!

 

[BraveLittleToaster2]

Your on vacation everything is calorie free!!!

I appreciate that and wish it was true. I don't mind weighing the same when I get home, I just REALLY don't want to gain because it's been so hard to lose it is all.

 

[MomDoc_99]

I would probably not try to log your meals at Disney - seems like without having the calorie counts available it would be an exercise in frustration. You already know the right kinds of foods to eat so look at the menus and see how they line up. Consider bringing in healthy food for some of your meals and snacks. Be willing NOT to eat the whole portion when you buy food. You can do it!

 

[Marthasor]

I've struggled with my weight most of my life and tend to eat a low-sugar, low-glycemic diet at home which is hard to maintain in WDW. I also find WDW restaurants seem to add a lot of salt to their foods, which doesn't help matters. I try to drink a lot of water throughout the day while there to stay hydrated. I also try to find as many fresh fruits and vegetables as I can. I usually have mandarins and bananas delivered to the resort (you can buy them there as well, but it's cheaper to get a grocery delivery). Do you like nuts or granola bars? I tend to purchase small nut packs and low-glycemic bars (I like the Kind bars that have 5g of sugar or less) and I will put a mandarin or banana and a bag of nuts or kind bar in my park bag as a snack. Little bags of carrots work, too, as they don't really need refrigeration. I also combine fruit or a veggie with a babybel or string cheese. I also look for QS and TS restaurants that offer salads with a choice of a lean protein and then get lower cal dressing on the side. Or I will just get a lean protein with a salad or veggie side and skip the breads/pastas. I tend to allow myself one snack, per day - a pretzel, ice cream, etc. - but generally speaking, I just try to eat the least processed foods I can find at any food establishment. I go to WDW several times a year and follow this routine pretty closely and have never gained any weight there.

 

[Kooks and Bay Bay]

First know that its doubtful that you will maintain your starting weight even if you don't go over calories because you'll easily gain some water weight due to sodium and just how swollen you're likely to get from all the walking etc.
I usually gain a solid 7lbs just in 5 days but then it drops back off after I'm home for a couple weeks.

Beyond that you know what types of food are likely to have more or less calories.
AKA a salad with grilled chicken and water is going to be less than fried chicken tenders, french fries, and a coke.
And you know a pineapple dole whip float has less calories than a Mickey pretzel with cheese...
So just be aware of what options you're choosing.

I'd also suggest not eating beyond the point of comfortably full.
This is one of the reasons I stopped getting the dining plan.
I don't need that much food at one time but I was always trying to get the most out of the plan.
These days at quick service locations at least I'll get the kids portion and a water because it makes me comfortably full and then a couple hours later I'll have a snack and be satisfied until my next meal.

 

[2vets]

I lost 20 lbs with intermittent fasting early last year and have maintained the loss for a year, including 4 trips to WDW of 3-5 days each. Honestly, it is not much different from what you are doing, I just limit my eating window to certain hours of the day (typically 2 pm - 8/9 pm) and try not to go nuts with what I do eat - limited takeout, try to make homemade meals with low salt, etc. I have loosened things since I reached my goal weight, and I loosen it further for certain things at Disney (I'm looking at you, 10:45 am Nomad Lounge sliders and cocktail - every freaking trip!!), but I try to keep it to a dull roar most days - where I would normally start my eating window at 2, for instance, I'll start it at 12:45-1. Unless a drink has alcohol in it, it is water - or coffee (not fancy coffee drinks, plain coffee). I do my best to counteract the splurges by opting to walk when possible unless it is extremely unpleasant outside, and take the long route if I can. If I'm at Epcot, sometimes I'll do an extra walk around WS if weather allows. For each trip, I have maintained or actually lost a pound.

I was not put on this earth to not enjoy delicious snacks!!!

Wishing you luck! I know you can do it.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I appreciate that and wish it was true. I don't mind weighing the same when I get home, I just REALLY don't want to gain because it's been so hard to lose it is all.

Been there-done that! Last time I was at WDW, I was on a diet and just prayed I wouldn't regain much. Got home and not only had I not regained, I'd lost 1/2 pound. I'm ECV bound, no walking but what helped a lot was I ate vegetarian or really concentrated on vegetables. What didn't help was the 4 sundaes I couldn't resist in the 8 days I was there. I actually ate part of one of the sundaes then threw the rest of it away. Didn't throw away much food though-at Disney prices, the cheapskate in me couldn't!

 

[BrianL]

Honestly, you may not want to know. If Dinsey posted calorie counts on some stuff, people might pass out! I once sort of jokingly aksed a CM how much sugar was in a LeFou's Brew - yeah, it's a lot!

 

[CarolynFH]

I just try to maintain the healthy eating patterns I follow at home - lean protein, lots of veggies, avoid pasta & potatoes as well as creamy sauces & gravies - and I expect the extra walking to help with the rare dessert that I split with DH!

 

[kiford]

Make sure you're staying well hydrated. Being dehydrated can fool you into thinking you're hungry and you're likely to crave sugar. Use an electrolyte replacement that is low in sugar and carry a water bottle with you to keep refilling it. We use Mio Sport and a collapsable water bottle. The Mio bottle is very small and portable (but definitely put it into a plastic bag as they can leak). We buy it in all four flavours and use a different one each day so that we don't get bored with it and will drink more regularly.

 

[lotsohugginbear]

Two to three weeks before a WDW trip, I try to lose five pounds because I know I will gain five pounds. It might seem like overkill with all the walking, but you can go to the Health
Club if there is one at your resort. WDW has very nice facilities. I try to elliptical
or row for 1/2 hour every day while at WDW. Alternatively, get up and walk or jog before starting your park day. My walking goal at Disney is twenty thousand steps per day.
We do the dining plan some trips; I agree that it's a ton of food! I try to eat healthy and get fish, or salads, etc. But if I want a sundae everyday, I'm having it. I'm on vacation. Try to keep any weight gain in perspective and have fun!

 

[Counting Stars]

I don't find counting calories helpful, too frustrating for me- I try to do as suggested by posters above, pick the least processed foods, lots of veggies and fruits, moderate amounts of lean proteins. Allow for a treat or a favorite food on occasion so your choices don't feel punitive. Soon these choices become habitual and it becomes easier to eat in a healthier way. Have a wonderful trip- I bet you will do great.

 

[Scubadaddy32]

I appreciate that and wish it was true. I don't mind weighing the same when I get home, I just REALLY don't want to gain because it's been so hard to lose it is all.

First off, good for you, "want to" is the key to being successful at anything.
Just try and stick to protein and veggies and keep away from all the insane carbs and sugary beverages within reason. You should be fine. My wife is a personal trainer and that's what she recommends to her clients when they go on vacation. She's not a health nut, so when we are on vacation we do eat desserts and treat ourselves, we just don't over do it. Diet should always be about making better choices, not eliminating the things you like completely. Protein will keep you feeling fuller longer and you won't want to eat as much.

 

[NYCgrrl]

I’m currently carb counting which makes it easier for me; no calorie counting needed . Staying non CL this trip in part as it’ll be easier to not be tempted. Simple breakfasts mostly yogurt and fruit in the room and easy lunches I made at home and brought with us. Only eating dinner at restaurants and there are enough interesting sounding menus pretty sure I won’t feel deprived.

Enjoy your trip and the best with your resolve!

 

[NYCgrrl]

Been there-done that! Last time I was at WDW, I was on a diet and just prayed I wouldn't regain much. Got home and not only had I not regained, I'd lost 1/2 pound. I'm ECV bound, no walking but what helped a lot was I ate vegetarian or really concentrated on vegetables. What didn't help was the 4 sundaes I couldn't resist in the 8 days I was there. I actually ate part of one of the sundaes then threw the rest of it away. Didn't throw away much food though-at Disney prices, the cheapskate in me couldn't!

In an ECV now as well which is how I gained the weight in the first place. I plan to start a swimming regime @ WDW as I’ve less interest in the parks currently.

 

[happily single]

Thinking aloud-I wonder if My Fitness Pal dot com has nutritional information for Disney. I haven’t logged into my account in years but they used to have a ton of foods in their database

 

[sheilafri]

I would recommend buying children’s meals. They are smaller so will have fewer calories. I especially like the salmon at Columbia House. Share an entree with a spouse. Sell it as saving room for snacks. Then, you resist the snacks. I don’t think they are that good anyway. Except for the Dole Whip Float which I love. Consider taking almonds or other nuts into the parks for snacks. Water is free at any counter. I think it’s more refreshing than soda, too. I don’t think I’ve ever gained weight on a WDW trip so enjoy and don’t fret about it.

 

[cruising spud]

Could you bring some food from home? Or, have a hotel delivery service? If you augmented your meals with healthy foods, you might be good to go.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I would recommend buying children’s meals. They are smaller so will have fewer calories. I especially like the salmon at Columbia House. Share an entree with a spouse. Sell it as saving room for snacks. Then, you resist the snacks. I don’t think they are that good anyway. Except for the Dole Whip Float which I love. Consider taking almonds or other nuts into the parks for snacks. Water is free at any counter. I think it’s more refreshing than soda, too. I don’t think I’ve ever gained weight on a WDW trip so enjoy and don’t fret about it.

Unfortunately, I've had some horrible kids' meals-at Satul'i Canteen, I couldn't believe that their bowls don't have any sauce, so I ended up with plain greens with chicken on top, not even salad dressing. I thought they'd forgotten it. Must admit, I haven't tried the salmon, though. Yes, about water-I did drink water a lot instead of anything else.